First detection of West Nile virus in Belgium through wild bird surveillance, Belgium, 2025

Eurosurveillance 2026 Open access

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Authors: Charlotte Sohier, Floris C. Breman, Muriel Vervaeke, Reina Sikkema, Marjan Boter, Bas Oude Munnink, Marion Koopmans, Annick Linden, Laura Duran Illan, Javiera Rebolledo Romero, Tinne Lernout, Nick De Regge
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2026.31.4.2600049
Cited by: 1
References: 13

Abstract

In August 2025, West Nile virus (WNV) was detected for the first time in Belgium through a monitoring programme in wild birds, with three corvids testing positive by RT-qPCR. In September and October, four additional infected birds were identified. Whole genome sequencing classified the strain as WNV lineage 2, consistent with strains circulating elsewhere in Europe. These detections provide evidence of local WNV circulation with important implications for animal and public health preparedness and surveillance during the 2026 mosquito season.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Mosquito-borne diseases and control Virology and Viral Diseases Vector-Borne Animal Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
Eurosurveillance
Publisher
European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC)
Volume
31
Issue
4
Publication date
29 January 2026
Language
EN