Usutu virus is back -- not only in blackbirds but also in humans

(University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna) During 10 subsequent years no Usutu virus associated bird mortality was observed in Austria - contrary to neighboring Hungary. Last year Usutu virus was identified again in two blackbirds - and in 2017 already in sixteen songbirds. A research team of the Vetmeduni Vienna investigated the virus strains involved. In another study Usutu virus was demonstrated in seven human blood donations from eastern Austria, suggesting that human infections seem to be more frequent than previously thought.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news