The importance of prophylaxis for this disease, with a special focus on the vaccination of equines, is emphasized. Any suspected case should be reported immediately, according to a note from the DGAV, which also called for measures to prevent the formation of insect breeding grounds.
Between January and September 15, 272 outbreaks of West Nile Virus (WNV) infections have been confirmed in animals across Europe, primarily in Italy with 216 cases.
Outbreaks have also been reported in Germany, Austria, Croatia, Spain, Estonia, Greece, and Hungary.
Among species, cases in equines have been detected in Germany, Croatia, Spain, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Austria.
Cases in birds have been identified in Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Estonia.
Portugal currently has no confirmed outbreaks.
However, in 2022, three outbreaks were detected in the municipalities of Alcácer do Sal, Portalegre, and Castro Verde.
As of September 10, nine countries reported 652 human cases of WNV infection, including Italy, Greece, Serbia, France, Romania, Hungary, Spain, Albania, and Bulgaria.
West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and in equines, mild signs may appear, but some may develop neurological symptoms that can be fatal.
The virus appeared in Europe for the first time in 2000 in Camargue, France.
