Detection of Bagaza Virus in Europe: A Scoping Review

The Bagaza virus (BAGV) belongs to the genus Orthoflavivirus (Ntaya serocomplex) and emerged in Europe, Spain, in 2010. The natural transmission cycle of this virus is perpetuated by Culex spp. mosquitoes and viraemic birds. The ability of BAGV to cause infection in several game birds from the family Phasianidae has been well-studied. BAGV is antigenically similar to other orthoflaviviruses from the Japanese encephalitis serocomplex, such as the West Nile and Usutu viruses, a circumstance which can lead to cross-reactivity in less specific serological techniques (e.g., ELISA). Severe implications in animal health has already been described, but some aspects of the dynamics of transmission and the limits of zoonotic potential of BAGV still need to be clarified. Further investigation focused on epidemiological surveillance in high-risk areas would be beneficial for prevention and control of new outbreaks. The present study is a systematic review of the BAGV reports in Europe.