Background Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic virus originally from sub-Saharan Africa. It has been introduced into Europe on multiple occasions, causing substantial mortality within the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) population. It is transmitted by the mosquito species Culex pipiens in Europe and Africa. Vector competence studies indicate that European strains of USUV are readily transmitted by indigenous Cx. pipiens. However, there is limited information on the ability of an Af...| BioMed Central
Temperate regions such as the UK, are now seeing repeated introductions of invasive mosquito species, as well as mosquito-borne viruses not previously detected in the UK. Doctor Luis M. Hernández-Triana, APHA’s Discipline Champion and expert in the field of vector borne diseases describes how APHA is involved in vector borne disease research and the importance of these emerging pathogens.| aphascience.blog.gov.uk