The paper investigates the circulation dynamics and genomic diversity of West Nile, Usutu, and Bagaza viruses in southern Portugal from 2021 to 2023, revealing contrasting patterns of viral presence and seroprevalence.

bioRxiv · Sep 24, 2026 · PreprintGenetics

Real-time genomic pathogen, resistance, and host range characterization from passive water sampling of wetland ecosystems

Albert Perlas, Tim Reska, Alberto Sánchez‐Cano, Cristina Mejías-Molina, Daniel Gygax, Sandra Martínez‐Puchol, Marta Rusiñol, Elias Eger, Katharina Schaufler, Úrsula Höfle, Guillaume Croville, Guillaume Le Loc’h, Jl Guérin, Lara Urban

The paper presents a framework for real-time genomic characterization of pathogens, resistance, and host range in wetlands using passive sampling and nanopore sequencing, finding higher pathogen and AMR gene abundance in anthropogenically impacted sites.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology · Apr 24, 2026Peer-reviewedMicrobiology

Dynamics and control of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in a threatened pelican population

Qiqi Yang, Όλγα Αλεξάνδρου, Úrsula Höfle, Sara Minayo Martín, Serafeim C. Chaintoutis, Evangelia Moutou, Chrysostomos Ι. Dovas, Louise H. Moncla, Bryan Thomas Grenfell, Giorgos Catsadorakis

The paper analyzes H5N1 avian influenza dynamics in Dalmatian pelicans, showing higher transmissibility and shedding in non-reservoir birds and ineffective carcass removal as a control measure.

bioRxiv · Mar 18, 2026 · PreprintEcology

Isolation and characterization of Bagaza virus: insights into host adaptability and zoonotic potential.

Laura Albentosa-González, João Queirós, Catarina Gonçalves, David Gonçalves, Paulo C. Alves, Armando Arias, Belén García-Navarro, Rosario Sabariegos, Úrsula Höfle, Antonio Más

This study isolates and characterizes Bagaza virus, showing its replication in various cell lines and antiviral sensitivity, highlighting host adaptability and zoonotic potential.

bioRxiv · Feb 5, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology

Dynamics of Bagaza, West Nile, and Usutu viruses in Portugal revealed by long-term serological surveillance in red-legged partridges, 2018-2022

Catarina Fontoura-Gonçalves, Francisco Rubio Llorente, Elisa Pérez‐Ramírez, Miguel Ángel Jiménez‐Clavero, João Basso Costa, Gonçalo de Mello, David Gonçalves, Paulo Célio Alves, Úrsula Höfle, João Queirós

This study tracks BAGV, WNV, and USUV dynamics in Portugal using partridge serology, finding endemic WNV and sporadic BAGV/USUV circulation with WNV peaks aligning with a human outbreak.

Emerging infectious diseases · Mar 18, 2025Peer-reviewedImmunology

Usutu virus African 3.1 lineage, Portugal, 2021-2023

João Queirós, Tatiana Silva, Catarina Gonçalves, Inês Magalhães, Alberto Moraga‐Fernández, Marinela Contreras, Tereza Almeida, Ana M. Lopes, Joana Abrantes, Luís P. da Silva, Marisa C. Rodrigues, João Basso Costa, Gonçalo de Mello, David Gonçalves, Paulo C. Alves, Úrsula Höfle

The study detects Usutu virus in wild birds in Portugal, identifies it as the African 3.1 lineage, and highlights the utility of hunting partridges for virus surveillance.

bioRxiv · Dec 4, 2024 · PreprintMicrobiology

Using integrated wildlife monitoring for quantifying the impact of emerging Bagaza virus in red-legged partridges in Portugal, 2012-2024

João Queirós, João Basso Costa, Gonçalo de Mello, Catarina Gonçalves, Úrsula Höfle, Christian Gortázar, Paulo C. Alves, Pelayo Acevedo, David Gonçalves

This study quantifies Bagaza virus impact on red-legged partridges in Portugal using integrated wildlife monitoring and population modeling, finding at least 59% mortality rate post-outbreak.

bioRxiv · Aug 7, 2024 · PreprintEcology