West Nile virus confirmed in crows in Slovenia

The National Veterinary Institute in Slovenia has confirmed the presence of the West Nile virus in dead hooded crows found in the Ljubljana and Grosuplje areas. While the virus has been detected in birds in Slovenia previously, no human cases have been recorded in the country this year.

West Nile virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, typically through mosquito bites. Birds serve as natural reservoirs, and certain species, including crows, are highly susceptible, which can lead to rapid disease spread. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported over 1,000 local infection cases across Europe this year, noting a sharp increase in recent weeks.

In humans, most infections are asymptomatic or present with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches, though some cases can lead to severe complications involving the central nervous system. Most infections occur between mid-July and late September.