West Nile virus confirmed in dead crows across Zagreb

The Croatian Veterinary Institute has confirmed the presence of the West Nile virus in several dead crows found at various locations across Zagreb. The first case was identified on August 27 in the Zapruđe district. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the virus in four additional crows found in Kvaternikov trg, Bartola Kašića Park, Savica, and Dubec.

The virus is transmitted to birds, humans, and horses via the bites of infected mosquitoes, specifically those of the Culex genus, which are widespread in Croatia. While the virus commonly circulates among birds, humans and horses act as dead-end hosts, meaning they cannot pass the infection to other people or animals.

Authorities have requested that the public report sightings of two or more dead wild birds in a single location to authorized veterinary organizations to assist in monitoring infectious diseases.