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Ute Ziegler
Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany

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Case report
Published: 28 July 2021 in Viruses
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Tick-borne encephalitis is an important viral tick-borne zoonosis in Europe and Asia. The disease is induced by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). This report describes a 16-year-old Warmblood gelding presenting with sudden onset of lethargy, ataxia, and muscle fasciculations on the nostrils, the lips, and the eye lids as the most important clinical findings. The horse further had a mild facial nerve paralysis with drooping of the right upper and lower lip. Diagnosis was based on paired serum samples using TBEV-ELISAs revealing high serum IgM in the first sample with normal IgM in the second sample and an increase in serum IgG and neutralizing antibodies, indicating acute and recent infection. TBEV was confirmed by a virus-neutralization test, revealing a fivefold increase in antibodies 32 days after of the onset of clinical signs. Although the specific PCR on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was negative, TBEV-specific IgG and IgM were identified in the CSF of the horse. Treatment consisted of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative treatment and the horse recovered with a mild drooping of the right nostril as the only remaining clinical sign. TBEV infection is a potential differential diagnosis of neurological disease in horses living in endemic areas and this is the first report to describe the diagnostic criteria in a horse as recommended in humans with suspected TBEV infection.

ACS Style

Nathalie Fouché; Solange Oesch; Ute Ziegler; Vinzenz Gerber. Clinical Presentation and Laboratory Diagnostic Work-Up of a Horse with Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Switzerland. Viruses 2021, 13, 1474 .

AMA Style

Nathalie Fouché, Solange Oesch, Ute Ziegler, Vinzenz Gerber. Clinical Presentation and Laboratory Diagnostic Work-Up of a Horse with Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Switzerland. Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1474.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nathalie Fouché; Solange Oesch; Ute Ziegler; Vinzenz Gerber. 2021. "Clinical Presentation and Laboratory Diagnostic Work-Up of a Horse with Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Switzerland." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1474.

Original article
Published: 02 March 2021 in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
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The emergence of West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) in Europe resulted in significant outbreaks leading to avifauna mortality and human infections. Both viruses have overlapping geographical, host and vector ranges, and are often co‐circulating in Europe. In Germany, a nationwide bird surveillance network was established to monitor these zoonotic arthropod‐borne viruses in migratory and resident birds. In this framework, co‐infections with WNV and USUV were detected in six dead birds collected in 2018 and 2019. Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analyses classified the detected WNV strains as lineage 2 and the USUV strains as lineages Africa 2 (n=2), Africa 3 (n=3), and Europe 2 (n=1). Preliminary attempts to co‐propagate both viruses in‐vitro failed. However, we successfully cultivated WNV from two animals. Further evidence for WNV‐USUV co‐infection was obtained by sampling live birds in four zoological gardens with confirmed WNV cases. Three snowy owls had high neutralizing antibody titers against both WNV and USUV, of which two were also positive for USUV‐RNA. In conclusion, further reports of co‐infections in animals as well as in humans are expected in the future, particularly in areas where both viruses are present in the vector population.

ACS Style

Pauline Dianne Santos; Friederike Michel; Claudia Wylezich; Dirk Höper; Markus Keller; Cora M. Holicki; Claudia A. Szentiks; Martin Eiden; Aemero Muluneh; Antonie Neubauer‐Juric; Sabine Thalheim; Anja Globig; Martin Beer; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler. Co‐Infections: Simultaneous Detections of West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Birds from Germany. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Pauline Dianne Santos, Friederike Michel, Claudia Wylezich, Dirk Höper, Markus Keller, Cora M. Holicki, Claudia A. Szentiks, Martin Eiden, Aemero Muluneh, Antonie Neubauer‐Juric, Sabine Thalheim, Anja Globig, Martin Beer, Martin H. Groschup, Ute Ziegler. Co‐Infections: Simultaneous Detections of West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Birds from Germany. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pauline Dianne Santos; Friederike Michel; Claudia Wylezich; Dirk Höper; Markus Keller; Cora M. Holicki; Claudia A. Szentiks; Martin Eiden; Aemero Muluneh; Antonie Neubauer‐Juric; Sabine Thalheim; Anja Globig; Martin Beer; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler. 2021. "Co‐Infections: Simultaneous Detections of West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Birds from Germany." Transboundary and Emerging Diseases , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 26 February 2021 in Viruses
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Arthropod-borne Batai virus (BATV) is an Orthobunyavirus widely distributed throughout European livestock and has, in the past, been linked to febrile diseases in humans. In Germany, BATV was found in mosquitoes and in one captive harbor seal, and antibodies were recently detected in various ruminant species. We have, therefore, conducted a follow-up study in ruminants from Saxony-Anhalt, the most affected region in Eastern Germany. A total of 325 blood samples from apparently healthy sheep, goats, and cattle were tested using a BATV-specific qRT-PCR and SNT. Even though viral RNA was not detected, the presence of antibodies was confirmed in the sera of all three species: sheep (16.5%), goats (18.3%), and cattle (41.4%). Sera were further analyzed by a glycoprotein Gc-based indirect ELISA to evaluate Gc-derived antibodies as a basis for a new serological test for BATV infections. Interestingly, the presence of neutralizing antibodies was not directly linked to the presence of BATV Gc antibodies. Overall, our results illustrate the high frequency of BATV infections in ruminants in Eastern Germany.

ACS Style

Nicole Cichon; Martin Eiden; Jana Schulz; Anne Günther; Patrick Wysocki; Cora Holicki; Joachim Borgwardt; Wolfgang Gaede; Martin Groschup; Ute Ziegler. Serological and Molecular Investigation of Batai Virus Infections in Ruminants from the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, 2018. Viruses 2021, 13, 370 .

AMA Style

Nicole Cichon, Martin Eiden, Jana Schulz, Anne Günther, Patrick Wysocki, Cora Holicki, Joachim Borgwardt, Wolfgang Gaede, Martin Groschup, Ute Ziegler. Serological and Molecular Investigation of Batai Virus Infections in Ruminants from the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, 2018. Viruses. 2021; 13 (3):370.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicole Cichon; Martin Eiden; Jana Schulz; Anne Günther; Patrick Wysocki; Cora Holicki; Joachim Borgwardt; Wolfgang Gaede; Martin Groschup; Ute Ziegler. 2021. "Serological and Molecular Investigation of Batai Virus Infections in Ruminants from the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, 2018." Viruses 13, no. 3: 370.

Journal article
Published: 05 September 2020 in Vaccines
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West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that originates from Africa and at present causes neurological disease in birds, horses, and humans all around the globe. As West Nile fever is an important zoonosis, the role of free-ranging domestic poultry as a source of infection for humans should be evaluated. This study examined the pathogenicity of an Italian WNV lineage 1 strain for domestic poultry (chickens, ducks, and geese) held in Germany. All three species were subcutaneously injected with WNV, and the most susceptible species was also inoculated via mosquito bite. All species developed various degrees of viremia, viral shedding (oropharyngeal and cloacal), virus accumulation, and pathomorphological lesions. Geese were most susceptible, displaying the highest viremia levels. The tested waterfowl, geese, and especially ducks proved to be ideal sentinel species for WNV due to their high antibody levels and relatively low blood viral loads. None of the three poultry species can function as a reservoir/amplifying host for WNV, as their viremia levels most likely do not suffice to infect feeding mosquitoes. Due to the recent appearance of WNV in Germany, future pathogenicity studies should also include local virus strains.

ACS Style

Cora M. Holicki; Friederike Michel; Ana Vasić; Christine Fast; Martin Eiden; Cristian Răileanu; Helge Kampen; Doreen Werner; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler. Pathogenicity of West Nile Virus Lineage 1 to German Poultry. Vaccines 2020, 8, 507 .

AMA Style

Cora M. Holicki, Friederike Michel, Ana Vasić, Christine Fast, Martin Eiden, Cristian Răileanu, Helge Kampen, Doreen Werner, Martin H. Groschup, Ute Ziegler. Pathogenicity of West Nile Virus Lineage 1 to German Poultry. Vaccines. 2020; 8 (3):507.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cora M. Holicki; Friederike Michel; Ana Vasić; Christine Fast; Martin Eiden; Cristian Răileanu; Helge Kampen; Doreen Werner; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler. 2020. "Pathogenicity of West Nile Virus Lineage 1 to German Poultry." Vaccines 8, no. 3: 507.

Original article
Published: 02 August 2020 in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
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West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic arbovirus, is a new epizootic disease in Germany and caused increasing avian and equine mortality since its first detection in 2018. The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is highly susceptible to fatal WNV disease and thus is considered as an indicator species for WNV emergence in European countries. Therefore, information regarding clinical presentation and pathological findings are important for identifying suspect cases and initiating further virological diagnostics. Between July and September 2019 ten free‐ranging goshawks were admitted to the Small Animal Clinic of the Freie Universität Berlin with later confirmed WNV infection. Clinical, pathological and virological findings are summarized in this report. All birds were presented obtunded and in poor to cachectic body condition. Most of the birds were juveniles (8/10) and females (9/10). Neurologic abnormalities were observed in all birds and included stupor (3/10), seizures (3/10), head tremor (2/10), head tilt (2/10), ataxia (2/10) and monoplegia (2/10). Concurrent diseases like aerosacculitis/pneumonia (7/10), clinical infections with Eucoleus spp. and Trichomonas spp. (3/10), trauma related injuries (3/10) and myiasis (2/10) were found. Blood analysis results were unspecific considering concurrent diseases. Median time of survival was two days. The most common pathological findings were meningoencephalitis (9/10), myocarditis (8/10), iridocyclitis (8/8) and myositis (7/10). WNV infection was diagnosed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by serology and immunohistochemistry.

ACS Style

Sina Feyer; Florian Bartenschlager; Christof A. Bertram; Ute Ziegler; Christine Fast; Robert Klopfleisch; Kerstin Müller. Clinical, pathological and virological aspects of fatal West Nile virus infections in ten free‐ranging goshawks ( Accipiter gentilis ) in Germany. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2020, 68, 907 -919.

AMA Style

Sina Feyer, Florian Bartenschlager, Christof A. Bertram, Ute Ziegler, Christine Fast, Robert Klopfleisch, Kerstin Müller. Clinical, pathological and virological aspects of fatal West Nile virus infections in ten free‐ranging goshawks ( Accipiter gentilis ) in Germany. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2020; 68 (2):907-919.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sina Feyer; Florian Bartenschlager; Christof A. Bertram; Ute Ziegler; Christine Fast; Robert Klopfleisch; Kerstin Müller. 2020. "Clinical, pathological and virological aspects of fatal West Nile virus infections in ten free‐ranging goshawks ( Accipiter gentilis ) in Germany." Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 68, no. 2: 907-919.

Original article
Published: 29 June 2020 in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
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Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the family Flaviviridae, is the most important tick‐transmitted arbovirus in Europe. It can cause severe illnesses in humans and in various animal species. The main mechanism for the spread of TBEV into new areas is considered to be the translocation of infected ticks. To find out whether ducks can function as a natural virus reservoir in addition to serving as passive transport vectors, we carried out an experimental TBEV challenge study to reveal their susceptibility and resulting pathogenesis. Nineteen ducks were inoculated subcutaneously with TBEV strain “Neudoerfl” and monitored for 21 days. Blood, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected throughout the experiment and organ samples upon necropsy at the end of the study. All samples were tested for TBEV‐RNA by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. TBEV specific antibodies were determined by virus neutralization test and ELISA. Organ samples were examined histopathologically and by immunohistochemistry. The inoculated ducks did not show any clinical symptoms. TBEV‐specific RNA was detected in all brain samples as well as in a few blood and swab samples. Moreover, all challenged birds produced TBEV antibodies and showed a mild to severe acute to subacute necrotizing encephalitis. TBEV specific antigen was detected in the brain of 14 ducks by immunohistochemistry. The short and low viremic phases, as well as the low virus load in tissues suggest that ducks should not be considered as reservoir hosts. However, due to the high antibody levels, ducks can serve as sentinel species for the detection of natural TBEV foci.

ACS Style

Friederike Michel; Ute Ziegler; Christine Fast; Martin Eiden; Christine Klaus; Gerhard Dobler; Karin Stiasny; Martin H. Groschup. Role of ducks in the transmission cycle of tick‐borne encephalitis virus? Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2020, 68, 499 -508.

AMA Style

Friederike Michel, Ute Ziegler, Christine Fast, Martin Eiden, Christine Klaus, Gerhard Dobler, Karin Stiasny, Martin H. Groschup. Role of ducks in the transmission cycle of tick‐borne encephalitis virus? Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2020; 68 (2):499-508.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Friederike Michel; Ute Ziegler; Christine Fast; Martin Eiden; Christine Klaus; Gerhard Dobler; Karin Stiasny; Martin H. Groschup. 2020. "Role of ducks in the transmission cycle of tick‐borne encephalitis virus?" Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 68, no. 2: 499-508.

Journal article
Published: 19 May 2020 in Viruses
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West Nile virus (WNV) is a widespread zoonotic arbovirus and a threat to public health in Germany since its first emergence in 2018. It has become of particular relevance in Germany in 2019 due to its rapid geographical spread and the detection of the first human clinical cases. The susceptibility of indigenous Culex pipiens (biotypes pipiens and molestus) for a German WNV lineage 2 strain was experimentally compared to that of Serbian Cx. pipiens biotype molestus and invasive German Aedes albopictus. All tested populations proved to be competent laboratory vectors of WNV. Culex pipiens biotype pipiens displayed the highest transmission efficiencies (40.0%–52.9%) at 25 °C. This biotype was also able to transmit WNV at 18 °C (transmission efficiencies of 4.4%–8.3%), proving that temperate climates in Central and Northern Europe may support WNV circulation. Furthermore, due to their feeding behaviors, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus and Ae. albopictus can act as “bridge vectors”, leading to human WNV infections.

ACS Style

Cora M. Holicki; Ute Ziegler; Cristian Răileanu; Helge Kampen; Doreen Werner; Jana Schulz; Cornelia Silaghi; Martin H. Groschup; Ana Vasić. West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Vector Competence of Indigenous Culex and Aedes Mosquitoes from Germany at Temperate Climate Conditions. Viruses 2020, 12, 561 .

AMA Style

Cora M. Holicki, Ute Ziegler, Cristian Răileanu, Helge Kampen, Doreen Werner, Jana Schulz, Cornelia Silaghi, Martin H. Groschup, Ana Vasić. West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Vector Competence of Indigenous Culex and Aedes Mosquitoes from Germany at Temperate Climate Conditions. Viruses. 2020; 12 (5):561.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cora M. Holicki; Ute Ziegler; Cristian Răileanu; Helge Kampen; Doreen Werner; Jana Schulz; Cornelia Silaghi; Martin H. Groschup; Ana Vasić. 2020. "West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Vector Competence of Indigenous Culex and Aedes Mosquitoes from Germany at Temperate Climate Conditions." Viruses 12, no. 5: 561.

Journal article
Published: 28 April 2020 in Viruses
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In 2018, West Nile virus (WNV) broke out for the first time in Germany, with continuation of the epidemic in 2019, involving birds, horses and humans. To identify vectors and characterize the virus, mosquitoes were collected in both years in zoological gardens and on a horse meadow immediately following the diagnosis of disease cases in birds and horses. Mosquitoes were identified and screened for WNV by qRT-PCR, with virus-positive samples being sequenced for the viral envelope protein gene. While no positive mosquitoes were found in 2018, seven mosquito pools tested positive for WNV in 2019 in the Tierpark (Wildlife Park) Berlin. The pools consisted of Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens (n = 5), and a mixture of Cx. p. biotype pipiens and Cx. p. biotype molestus (n = 2), or hybrids of these, and were collected between 13 August and 24 September 2019. The virus strain turned out to be nearly identical to two WNV strains isolated from birds diseased in 2018 in eastern Germany. The findings represent the first demonstration of WNV in mosquitoes in Germany and include the possibility of local overwintering of the virus.

ACS Style

Helge Kampen; Cora M. Holicki; Ute Ziegler; Martin H. Groschup; Birke Andrea Tews; Doreen Werner. West Nile Virus Mosquito Vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) in Germany. Viruses 2020, 12, 493 .

AMA Style

Helge Kampen, Cora M. Holicki, Ute Ziegler, Martin H. Groschup, Birke Andrea Tews, Doreen Werner. West Nile Virus Mosquito Vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) in Germany. Viruses. 2020; 12 (5):493.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Helge Kampen; Cora M. Holicki; Ute Ziegler; Martin H. Groschup; Birke Andrea Tews; Doreen Werner. 2020. "West Nile Virus Mosquito Vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) in Germany." Viruses 12, no. 5: 493.

Journal article
Published: 15 April 2020 in Viruses
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One year after the first autochthonous transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) to birds and horses in Germany, an epizootic emergence of WNV was again observed in 2019. The number of infected birds and horses was considerably higher compared to 2018 (12 birds, two horses), resulting in the observation of the first WNV epidemy in Germany: 76 cases in birds, 36 in horses and five confirmed mosquito-borne, autochthonous human cases. We demonstrated that Germany experienced several WNV introduction events and that strains of a distinct group (Eastern German WNV clade), which was introduced to Germany as a single introduction event, dominated mosquito, birds, horse and human-related virus variants in 2018 and 2019. Virus strains in this clade are characterized by a specific-Lys2114Arg mutation, which might lead to an increase in viral fitness. Extraordinary high temperatures in 2018/2019 allowed a low extrinsic incubation period (EIP), which drove the epizootic emergence and, in the end, most likely triggered the 2019 epidemic. Spatiotemporal EIP values correlated with the geographical WNV incidence. This study highlights the risk of a further spread in Germany in the next years with additional human WNV infections. Thus, surveillance of birds is essential to provide an early epidemic warning and thus, initiate targeted control measures.

ACS Style

Ute Ziegler; Pauline Dianne Santos; Martin H. Groschup; Carolin Hattendorf; Martin Eiden; Dirk Höper; Philip Eisermann; Markus Keller; Friederike Michel; Robert Klopfleisch; Kerstin Müller; Doreen Werner; Helge Kampen; Martin Beer; Christina Frank; Raskit Lachmann; Birke Andrea Tews; Claudia Wylezich; Monika Rinder; Lars Lachmann; Thomas Grünewald; Claudia A. Szentiks; Michael Sieg; Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit; Daniel Cadar; Renke Lühken. West Nile Virus Epidemic in Germany Triggered by Epizootic Emergence, 2019. Viruses 2020, 12, 448 .

AMA Style

Ute Ziegler, Pauline Dianne Santos, Martin H. Groschup, Carolin Hattendorf, Martin Eiden, Dirk Höper, Philip Eisermann, Markus Keller, Friederike Michel, Robert Klopfleisch, Kerstin Müller, Doreen Werner, Helge Kampen, Martin Beer, Christina Frank, Raskit Lachmann, Birke Andrea Tews, Claudia Wylezich, Monika Rinder, Lars Lachmann, Thomas Grünewald, Claudia A. Szentiks, Michael Sieg, Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, Daniel Cadar, Renke Lühken. West Nile Virus Epidemic in Germany Triggered by Epizootic Emergence, 2019. Viruses. 2020; 12 (4):448.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ute Ziegler; Pauline Dianne Santos; Martin H. Groschup; Carolin Hattendorf; Martin Eiden; Dirk Höper; Philip Eisermann; Markus Keller; Friederike Michel; Robert Klopfleisch; Kerstin Müller; Doreen Werner; Helge Kampen; Martin Beer; Christina Frank; Raskit Lachmann; Birke Andrea Tews; Claudia Wylezich; Monika Rinder; Lars Lachmann; Thomas Grünewald; Claudia A. Szentiks; Michael Sieg; Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit; Daniel Cadar; Renke Lühken. 2020. "West Nile Virus Epidemic in Germany Triggered by Epizootic Emergence, 2019." Viruses 12, no. 4: 448.

Short communication
Published: 12 October 2019 in Veterinary Microbiology
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Sindbis virus (SINV) is an arbovirus causing clinical symptoms such as arthritis, rash and fever following human infections in Fennoscandia. Its transmission cycle involves mosquito species as vectors as well as wild birds that act as natural reservoir hosts. In Germany, SINV was first time observed in 2009 in different mosquito species in the Upper Rhine valley and one year later in a hooded crow in Berlin. Recently, SINV was also detected repeatedly at various locations in Germany in the context of a mosquitoes monitoring program for arboviruses. In this study, we detected for just the second time a SINV infection in a diseased wild bird (common wood pigeon) from Central Europe. SINV was isolated by cell culture and the complete SINV genome sequence was determined. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a close affiliation to SINV genotype I with a high similarity to human isolate sequences from Finland, Sweden and Russia. The isolate was genetically distinct from the first avian isolate suggesting the circulation of at least two different SINV strains in Germany. In order to reveal the infection frequency in SINV positive mosquito regions 749 bird blood samples were assayed serologically and SINV antibodies found primarily in resident birds. SINV is therefore endemically circulating in mosquitoes in Germany, which results in occasional bird infections. No data are yet available on zoonotic transmission to humans.

ACS Style

Ute Ziegler; Dominik Fischer; Martin Eiden; Maximilian Reuschel; Monika Rinder; Kerstin Müller; Rebekka Schwehn; Volker Schmidt; Martin H. Groschup; Markus Keller. Sindbis virus- a wild bird associated zoonotic arbovirus circulates in Germany. Veterinary Microbiology 2019, 239, 108453 .

AMA Style

Ute Ziegler, Dominik Fischer, Martin Eiden, Maximilian Reuschel, Monika Rinder, Kerstin Müller, Rebekka Schwehn, Volker Schmidt, Martin H. Groschup, Markus Keller. Sindbis virus- a wild bird associated zoonotic arbovirus circulates in Germany. Veterinary Microbiology. 2019; 239 ():108453.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ute Ziegler; Dominik Fischer; Martin Eiden; Maximilian Reuschel; Monika Rinder; Kerstin Müller; Rebekka Schwehn; Volker Schmidt; Martin H. Groschup; Markus Keller. 2019. "Sindbis virus- a wild bird associated zoonotic arbovirus circulates in Germany." Veterinary Microbiology 239, no. : 108453.

Journal article
Published: 23 July 2019 in Viruses
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Wild birds play an important role as reservoir hosts and vectors for zoonotic arboviruses and foster their spread. Usutu virus (USUV) has been circulating endemically in Germany since 2011, while West Nile virus (WNV) was first diagnosed in several bird species and horses in 2018. In 2017 and 2018, we screened 1709 live wild and zoo birds with real-time polymerase chain reaction and serological assays. Moreover, organ samples from bird carcasses submitted in 2017 were investigated. Overall, 57 blood samples of the live birds (2017 and 2018), and 100 organ samples of dead birds (2017) were positive for USUV-RNA, while no WNV-RNA-positive sample was found. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of USUV lineage Europe 2 in Germany and the spread of USUV lineages Europe 3 and Africa 3 towards Northern Germany. USUV antibody prevalence rates were high in Eastern Germany in both years. On the contrary, in Northern Germany, high seroprevalence rates were first detected in 2018, with the first emergence of USUV in this region. Interestingly, high WNV-specific neutralizing antibody titers were observed in resident and short-distance migratory birds in Eastern Germany in 2018, indicating the first signs of a local WNV circulation.

ACS Style

Friederike Michel; Michael Sieg; Dominik Fischer; Markus Keller; Martin Eiden; Maximilian Reuschel; Volker Schmidt; Rebekka Schwehn; Monika Rinder; Sylvia Urbaniak; Kerstin Müller; Martina Schmoock; Renke Lühken; Patrick Wysocki; Christine Fast; Michael Lierz; Rüdiger Korbel; Thomas W. Vahlenkamp; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler. Evidence for West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Infections in Wild and Resident Birds in Germany, 2017 and 2018. Viruses 2019, 11, 674 .

AMA Style

Friederike Michel, Michael Sieg, Dominik Fischer, Markus Keller, Martin Eiden, Maximilian Reuschel, Volker Schmidt, Rebekka Schwehn, Monika Rinder, Sylvia Urbaniak, Kerstin Müller, Martina Schmoock, Renke Lühken, Patrick Wysocki, Christine Fast, Michael Lierz, Rüdiger Korbel, Thomas W. Vahlenkamp, Martin H. Groschup, Ute Ziegler. Evidence for West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Infections in Wild and Resident Birds in Germany, 2017 and 2018. Viruses. 2019; 11 (7):674.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Friederike Michel; Michael Sieg; Dominik Fischer; Markus Keller; Martin Eiden; Maximilian Reuschel; Volker Schmidt; Rebekka Schwehn; Monika Rinder; Sylvia Urbaniak; Kerstin Müller; Martina Schmoock; Renke Lühken; Patrick Wysocki; Christine Fast; Michael Lierz; Rüdiger Korbel; Thomas W. Vahlenkamp; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler. 2019. "Evidence for West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Infections in Wild and Resident Birds in Germany, 2017 and 2018." Viruses 11, no. 7: 674.

Journal article
Published: 20 December 2018 in Viruses
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Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of acute hepatitis E in humans in developing countries, but autochthonous cases of zoonotic genotype 3 (HEV-3) infection also occur in industrialized countries. In contrast to swine, rats, and rabbits, natural HEV infections in mice have not yet been demonstrated. The pig represents a well-established large animal model for HEV-3 infection, but a suitable small animal model mimicking natural HEV-3 infection is currently missing. Therefore, we experimentally inoculated C57BL/6 mice (wild-type, IFNAR−/−, CD4−/−, CD8−/−) and BALB/c nude (nu/nu) mice, Wistar rats, and European rabbits with a wild boar-derived HEV-3 strain and monitored virus replication and shedding, as well as humoral immune responses. HEV RNA and anti-HEV antibodies were detected in one and two out of eight of the rats and all rabbits inoculated, respectively, but not in any of the mouse strains tested. Remarkably, immunosuppressive dexamethasone treatment of rats did not enhance their susceptibility to HEV infection. In rabbits, immunization with recombinant HEV-3 and ratHEV capsid proteins induced protection against HEV-3 challenge. In conclusion, the rabbit model for HEV-3 infection may serve as a suitable alternative to the non-human primate and swine models, and as an appropriate basis for vaccine evaluation studies.

ACS Style

Josephine Schlosser; Lisa Dähnert; Paul Dremsek; Kerstin Tauscher; Christine Fast; Ute Ziegler; Albrecht Gröner; Rainer G Ulrich; Martin H Groschup; Martin Eiden. Different Outcomes of Experimental Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Diverse Mouse Strains, Wistar Rats, and Rabbits. Viruses 2018, 11, 1 .

AMA Style

Josephine Schlosser, Lisa Dähnert, Paul Dremsek, Kerstin Tauscher, Christine Fast, Ute Ziegler, Albrecht Gröner, Rainer G Ulrich, Martin H Groschup, Martin Eiden. Different Outcomes of Experimental Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Diverse Mouse Strains, Wistar Rats, and Rabbits. Viruses. 2018; 11 (1):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Josephine Schlosser; Lisa Dähnert; Paul Dremsek; Kerstin Tauscher; Christine Fast; Ute Ziegler; Albrecht Gröner; Rainer G Ulrich; Martin H Groschup; Martin Eiden. 2018. "Different Outcomes of Experimental Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Diverse Mouse Strains, Wistar Rats, and Rabbits." Viruses 11, no. 1: 1.

Short report
Published: 20 December 2018 in Veterinary Research
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BSE infectivity in mesentery fat is most likely associated with embedded nervous tissue. To prove this mesentery containing celiac ganglion was taken from oral BSE infected cattle in different stages of the disease and from one control animal. Fat was rendered according to standard tallow production methods and the prion infectivity therein analysed in transgenic mouse bioassay. Rendered fat of the clinical animal revealed low infectivity levels, whereas preclinical and control animals remained negative. This study, although not representative, provides a proof of principle, indicating the potential contamination of melted mesenteric fat by embedded nervous structures during standard tallow production.

ACS Style

Christine Fast; Markus Keller; Martin Kaatz; Ute Ziegler; Martin H. Groschup. Low levels of classical BSE infectivity in rendered fat tissue. Veterinary Research 2018, 49, 122 .

AMA Style

Christine Fast, Markus Keller, Martin Kaatz, Ute Ziegler, Martin H. Groschup. Low levels of classical BSE infectivity in rendered fat tissue. Veterinary Research. 2018; 49 (1):122.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Christine Fast; Markus Keller; Martin Kaatz; Ute Ziegler; Martin H. Groschup. 2018. "Low levels of classical BSE infectivity in rendered fat tissue." Veterinary Research 49, no. 1: 122.

Review
Published: 07 December 2018 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Mosquito-borne viruses are the cause of some of the greatest burdens to human health worldwide, particularly in tropical regions where both human populations and mosquito numbers are abundant. Due to a combination of anthropogenic change, including the effects on global climate and wildlife migration there is strong evidence that temperate regions are undergoing repeated introduction of mosquito-borne viruses and the re-emergence of viruses that previously were not detected by surveillance. In Europe, the repeated introductions of West Nile and Usutu viruses have been associated with bird migration from Africa, whereas the autochthonous transmission of chikungunya and dengue viruses has been driven by a combination of invasive mosquitoes and rapid transcontinental travel by infected humans. In addition to an increasing number of humans at risk, livestock and wildlife, are also at risk of infection and disease. This in turn can affect international trade and species diversity, respectively. Addressing these challenges requires a range of responses both at national and international level. Increasing the understanding of mosquito-borne transmission of viruses and the development of rapid detection methods and appropriate therapeutics (vaccines / antivirals) all form part of this response. The aim of this review is to consider the range of mosquito-borne viruses that threaten public health in Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, and the national response of a number of countries facing different levels of threat.

ACS Style

Nicholas Johnson; Mar Fernández De Marco; Armando Giovannini; Carla Ippoliti; Maria Luisa Danzetta; Gili Svartz; Oran Erster; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler; Ali Mirazimi; Vanessa Monteil; Cecile Beck; Gaelle Gonzalez; Sylvie Lecollinet; Houssam Attoui; Sara Moutailler. Emerging Mosquito-Borne Threats and the Response from European and Eastern Mediterranean Countries. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 2775 .

AMA Style

Nicholas Johnson, Mar Fernández De Marco, Armando Giovannini, Carla Ippoliti, Maria Luisa Danzetta, Gili Svartz, Oran Erster, Martin H. Groschup, Ute Ziegler, Ali Mirazimi, Vanessa Monteil, Cecile Beck, Gaelle Gonzalez, Sylvie Lecollinet, Houssam Attoui, Sara Moutailler. Emerging Mosquito-Borne Threats and the Response from European and Eastern Mediterranean Countries. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (12):2775.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicholas Johnson; Mar Fernández De Marco; Armando Giovannini; Carla Ippoliti; Maria Luisa Danzetta; Gili Svartz; Oran Erster; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler; Ali Mirazimi; Vanessa Monteil; Cecile Beck; Gaelle Gonzalez; Sylvie Lecollinet; Houssam Attoui; Sara Moutailler. 2018. "Emerging Mosquito-Borne Threats and the Response from European and Eastern Mediterranean Countries." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 12: 2775.

Short communication
Published: 30 October 2018 in Veterinary Microbiology
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Batai virus (BATV), a mosquito-transmitted Orthobunyavirus, was first detected in Southwest Germany in anopheline and culicine mosquitoes in 2009. However, little is known about the exposure to BATV infections for farm animals and humans in Germany as almost no systematic surveillance or infection studies have been carried out to date. This may explain why clinical symptoms in animals or humans have not been reported so far. Therefore and since BATV has meanwhile been detected repeatedly in different mosquito species in several regions of Germany, we performed a surveillance study by assaying more than 1,300 blood samples from ruminants (goats, bovines, sheep) from six different federal states covering the years 2013 to 2016. Samples were investigated by BATV-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction as well as by virus neutralisation test. BATV-specific RNA was not detected, whereas BATV-specific antibodies were found in livestock from various geographic regions. We have determined the seroprevalence of 38.8% for goats, 44.7% for sheep and 36.4% for bovines in Saxony-Anhalt. The seroprevalence of goats from Brandenburg was 38.6% and of goats from Saxony 28.4%. These results confirm the levels of seroprevalence to BATV, suggesting endemic circulation, in different regions and indicate that ruminants are potential hosts of BATV in East Germany. Furthermore, the role of BATV as segment donor in disease emergence events should not be overlooked.

ACS Style

Ute Ziegler; Martin H. Groschup; Patrick Wysocki; Franziska Press; Bernd Gehrmann; Christine Fast; Wolfgang Gaede; Dorothee E. Scheuch; Martin Eiden. Seroprevalance of Batai virus in ruminants from East Germany. Veterinary Microbiology 2018, 227, 97 -102.

AMA Style

Ute Ziegler, Martin H. Groschup, Patrick Wysocki, Franziska Press, Bernd Gehrmann, Christine Fast, Wolfgang Gaede, Dorothee E. Scheuch, Martin Eiden. Seroprevalance of Batai virus in ruminants from East Germany. Veterinary Microbiology. 2018; 227 ():97-102.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ute Ziegler; Martin H. Groschup; Patrick Wysocki; Franziska Press; Bernd Gehrmann; Christine Fast; Wolfgang Gaede; Dorothee E. Scheuch; Martin Eiden. 2018. "Seroprevalance of Batai virus in ruminants from East Germany." Veterinary Microbiology 227, no. : 97-102.

Journal article
Published: 23 July 2018 in Viruses
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Due to the emergence of non-endemic mosquito vectors and the recent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito-borne pathogens are considered an increasing risk to public and animal health in Europe. To obtain a status quo regarding mosquito-borne viruses and their vectors in Germany, 97,648 mosquitoes collected from 2011 to 2016 throughout the country were screened for arboviruses. Mosquitoes were identified to species, pooled in groups of up to 50 individuals according to sampling location and date, and screened with different PCR assays for Flavi-, Alpha- and Orthobunyavirus RNA. Two pools tested positive for Usutu virus-RNA, two for Sindbis virus-RNA, and 24 for Batai virus-RNA. The pools consisted of Culex pipiens s.l., Culex modestus, Culex torrentium, Culiseta sp., Aedes vexans, Anopheles daciae, and Anopheles messeae mosquitoes and could be assigned to nine different collection sites, with seven of them located in northeastern Germany. Phylogenetic analyses of the viral RNA sequences showed relationships with strains of the viruses previously demonstrated in Germany. These findings confirm continuing mosquito-borne zoonotic arbovirus circulation even though only a rather small percentage of the screened samples tested positive. With respect to sampling sites and periods, virus circulation seems to be particularly intense in floodplains and after flooding events when mosquitoes develop in excessive numbers and where they have numerous avian hosts available to feed on.

ACS Style

Dorothee E. Scheuch; Mandy Schäfer; Martin Eiden; Eva C. Heym; Ute Ziegler; Doreen Walther; Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit; Markus Keller; Martin H. Groschup; Helge Kampen. Detection of Usutu, Sindbis, and Batai Viruses in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected in Germany, 2011–2016. Viruses 2018, 10, 389 .

AMA Style

Dorothee E. Scheuch, Mandy Schäfer, Martin Eiden, Eva C. Heym, Ute Ziegler, Doreen Walther, Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, Markus Keller, Martin H. Groschup, Helge Kampen. Detection of Usutu, Sindbis, and Batai Viruses in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected in Germany, 2011–2016. Viruses. 2018; 10 (7):389.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dorothee E. Scheuch; Mandy Schäfer; Martin Eiden; Eva C. Heym; Ute Ziegler; Doreen Walther; Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit; Markus Keller; Martin H. Groschup; Helge Kampen. 2018. "Detection of Usutu, Sindbis, and Batai Viruses in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected in Germany, 2011–2016." Viruses 10, no. 7: 389.

Journal article
Published: 22 January 2018 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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By systematically setting up a unique nation-wide wild bird surveillance network, we monitored migratory and resident birds for zoonotic arthropod-borne virus infections, such as the flaviviruses West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV). More than 1900 wild bird blood samples, from 20 orders and 136 different bird species, were collected between 2014 and 2016. Samples were investigated by WNV and USUV-specific real-time polymerase chain reactions as well as by differentiating virus neutralization tests. Dead bird surveillance data, obtained from organ investigations in 2016, were also included. WNV-specific RNA was not detected, whereas four wild bird blood samples tested positive for USUV-specific RNA. Additionally, 73 USUV-positive birds were detected in the 2016 dead bird surveillance. WNV neutralizing antibodies were predominantly found in long-distance, partial and short-distance migrants, while USUV neutralizing antibodies were mainly detected in resident wild bird species, preferentially with low seroprevalences. To date, WNV-specific RNA has neither been detected in wild birds, nor in mosquitoes, thus, we conclude that WNV is not yet present in Germany. Continued wild bird and mosquito monitoring studies are essential to detect the incursion of zoonotic viruses and to allow risk assessments for zoonotic pathogens.

ACS Style

Friederike Michel; Dominik Fischer; Martin Eiden; Christine Fast; Maximilian Reuschel; Kerstin Müller; Monika Rinder; Sylvia Urbaniak; Florian Brandes; Rebekka Schwehn; Renke Lühken; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler. West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Monitoring of Wild Birds in Germany. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 171 .

AMA Style

Friederike Michel, Dominik Fischer, Martin Eiden, Christine Fast, Maximilian Reuschel, Kerstin Müller, Monika Rinder, Sylvia Urbaniak, Florian Brandes, Rebekka Schwehn, Renke Lühken, Martin H. Groschup, Ute Ziegler. West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Monitoring of Wild Birds in Germany. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (1):171.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Friederike Michel; Dominik Fischer; Martin Eiden; Christine Fast; Maximilian Reuschel; Kerstin Müller; Monika Rinder; Sylvia Urbaniak; Florian Brandes; Rebekka Schwehn; Renke Lühken; Martin H. Groschup; Ute Ziegler. 2018. "West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Monitoring of Wild Birds in Germany." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 1: 171.

Case report
Published: 22 August 2017 in BMC Veterinary Research
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Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important viral tick borne zoonosis in Europe. In Germany, about 250 human cases are registered annually, with the highest incidence reported in the last years coming from the federal states Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg. In veterinary medicine, only sporadic cases in wild and domestic animals have been reported; however, a high number of wild and domestic animals have tested positive for the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) antibody. In May 2015, a five-month-old lamb from a farm with 15 Merino Land sheep and offspring in Nersingen/Bavaria, a TBEV risk area, showed impaired general health with pyrexia and acute neurological signs. The sheep suffered from ataxia, torticollis, tremor, nystagmus, salivation and finally somnolence with inappetence and recumbency. After euthanasia, pathological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, bacteriological, parasitological and virological analyses were performed. Additionally, blood samples from the remaining, healthy sheep in the herd were taken for detection of TBEV antibody titres. At necropsy and accompanying parasitology, the sheep showed a moderate to severe infection with Trichostrongylids, Moniezia and Eimeria species. Histopathology revealed mild to moderate necrotising, lymphohistiocytic and granulocytic meningoencephalitis with gliosis and neuronophagia. Immunohistochemistry for TBEV was negative. RNA of a TBEV strain, closely related to the Kumlinge A52 strain, was detected in the brain by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and subsequent PCR product sequencing. A phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship to the TBEV of central Europe. TBEV was cultured from brain tissue. Serologically, one of blood samples from the other sheep in the herd was positive for TBEV in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and in a serum neutralisation test (SNT), and one was borderline in an ELISA. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of a natural TBEV infection in a sheep in Europe with clinical manifestation, which describes the clinical presentation and the histopathology of TBEV infection.

ACS Style

Brigitte Böhm; Benjamin Schade; Benjamin Bauer; Bernd Hoffmann; Donata Hoffmann; Ute Ziegler; Martin Beer; Christine Klaus; Herbert Weissenböck; Jens Böttcher. Tick-borne encephalitis in a naturally infected sheep. BMC Veterinary Research 2017, 13, 1 -6.

AMA Style

Brigitte Böhm, Benjamin Schade, Benjamin Bauer, Bernd Hoffmann, Donata Hoffmann, Ute Ziegler, Martin Beer, Christine Klaus, Herbert Weissenböck, Jens Böttcher. Tick-borne encephalitis in a naturally infected sheep. BMC Veterinary Research. 2017; 13 (1):1-6.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Brigitte Böhm; Benjamin Schade; Benjamin Bauer; Bernd Hoffmann; Donata Hoffmann; Ute Ziegler; Martin Beer; Christine Klaus; Herbert Weissenböck; Jens Böttcher. 2017. "Tick-borne encephalitis in a naturally infected sheep." BMC Veterinary Research 13, no. 1: 1-6.

Journal article
Published: 05 April 2017 in BMC Veterinary Research
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Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) caused several outbreaks throughout the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula posing significant threat to human and animal health. In Egypt the first and most important Rift Valley fever epidemic occurred during 1977/78 with a multitude of infected humans and huge economic losses in livestock. After this major outbreak, RVF epidemics re-occurred in irregular intervals between 1993 and 2003. Seroprevalence of anti-RVFV antibodies in livestock during inter-epidemic periods can be used for supporting the evaluation of the present risk exposure for animal and public health. A serosurvey was conducted during 2014/2015 in non-vaccinated livestock including camels, sheep, goats and buffalos in different areas of the Nile River Delta as well as the furthermost southeast of Egypt to investigate the presence of anti-RVFV antibodies for further evaluating of the risk exposure for animal and human health. All animals integrated in this study were born after the last Egyptian RVF epidemic in 2003 and sampled buffalos and small ruminants were not imported from other endemic countries. A total of 873 serum samples from apparently healthy animals from different host species (camels: n = 221; sheep: n = 438; goats: n = 26; buffalo: n = 188) were tested serologically using RVFV competition ELISA, virus neutralization test and/or an indirect immunofluorescence assay, depending on available serum volume. Sera were assessed positive when virus neutralization test alone or least two assays produced consistent positive results. The overall seroprevalence was 2.29% (95%CI: 1.51–3.07) ranging from 0% in goats, 0.46% in sheep (95%CI: 0.41–0.5), and 3.17% in camels (95%CI: 0.86–5.48) up to 5.85% in buffalos (95%CI: 2.75–8.95). Our findings assume currently low level of circulating virus in the investigated areas and suggest minor indication for a new RVF epidemic. Further the results may indicate that during long inter-epidemic periods, maintenance of the virus occur in vectors and also most probably in buffaloes within cryptic cycle where sporadic, small and local epidemics may occur. Therefore, comprehensive and well-designed surveillance activities are urgently needed to detect first evidence for transition from endemic to epidemic cycle. The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-0993-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

ACS Style

Claudia Mroz; Mayada Gwida; Maged El-Ashker; Mohamed El-Diasty; Mohamed El-Beskawy; Ute Ziegler; Martin Eiden; Martin H. Groschup. Seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever virus in livestock during inter-epidemic period in Egypt, 2014/15. BMC Veterinary Research 2017, 13, 87 .

AMA Style

Claudia Mroz, Mayada Gwida, Maged El-Ashker, Mohamed El-Diasty, Mohamed El-Beskawy, Ute Ziegler, Martin Eiden, Martin H. Groschup. Seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever virus in livestock during inter-epidemic period in Egypt, 2014/15. BMC Veterinary Research. 2017; 13 (1):87.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudia Mroz; Mayada Gwida; Maged El-Ashker; Mohamed El-Diasty; Mohamed El-Beskawy; Ute Ziegler; Martin Eiden; Martin H. Groschup. 2017. "Seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever virus in livestock during inter-epidemic period in Egypt, 2014/15." BMC Veterinary Research 13, no. 1: 87.