Seroprevalence of West Nile, Usutu and tick-borne encephalitis viruses in equids from south-western France in 2023

Abstract

The circulation of West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was investigated in south-western France during the first six months of 2023, following the emergence of WNV in equids in Gironde, a département in south-western France, in 2022. Blood samples were collected from 494 horses located in the Gironde département and divided into three zones: the Confluence zone, the Intermediate zone and the Arcachon Basin. Samples were tested for WNV-, USUV- and TBEV-specific antibodies. An overall seroprevalence of 14% (95% CI [11-18%]) for orthoflavivirus antibodies was detected in Gironde. The highest seroprevalence rates for WNV and USUV were observed in the Confluence Zone (9%, 95% CI [6-13%] and 5%, 95% CI [3-8%], respectively), where the type of housing (animals kept in pasture only) and proximity to a special bird protection area were identified as risk factors for WNV seropositivity. This study presents the first seroprevalence investigation of WNV, USUV and TBEV infections in equids located on the Atlantic coast of France and demonstrates intense circulation of WNV in this region, as well as evidence of equine USUV-specific infection.