Do birds play a role in the transmission of Toscana virus? Initial isolation results from birds in northernmost Türkiye

Abstract

Aims: Recent research has prioritized emerging and re-emerging diseases that affect human and animal health, particularly to describe how these diseases enter countries and determine their transmission cycles. Given that migratory birds play a significant role in spreading infections, the present study analysed their migration paths and specimens to investigate Orthoflavivirus, Orthonairovirus, Alphavirus and Phlebovirus in birds in Samsun province, Türkiye. Methods and Results: For these viruses, 312 samples from 56 birds were analysed using RT-PCR and qRT-PCR. Toscana virus (TOSV) was identified in 14 birds (four mallards, five partridges, four quails and one pigeon), representing 25% of the birds sampled. Genotype B was reported in all 14 birds. After inoculating the positive tissues in cell cultures, TOSV was isolated from the organs of pigeons, mallards and partridges. Conclusions: This is the first time TOSV has been isolated in cell culture from birds and indicates that they may play a role in spreading TOSV in Türkiye. The results also suggest that TOSV might be carried between countries by migratory birds.