Bagaza virus (BAGV), a member of the Orthoflavivirus genus (Ntaya serocomplex), was first recorded in Europe, specifically in Spain, in 2010. Its natural transmission involves Culex mosquitoes as vectors and infected birds as reservoirs. Research has shown that BAGV can infect several game birds within the Phasianidae family. Antigenically, BAGV resembles other orthoflaviviruses within the Japanese encephalitis group, including West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV), leading to possible cross-reactions when using less specific serological assays such as ELISA. Although significant animal health impacts have been described, aspects of transmission dynamics and zoonotic limits remain uncertain. Continued surveillance and research in high-risk regions are needed to enhance prevention and outbreak control. This paper presents a systematic review of BAGV findings across Europe.
