West Nile virus confirmed in Zagreb after dead birds found

ZAGREB, 28 August 2026 – The West Nile virus has been confirmed in several dead crows found at different locations across Zagreb, the Croatian Veterinary Institute has confirmed.

The first case was detected on 27 August, when the virus was identified in a crow found dead in the Zapruđe area of the Croatian capital.

Laboratory testing carried out the following day confirmed the virus in four additional crows found at Kvaternikov trg, Bartola Kašića Park, Savica and Dubec, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said in a statement.

West Nile virus is transmitted exclusively through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes from the Culex genus are among the most important vectors and are present throughout Croatia.

The virus is most commonly transmitted between birds. In some cases, infected mosquitoes can also transmit the virus to humans and horses.

Humans and horses are considered accidental and dead-end hosts, meaning they cannot pass the infection on to other people or animals. The virus is not transmitted directly from person to person or from horses to people or other animals.

Authorities are asking members of the public who notice two or more dead wild birds in the same location to report them to the nearest authorised veterinary organisation. This allows veterinary authorities to investigate and, where necessary, rule out infectious animal diseases.

For urgent reports, residents can contact the on-duty telephone number of Croatia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on 099 439 2507.

The latest findings follow the confirmation of West Nile virus in multiple wild birds within Zagreb in the space of two days, highlighting the role of mosquito-borne surveillance in monitoring the virus.