Multipurpose Passive Surveillance of Bat-Borne Viruses in Hungary: Lyssaviruses and Filoviruses in Focus

Anna Szabó, Zsófia Lanszki, Gábor Kemenesi, Alexandra Nándori, Péter Malik, Krisztián Bányai, Henrik Fülöp Károlyi, Ágnes Nagy, Endre Sós, Pavle Banović and Tamás Görföl

This study reports on the establishment and first results of a bat-friendly passive surveillance system for monitoring viruses in bats in Hungary using a One Health approach. Passive surveillance focuses on testing bats that were found dead or died after being rescued, providing an ethical and non-invasive way to detect pathogens relevant to public and animal health.

Over 208 bats from 15 species (collected 2018–2024) were tested for viruses with zoonotic potential, with a specific focus on lyssaviruses and filoviruses. The researchers detected European bat lyssavirus type 1 (EBLV-1) in Cnephaeus serotinus (serotine bats), and were able to obtain complete viral genomes. All bats tested negative for Lloviu virus, the only filovirus currently known to circulate in European bat populations.

The findings demonstrate that passive surveillance is feasible and effective for detecting bat-borne viruses, supporting broader monitoring efforts in Europe. The system integrates collaboration between wildlife rescue centers, national laboratories, and research institutions, and highlights the importance of cross-sector cooperation, detailed data collection, and public health preparedness. This work fills a gap in Hungarian bat virus surveillance and strengthens the foundation for ongoing One Health-oriented monitoring of viruses that could pose risks to humans and animals.

More information here.