Unbiased Sequencing Identifies Batai Virus as an Emerging Orthobunyavirus in Hungarian Cattle.

Abstract

This case report describes the unexpected identification and genomic characterization of Batai virus (BATV), an Orthobunyavirus, during routine bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) surveillance on a cattle farm in Hungary. The discovery was facilitated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and highlights the importance of unbiased sequencing in pathogen surveillance. Although BATV currently exhibits limited zoonotic impact, its detection in livestock underscore the critical need for integrated surveillance at the human-animal-environment interface and the adoption of proper diagnostic tools to identify potential threats before they escalate.