[1] These nucleocapsids are surrounded by a single envelope that has projections made of glycoproteins protruding from its surface.

The complete genome is about 17,100–22,800 nucleotides long, and is divided into three segments: large, medium, and small.

The terminal nucleotides are base-paired forming, non-covalently closed, circular RNA.

[3] Transcription and replication occur within the cell, and the newly synthesized virions are released by budding.

Members of this viral genus infect many different vertebrate hosts, and are transmitted via ticks.

Additionally, nairoviruses vectored by ticks of the genera Argas, Carios and Ornithodoros form three separate monophyletic lineages, again supporting the suggestion of host-virus cospeciation.