CCHF Virus Found in French Cattle and Wildlife, Raising Health Concerns
Researchers have discovered the presence of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus in both cattle and wild animals in France. The virus, which can cause severe illness in humans, has been found in various regions, with some areas showing higher infection rates.
The study revealed that 2.04% of cattle and 2.25% of wild animals tested positive for the virus. Certain regions in France have seen higher infection rates, indicating a potential hotspot for the disease. The virus is primarily transmitted by ticks, with tropical Hyalomma ticks being the main culprit. These ticks are spreading to other European countries due to climate change, posing a significant risk.
The virus can cause CCHF in humans, with a mortality rate of about 40%. It is endemic in many regions, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Central Asia. The first infections were recorded in the 20th century in the Congo and Crimea. The virus is spreading further through migratory birds or livestock transport, and has recently been detected in India, Pakistan, Greece, Spain, and Italy. In some local clusters, the virus is already established in both wild and farm animals.
The researchers have called for closer monitoring of the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens and ticks as hosts in Europe. They aim to track the spread of the Crimean-Congo virus and its hosts, particularly the Hyalomma ticks, in European countries such as France, Spain, Greece, and potentially other Mediterranean regions where the virus has been detected or is suspected to spread due to its endemism in nearby regions like Southeast Europe, the Balkans, and parts of Central Asia.
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