Serological data suggest the spread of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in domestic animals in Kosovo - a short communication

Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus that causes silent infections of livestock animals and severe illness in humans. Circulation of CCHFV among animals within a geographic region can be detected by the presence of antibodies to the virus. In Kosovo, human cases have occurred most frequently in the Malisheve region, but have not been seen in Vushtrri. The study was carried out in 2018 in Malisheve and Vushtrri to determine the prevalence of antibodies to CCHFV in domestic animals in Malisheve and Vushtrri, and if there is evidence that the virus is becoming more widely distributed within Kosovo. Blood samples were collected from 385 animals (285 cattle, 87 sheep and 13 goats), from 33 locations and 58 farms in total. Sera were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-CCHFV antibodies (IgM/IgG). The seroprevalence of antibodies in Malisheve was 24.7% (59 out of 239) (CI 19.65-30.52), while in Vushtrri the seroprevalence of antibodies was 4.8% (7 out of 146) (CI 2.34-9.57). This is the first record of seropositive livestock in the Vushtrri region, suggesting that the virus is spreading in Kosovo through the movement of infected animals. Public health and veterinary state institutions should therefore start an integrated surveillance program with a concept of “One Health”, to control and prevent the spread of the virus.