First serological evidence of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in transhumant bovines in Italy

Abstract

Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by the arbovirus Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV; family Nairoviridae). Given the public health impact, CCHF is considered a priority disease for the European Union. This study describes the first detection of anti-CCHFV antibodies in transhumant bovines in Italy. Sera from 794 cattle collected across Basilicata region (Southern Italy) were screened using a commercial ELISA kit. The animal-level and herd-level seroprevalences detected were 1.89% [95%CI: 1.12–3.1] and 29.63% [95%CI: 15.68–48.65], respectively. Results of the χ2 test for trend show that the exposure to CCHFV was significantly associated with increasing age, with the odds 5 times higher in 11–22-year old cattle than 1–4-year old cattle. The detection of antibodies against CCHFV in indigenous cattle indicates that the infection occurred in the study area and may warrant further consideration. Additionally, no significant spatial clustering of CCHF infection was detected, supporting the hypothesis that the disease is widespread in the region. Further studies at larger scale are needed to identify the areas at higher risk of zoonotic infection. A One Health approach should be implemented to better understand the disease risk and dynamics in the country, which effectively address the related public health threat.