Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in wild ungulates: a global portrait of host range expansion and implications for zoonotic transmission

Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of increasing global concern that is maintained through intricate interactions among Hyalomma ticks, livestock, wildlife, and humans. Among wildlife species, wild ungulates exhibit substantial seroprevalence across endemic regions and may contribute to the maintenance and dispersal of infected ticks at the wildlife–livestock interface. However, most available evidence from wildlife remains serological and should not be interpreted as definitive proof of reservoir competence or sustained vertebrate-mediated viral maintenance. In this review, I compiled the available evidence of natural and experimental CCHFV infection in wild animal species, with a particular emphasis on ungulates. Existing surveillance efforts remain largely focused on human infections and domestic livestock, whereas the ecology of wildlife-associated transmission remains relatively underexplored. Improved surveillance of wild ungulates and tick populations, combined with molecular detection and geospatial analysis of host–vector interactions, could strengthen the understanding of viral circulation in endemic ecosystems and support more accurate risk prediction. A One Health approach that integrates wildlife, livestock, vector, and human surveillance is therefore essential for improving ecological understanding and supporting evidence-based mitigation strategies for CCHFV.

Keywords

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus / Wildlife reservoirs / Tick-borne pathogens / Zoonoses / Host range expansion / One Health

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