CCHFV infection of humans can result in severe disease, and even death. While wild and domestic animals do not develop clinical signs, they serve as an important reservoir for the virus. 

With the virus spreading to new regions every year, serological screening of livestock is therefore essential for disease control. The ID Screen® CCHF Double Antigen Multi-species ELISA has been proven to efficiently detect CCHFV antibodies in multiple species, including humans.

CCHF: a zoonotic disease now emerging in Europe

Over the last decades, cases of CCHFV infections in humans have been reported in several European countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Turkey, Greece and Spain.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a member of the genus Nairovirus in the family Bunyaviridae. CCHFV is transmitted primarily by ticks (genus Hyalomma), which function as a disease vector and natural reservoir.

Numerous wild and domestic animals, such as cattle, goats, sheep and hares, serve as amplifying hosts for the virus. As animals do not develop clinical signs, CCHFV infections have no economic impact on livestock production. Infection of humans, however, can result in the development of severe disease and even death.

To decrease the probability of human infection, the identification of endemic areas is crucial for implementation of public health measures.