Epizootiology and seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ruminant population of East Afghanistan

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick -borne, zoonotic disease which is characterized by fever and hemorrhages in humans but is asymptomatic in livestock. In the present investigation, research was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of CCHF virus IgG antibodies, intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with the distribution of the disease in cattle, goats, and sheep in two provinces (Nangarhar and Kunar) of Afghanistan. The blood samples (n 1/4 768), and data related to intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors were collected, and the seroprevalence was determined using double antigen (DA) ELISA. Based on the ELISA S/P% value (sample to positive control ratio percent), the overall seroprevalence of CCHF virus IgG antibodies among the animal species screened in the two provinces was 19% (146 out of 768). A non -significant association was observed in the seropositivity of CCHF in the study regions (p > 0.05). The intrinsic (animal species, sex, age, and breed) and extrinsic (husbandry practices, animal body condition score, and tick infestation) potential risk factors were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the frequency distribution of CCHF virus IgG antibodies. The early detection of this lethal virus in the animal host will aid in marking the areas where the CCHF virus infection is endemic and in developing control strategies for public safety.