Dynamics of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in two wild ungulate hosts during a disease-induced population collapse

• DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100622
• Publication Date: 2023-08-23T06:39:21Z
• Authors: Laura Carrera-Faja; Johan Espunyes; Jesús Cardells; Xavier Fernández ...; Lola Pailler-García; Sebastian Napp; Oscar Cabezón
• Keywords: Wild boar; Seroprevalence; Ungulate

Identifying the role that host species play in pathogen transmission and maintenance is crucial for disease control, but it a difficult task, particular vector-borne multi-host pathogens, especially when wildlife are involved. This case Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) hotspot north-eastern Spain, where Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) wild boar (Sus scrofa) involved, their roles unclear. In this context, we studied dynamics of CCHFV these two during collapse an population due to sarcoptic mange outbreak. We carried out repeated cross-sectional study measuring trends seroprevalence abundances. addition, identified tick present area on vegetation boars, evaluated relevant meteorological factors. Results show while Ibex density boars remained constant (p = 1.0 p 0.8, respectively), both census decreased significantly 0.003 0.0001, were correlated (Spearman's rank, 0.02 < p-adjusted<0.05). The correlation between patterns reduction abundance decrease suggests some sort shared cycle species. Data from suggest possible Rhipicephalus bursa transmission. unlikely caused by changes variables such as temperature or water vapor pressure deficit. Further studies will be needed confirm hypotheses.