Seroepidemiology of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in the local and imported sheep in Isfahan province, Iran, 2002

ABSTRACT

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever [CCHF] is an arboviral zoonotic infection with several reported cases in Iran. The present study was conducted with the aim of establishing effective ways to reduce exposure to the infectious agent and to organize appropriate policies for importing animals. Materials and methods: For this cross sectional study, 372 local and 372 imported sheep were randomly selected and the presence of CCHF-related 1gG antibody and tick on their body were investigated. Totally, 286 [76.9%] of local and 223 [57.8%] of imported sheep were seropositive, however, their difference did not reach a statistical significant level. Ticks were found on the body surface of 115 [31%] local sheep, but imported sheep lacked any tick on their body. Our results revealed the endemic spreading of CCHF in sheep in Isfahan province. Further studies in other parts of Iran may pave the way for better understanding of the CCHF epidemiology in Iran. Keywords Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, sheep, Iran