Association of Dromedary Camels and Camel Ticks with Reassortant Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, United Arab Emirates

Jeremy V Camp,Jolanta Kolodziejek,Sathiskumar Ramaswamy,Norbert Nowotny,Noushad Karuvantevida,Ahmad Abou Tayoun,Babiker Mohammed Osman,Pia Weidinger,Dafalla O Kannan,Tom Loney

doi:10.3201/eid2709.210299

Abstract

We previously detected a potentially novel reassortant of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in camels at the largest livestock market in the United Arab Emirates. A broader survey of large mammals at the site indicated zoonotic transmission is associated with dromedaries and camel ticks. Seroprevalence in cattle, sheep, and goats is minimal.

Highlights

We previously detected a potentially novel reassortant of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in camels at the largest livestock market in the United Arab Emirates
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tickborne nairovirus that is maintained primarily in Hyalomma ticks (Ixodidae), and various mammalian livestock serve as amplifying hosts
We found the highest transmission activity at a large livestock market, in which viral nucleic acids were detected in camel ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii) and camels

Summary

Introduction

We previously performed a cross-sectional virologic and serologic survey of CCHFV in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) at various sites throughout the United Arab Emirates (8). We found the highest transmission activity at a large livestock market, in which viral nucleic acids were detected in camel ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii) and camels. We performed a follow-up study at the same market to test whether other livestock are involved in the transmission of CCHFV and to better characterize the virus strain.

Results

Conclusion