The Research Project “Molecular-Epidemiological Study of CCHFV in Livestock and Ticks in the Sarajevo Canton” Realized

Realiziran naučnoistraživački projekat “Molekularno-epidemiološko istraživanje CCHFV kod preživara i krpelja na području Kantona Sarajevo”

The scientific research project entitled “Molecular-Epidemiological Study of CCHFV in Livestock and Ticks in the Sarajevo Canton” has successfully concluded, implemented by the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, under the leadership of Assistant Professor Dr. Lejla Šatrović. The project received co-funding from the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Youth of the Sarajevo Canton and was conducted from 15 September 2023 to 15 September 2024.

 

The project's objective was to investigate the presence and circulation of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus (CCHFV) within the Sarajevo Canton by examining the exposure and/or infection of livestock and ticks. Due to limited financial resources, the research activities were primarily directed towards the serological testing of susceptible livestock populations—namely cattle and sheep—which serve as key reservoirs for human infection.

 

Utilizing the ID Screen® CCHF Double Antigen Multi-species enzyme immunoassay (rue Louis Pasteur – Grabels, France; IDvet, https://www.id-vet.com), a total of 670 blood samples from livestock were analyzed, confirming the presence of CCHFV-specific antibodies in two individuals (0.3% of the tested livestock).

 

Given that immunoprophylaxis against this disease is not undertaken in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even a relatively low determined seroprevalence represents a significant finding and constitutes the first reliable evidence of the presence of the CCHF virus in the Sarajevo Canton. It is worth noting that the CCHF virus was first confirmed in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2018, and the results of this research corroborate its ongoing presence/circulation and relevance to public health.

 

The research findings represent a vital contribution to the scientific community, providing a foundation for further studies. Moreover, they underscore the necessity of raising awareness among relevant institutions regarding this public health issue and the potential risks to the human population.