Author(s) :

Mubasher Hussain, Hafiz Wasil Sohail, Syed Abdul Mueed Sherazi, Abu Bakar Saleem, Sarah Nadeem Bhatti.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Ticks are also important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most serious threat of a tick-borne disease in Pakistan. CCHF manifests endemically in various provinces of the country, and it is mainly spread by bites of the Hyalomma ticks and contact with sick livestock and exposure to infected human body fluids. Its mortality, seasonality, and the lack of approved vaccines require immediate measures. This paper is a review of the ecology, epidemiology, and control of CCHF in Pakistan, with particular focus on the One Health approach that involves integrating interventions in veterinary, human health, and environmental sectors. Pre-festival acaricide treatment, controlled slaughter practices, increased surveillance between veterinary and medicine fields, community-specific education, and health professional capacity building are recommended measures. Structural barriers, i.e., scarcity of resources, lack of regulation of movement of livestock, intersectoral coordination, and major performance measures, are outlined. Enhancing the integrated control systems can minimize CCHF in Pakistan and improve the capacity of the country to fight zoonotic diseases.

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