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Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever is a re-emerging disease, particularly in Turkey, where more than 7,000 cases were reported between 2002 and 2012, 5% of which were fatal. This disease is due to a virus (CCHFV) mainly transmitted by a tick, Hyalomma marginatum, in this zone. This tick feeds mainly on rodent hosts (hares) and ruminants (cattle in this case).

A mathematical model has been developed at the UMR BIOEPAR in order to test different infection control strategies by simulation. The development of such a model results from coupling a tick population dynamics model and a virus transmission model. The main processes are represented in this dynamic model, which takes into account the effect of weather conditions and host density on infection dynamics. The model allows realistic simulation of tick population dynamics and the prevalence of infection in cattle.

Two main types of control strategies were subsequently tested: an acaricide treatment and a reduction in the density of hares, hosts of the immature stages (larvae and pupae) of the tick. The results of the simulations show that while acaricide treatments can reduce the prevalence in cattle, a decrease in the risk for humans would be mainly obtained by an action on the density of hares.

Current research focuses on the influence of climate change on the distribution of the tick H. marginatum. It has shown a tick installation in the South of France. (Vial et al, 2016 ou Inra file "Tactics against ticks").

Partners : This study was conducted within the UMR BIOEPAR, as part of the European EDENext project (FP7). The work on the distribution of the tick H. marginatum in France, initiated by researchers from CIRAD (UMR ASTRE), is part of the Climatick project (ACCAF meta-programme), coordinated by K. Chalvet-Monfray (UMR EpiA).

Associated publications : Hoch, T., Breton, E., and Vatansever, Z. 2018. Dynamic Modeling of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) Spread to Test Control Strategies. Journal of Medical Entomology. 55:1124-1132. DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy035.
Hoch, T., Breton, E., Josse, M., Deniz, A., Guven, E., and Vatansever, Z. 2016. Identifying main drivers and testing control strategies for CCHFV spread. Experimental and Applied Acarology 68(3):347-359.

Contacts

Scientific contact :

•  Thierry Hoch UMR BIOEPAR

Associated Department: Santé animale

Associated Centres: Pays de la Loire, Occitanie-Montpellier, Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes