Virus causing Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever found in cattle in Israel for first time

For the first time in Israel, the virus causing Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) was discovered in grazing cattle in the Golan Heights, the eastern Jezreel Valley, and the southern Carmel region, the Agriculture Ministry says.

Ticks carrying the virus were also found.

CCHF is a viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, and humans. It is transmitted from animals to humans through ticks that feed on the blood of infected cattle or sheep or through contact with the animals’ bodily fluids.

The ministry emphasizes that the disease cannot be contracted through eating meat or drinking milk.

The virus has no symptoms in animals but can cause severe illness in humans. The World Health Organization says that the onset of symptoms is sudden, with fever, muscle aches, and nausea. About 30% of all diagnosed cases can result in death.

Although this is the first time the virus has been diagnosed in Israel, it is common in countries in the Middle East, Africa, Western Asia, and Southeast Europe.

The ministry emphasizes that only people who are in very close proximity to cattle or sheep can contract the disease and urges those who work near grazing cattle or sheep to take extra precautions to prevent infection.