Detection of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus antibodies in humans and imported livestock in Saudi Arabia

A survey of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus antibody, using the reversed passive haemagglutination inhibition test, was carried out in Saudi Arabia on sera from imported livestock at Jeddah seaport, as well as humans who had contact with imported animals on farms and in quarantine stations. Antibodies were detected in 3/354 (0·8%) humans, 88/2162 (4·1%) sheep, 14/432 (3·2%) goats and 1/182 (0·6%) cattle. Camel and horse sera were negative. The Sudanese small ruminants had the highest seropositivity rate, strongly suggesting that the virus was introduced from Sudan into Saudi Arabia. Contact with imported animals was not an apparent risk factor for virus transmission to humans.