The role of animals in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS): a scoping review

BACKGROUND: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis with a high case-fatality rate and expanding geographic range. Its persistence depends on complex cycles involving ticks and vertebrate animal hosts. A comprehensive understanding of animal roles is critical for predicting spillover risk and developing effective interventions under a One Health framework. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize existing evidence on the roles of domestic animals, wildlife, and companion animals in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and transmission of SFTSV. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Multiple databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang) and grey literature sources were searched from January 1, 2011 to October 21, 2025. Eligible studies involved non-human animals or ticks and confirmed SFTSV infection or exposure. Evidence was narratively synthesized across prespecified themes: animal host roles, clinical manifestations, transmission dynamics, and prevention strategies. We mapped the distribution of evidence across animal species, study designs, geographic regions, diagnostic approaches, and thematic domains. RESULTS: The review identified a broad animal host range comprising at least 15 vertebrate species across domestic, wildlife, and companion categories. Domestic ruminants show high seroprevalence and act as primary amplification hosts. Wildlife (e.g., rodents, shrews) contribute to enzootic maintenance. Cats are highly susceptible, develop severe disease with high viral loads, and are a major source of direct non-vector transmission to humans. Dogs often have mild illness but can shed virus persistently. Transmission primarily occurs via the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, but direct transmission via contact with blood/secretions of sick animals (especially cats and farmed mink) is significant. Prevention requires integrated tick management, biosecurity in veterinary/farm settings, and public education. CONCLUSIONS: Animals are central to the ecology of SFTSV. Current evidence underscores the necessity of integrated, multisectoral One Health strategies for surveillance, risk communication, and control. Future research priorities include standardizing host-competence studies, harmonizing diagnostics, elucidating comparative immunopathology, and evaluating the feasibility and impact of intervention bundles, including potential veterinary vaccines.