An Overlooked Critical Factor in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Transmission in Türkiye: Direct Contact with Livestock

BACKGROUND: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) prevention in Türkiye focuses predominantly on tick attachments, often neglecting transmission via direct contact with viremic livestock. METHODS: Field observations from an endemic province were synthesized with a comparative review of official Ministry of Health educational materials. RESULTS: Direct animal transmission is minimized within professional training slides and omitted from public awareness posters, despite high livestock seroprevalence and documented cases without tick exposure. Additionally, training materials fail to emphasize that viremic animals are clinically asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Public health strategies must move beyond a tick-exclusive focus by integrating animal-contact warnings into public posters, mandating protective equipment during slaughter, and introducing targeted campaigns during Eid al-Adha.