Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Infections In Animals - Clinical Symptoms, Diagnostics And Epidemiologic Relevance

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important tick-borne zoonosis in Europe and parts of Asia and causes thousands of human cases of the disease per year in Europe. TBE virus is mainly transmitted by tick bites; however alimentary infections can occur after consumption of raw milk or raw milk products from viraemic sheep, goats or cows. Here, the knowledge about TBE infections of animals, their clinical symptoms, diagnostics and epidemiological importance are summarized. Furthermore, suggestions are made how to deal with this rare but nevertheless noteworthy zoonotic viral disease of animals which is also of importance with respect to consumer protection.