Risk profile about presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in goat's milk in Croatia

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important viral zoonosis transmitted by ticks in Europe. The disease is caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In recent decades, in a number of European countries, the number of clinical cases in humans has increased significantly in areas that are natural nichas of disease. Recently, new natural areas of disease have been discovered in many European countries. The reason for increased trend of human infection with TBEV is often attributed to climate changes that lead to the spread of vector habitats. There is about 3 000 infected patients recorded per year in Europe, but the number of infected people is certainly significantly higher due to asymptomatic and mild febrile forms of the disease, as well as the occasional absence of objective diagnostic. Results of previous surveys on TBE prevalence in Croatia confirmed that the northwestern Croatia, near the border with Slovenia, is the area of highest prevalence of diseases in humans. In addition to transmission by ticks, this disease can be transmitted by consumption of raw milk contaminated with the TBEV. Such outbreak was recorded for the first time in Croatia in 2015. Although the results of the limited research on the TBEV presence in goat milk were negative, the risk of infection after consuming raw goat milk remains high. Goat milk monitoring, education of consumers and producers, and cooperation of experts from public health and veterinary public health services will contribute to prevent disease in the focus areas.
Key words: unpasteurized goat milk, tick-borne encephalitis virus