Kyasanur forest disease: a one health review of an emerging tick-borne viral infection

Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is a zoonotic tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Since its first recognition in 1957, the disease has expanded beyond Karnataka into neighbouring states, highlighting the influence of ecological change, human encroachment into forest ecosystems, and vector dynamics. KFD virus, a member of the genus Flavivirus, is maintained through a complex transmission cycle involving ticks, small mammals, and non-human primates, while humans act as incidental hosts. This review summarizes the historical development, virology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, prevention, vaccination, and the importance of a One Health approach for surveillance and control