Overview

• The CIRAD study in PLOS One tested archived and routine samples from 8,609 cattle and 2,186 wild animals collected across Mediterranean France between 2008 and 2022.
• Antibodies were detected in about 2.04% of cattle and 2.25% of wild animals, indicating prior exposure rather than current widespread infection.
• Local clusters, notably in areas near the Pyrenees such as Pyrénées-Orientales and Hautes-Pyrénées, point to established animal–tick transmission cycles.
• Hyalomma marginatum, the principal vector, is present in France and expanding its range due to warming conditions and livestock transport.
• No human cases have been reported in France, but the authors recommend stronger monitoring of livestock, wildlife, and ticks to track spread and reduce potential risk.