Open Veterinary Journal, (2026), Vol. 16(7): 4315-4329

Review Article

10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i7.19

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus: An emerging threat and potential

Harimurti Nuradji^1*, Aswin Rafif Khairullah¹, Ni Luh Putu Indi Dharmayanti¹, Rahmat Setya Adji¹, Agus Wiyono¹, Syahputra Wibowo², Susan Maphilindawati Noor¹, Fitrine Ekawasti¹, Diana Nurjanah¹, Muharam Saepulloh¹, Sri Suryatmiati Prihandani¹, Eny Martindah¹, Indrawati Sendow¹, Andi Wijanarko³, Ima Fauziah¹ and Muhammad Khaliim Jati Kusala¹

¹Research Center for Veterinary Science, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia

²Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia

³Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association, Jakarta, Indonesia

*Corresponding Author: Harimurti Nuradji. Research Center for Veterinary Science, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia. Email: hari056 [at] brin.go.id

Submitted: 20/04/2026 Revised: 06/06/2026 Accepted: 16/06/2026 Published: 11/07/2026

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ABSTRACT

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen that has become an important public health concern in East and Southeast Asia. Since its identification in China in 2009, the virus has been reported in several neighboring countries, with evidence suggesting a potential risk of further geographic expansion. SFTSV belongs to the genus Bandavirus within the family Phenuiviridae and possesses a three-segmented, negative-sense RNA genome that contributes to viral evolution, reassortment, and host adaptation. Transmission primarily occurs through ticks, particularly Haemaphysalis longicornis, although rare human-to-human transmission associated with close contact or nosocomial exposure has also been documented. A wide range of domestic and wild animals may act as reservoir or amplifying hosts, supporting viral maintenance in nature and facilitating zoonotic spillover. Ecological and anthropogenic factors, including climate variability, land-use change, agricultural intensification, and animal movement, may further contribute to vector expansion and disease emergence. Clinically, SFTSV infection is characterized by acute fever, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and, in severe cases, multiorgan failure with relatively high case-fatality rates. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the virology, epidemiology, transmission dynamics, host range, vector ecology, and environmental drivers associated with SFTSV. The review also critically discusses current limitations in surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and epidemiological evidence related to global spread risk. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of a One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and future outbreak preparedness.

Keywords: Asia, Haemaphysalis longicornis, One Health, SFTSV, Virus.

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Introduction

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic virus of growing public health concern because of its association with severe disease and relatively high case-fatality rates (Casel et al., 2021). First identified in China in 2009, SFTSV has subsequently been reported in several East and Southeast Asian countries, indicating continued geographic expansion and growing epidemiological importance (Huang et al., 2020; Yu et al., 2025).

SFTSV is a segmented RNA virus that is mainly spread by tick bites. It is a member of the genus Bandavirus within the family Phenuiviridae (Peng et al., 2025). The segmented nature of the genome facilitates viral evolution through reassortment and contributes to the virus’s adaptability across multiple host species (Lei et al., 2015; Chen et al., 2025a). This characteristic, together with the broad host range of SFTSV, complicates disease ecology and control efforts (Sun et al., 2022).

The epidemiology of SFTSV has become increasingly important due to the rising number of reported human infections in endemic regions (Zhan et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2025b). Environmental changes, expansion of tick habitats, and increased interactions among humans, animals, and vectors are considered important drivers of transmission dynamics (Fukushima et al., 2025; Ouh, 2026). Furthermore, the detection of SFTSV-related antibodies outside historically endemic areas has raised concerns regarding its wider dissemination potential (Park and Kim, 2026).

SFTSV presents a serious threat to public health because of its numerous routes of transmission. In addition to being bitten by the main vector tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, illness can also be contracted by direct contact with infected animals, especially dogs and cats, which have high viremia levels (Tufts et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2024). These multiple transmission routes highlight the importance of integrated surveillance and prevention strategies involving human, animal, and environmental health sectors (Robles et al., 2018).

Because SFTSV circulates among vectors, wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, the disease represents a significant One Health challenge (Oh et al., 2016). Asymptomatic infections in reservoir animals further complicate surveillance and control measures, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to better understand viral ecology and transmission patterns (Han et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2024).

This review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding the virology, epidemiology, ecology, and transmission dynamics of SFTSV, while highlighting factors associated with its geographic spread and public health significance. In addition, this review discusses the importance of integrated One Health-based surveillance and identifies key challenges for future prevention and control strategies.

Virology and molecular characteristics

SFTSV is a tick-borne RNA virus that is a member of the Bunyavirales order, Bandavirus genus, and Phenuiviridae family (Mwakibete et al., 2020; Peng et al., 2025). This genus also includes other zoonotic arboviruses such as Heartland virus (HRTV), which shares close phylogenetic relatedness with SFTSV and provides insight into the evolutionary emergence of tick-borne phleboviruses (Yun et al., 2015; Sang et al., 2024).

The three negative-polarity, single-stranded RNA segments that make up the SFTSV genome—the L (large), M (medium), and S (small) segments—have a combined length of roughly 12.8 kb (Perez-Sautu et al., 2020). As introduced previously, the segmented genome structure contributes to viral genetic plasticity and adaptation (Yun et al., 2017). Figure 1 illustrates the virology and molecular structure of SFTSV.

Fig. 1. Schematic of SFTSV genome organization and protein functions.

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is encoded by the L segment, is essential for transcription and viral genome replication (Yin et al., 2022). The surface glycoproteins Gn and Gc, which are important in host cell receptor binding and membrane fusion during infection, are encoded by the M segment (Yu et al., 2025). Meanwhile, the S segment encodes the nucleocapsid (N) protein and nonstructural protein (NSs), both of which are important for viral replication and immune evasion (Liu et al., 2023). The NSs protein has been identified as a major virulence determinant because it suppresses type I interferon signaling through interactions with host immune pathways such as TBK1 and IRF3 (Zheng et al., 2025). Table 1 illustrates the genome structure and primary functions of each RNA segment in SFTSV.

Table 1. Genome structure, encoded proteins, and molecular functions of SFTSV.

The segmented genome also enables reassortment between viral strains during coinfection, generating genetic diversity that may influence virulence, host adaptation, and transmission efficiency (Ren et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2026). Variations in the M and S segments have been associated with altered tissue tropism and enhanced cross-species transmission potential (Park and Kim, 2026).

SFTSV spillover is facilitated by several molecular and ecological factors (Lee and Shin, 2021). In particular, NSs-mediated immune suppression allows efficient viral replication within the host, while sequence diversity in viral glycoproteins may broaden receptor usage across multiple animal species (Chen et al., 2026).

The virus is further maintained through complex interactions among tick vectors, vertebrate hosts, and environmental conditions (Wang et al., 2015; Yuan et al., 2023). Haemaphysalis longicornis, the principal vector, supports both horizontal and transstadial transmission, thereby sustaining the natural transmission cycle and increasing the risk of zoonotic spread (Esteves et al., 2025).

Epidemiology and geographic distribution

SFTSV has demonstrated a broad dispersion pattern in East and Southeast Asia since its initial discovery in Henan Province, China, in 2009 (Yu et al., 2025). As discussed previously, the epidemiology of SFTSV is closely associated with the distribution of tick vectors, animal reservoirs, and environmental conditions that support viral maintenance and transmission (Robles et al., 2018; Yao et al., 2026).

Thousands of human cases are reported each year in China, which has the greatest incidence rate, especially in rural areas with extensive agricultural activity (Ge et al., 2025). Cases are dispersed throughout eastern and central provinces, including Jiangsu, Henan, Hubei, Anhui, and Shandong (Shi et al., 2026). These cases frequently coincide with the H. longicornis tick peak activity season, which runs from May to October. During this time, ambient temperatures and humidity encourage an increase in vector populations (Lu et al., 2025).

After being first identified in China, SFTSV was also found in South Korea and Japan, both of which reported their first human cases in 2013 (Lin et al., 2020). Subsequent investigations detected seropositive livestock and companion animals, supporting evidence of widespread circulation beyond human populations (Li et al., 2022). Japan has reported relatively high case-fatality rates, particularly among elderly or immunocompromised patients, suggesting possible contributions from host susceptibility and viral strain differences (Saijo, 2022).

In addition, serological data show that SFTSV has spread into Southeast and South Asia, with seropositive animals and vectors found in Vietnam, Thailand, and Pakistan (Kim et al., 2024). In Vietnam, antibodies have been identified in asymptomatic cattle and goats, whereas viral RNA detection in ticks from northern Thailand suggests possible local transmission in previously non-endemic areas (Tran et al., 2022).

Beyond Asia, the detection of H. longicornis ticks in countries such as the United States and Australia has raised concerns regarding the future geographic expansion of SFTSV and related pathogens, although confirmed human cases have not yet been reported in these regions (Yun et al., 2016; Casel et al., 2021). Recent surveillance studies have also identified the presence of competent tick vectors or serological evidence related to SFTSV-like viruses in additional regions, emphasizing the importance of global epidemiological monitoring and preparedness (Miao et al., 2020; Kuan et al., 2023; Geng et al., 2025). Table 2 illustrates the geographic distribution of SFTSV in various Asian countries and its potential expansion into non-endemic areas.

Table 2. Global geographic distribution, reported cases, vectors, and epidemiological characteristics of SFTSV and related surveillance findings (2009–2026).

The epidemiological trend of SFTSV shows that its proliferation follows the ecological distribution of its vector and natural reservoir rather than being restricted to a particular geographic area (Robles et al., 2018). Factors such as climate change, agricultural intensification, animal movement, and rural landscape modification may further facilitate endemic expansion (Mo et al., 2025). Therefore, integrated One Health-based surveillance involving medical, veterinary, and environmental sectors remains essential for early outbreak detection and monitoring of cross-species transmission dynamics (Oshiro et al., 2026).

Host range and animal involvement

SFTSV is a zoonotic virus capable of infecting a broad range of domestic and wild animals. Serological studies have identified exposure in cattle, goats, dogs, and cats, particularly in rural and livestock-associated environments where H. longicornis ticks are prevalent (Anggita et al., 2025). Reported seroprevalence rates vary considerably between regions, although these findings should be interpreted cautiously because differences in assay sensitivity, specificity, and potential cross-reactivity with related phleboviruses may influence antibody detection results (Hashimoto et al., 2022). Figure 2 illustrates transmission dynamics and the “One Health” cycle of SFTSV.

Fig. 2. Transmission dynamics and the “One Health” cycle of SFTSV.

Apart from domestic animals, wildlife such as shrews, rodents, and deer are known to be significant natural sources of infection (Liu et al., 2014). Because these animals frequently inhabit tick-endemic environments, they may contribute to long-term viral persistence in nature and support the ecological cycle between vectors and vertebrate hosts (Zhao et al., 2022; Kaneko et al., 2023).

Animals infected with SFTSV typically have subclinical infections, which are marked by brief viremia without overt clinical signs (Quan et al., 2023). However, cats and dogs may develop relatively high viral loads, increasing the possibility of direct animal-to-human transmission through exposure to blood, saliva, or other body fluids (Matsuu et al., 2023). Several reports from China, South Korea, and Japan have documented such transmission events, particularly among veterinarians, animal handlers, and farm workers with close animal contact (Kim et al., 2023a,b; Charoensakulchai et al., 2025).

The potential contribution of migratory animals to the geographic spread of SFTSV remains under investigation. Current evidence mainly supports their role in transporting infected ticks rather than directly transmitting the virus itself (Ogden et al., 2008; Li et al., 2016; Lu et al., 2025). Nevertheless, genetic similarities among SFTSV isolates from geographically separated coastal regions suggest that migratory, vector-carrying animals may contribute to regional dissemination patterns (Yun et al., 2015; Yun et al., 2020; Pérez et al., 2024).

Competence and vector ecology

The main vector of SFTSV has been found to be H. longicornis, which is essential to the virus’s upkeep and natural dissemination (Hu et al., 2020). This tick species possesses strong ecological adaptability and the ability for parthenogenetic reproduction, allowing rapid population expansion across diverse environmental conditions (Luo et al., 2015). Because each stage of this tick’s three-host life cycle—larval, nymphal, and adult—requires blood from a distinct host, there is a greater chance of interspecies virus transmission (Trout Fryxell et al., 2021).

In terms of ecology, H. longicornis demonstrates a broad range of ecological adaptations, enabling it to thrive in grasslands, agricultural regions, and bushland, among other settings with fluctuating humidity and temperature (Okely et al., 2025). The tick frequently parasitizes livestock and wildlife species, thereby increasing opportunities for zoonotic exposure in rural and agricultural settings (Heath, 2016; Tufts et al., 2021).

Apart from H. longicornis, a number of other tick species, including Amblyomma testudinarium, Ixodes nipponensis, and Rhipicephalus microplus, have also been documented to carry or transmit SFTSV, albeit with lesser efficacy (Jang et al., 2024). These findings suggest that multiple tick species may contribute to maintaining the viral cycle in specific ecological settings (Oh et al., 2016).

Environmental factors such as climate variability and land-use change may further facilitate tick population expansion and increase contact between vectors, animals, and humans (Yao et al., 2026). Tick habitats have spread into new areas, including temperate climates, as a result of global climate change, which has raised temperatures and changed rainfall patterns (Alasmari et al., 2025). Changes in land use, such as turning forests into agricultural regions, also produce the perfect conditions for tick and vertebrate host growth (Gilbert, 2021).

Unexpectedly, the discovery of H. longicornis in non-endemic areas such as Australia and the United States has sparked grave worries about the possibility of this vector spreading around the world (Livengood et al., 2025). According to a phylogenetic study, tick populations in these new areas are genetically identical to isolates from East Asia, suggesting a transcontinental introduction—possibly due to human activities, wildlife migration, or the pet trade (Zhao et al., 2020).

The ecological adaptability and broad host range of H. longicornis highlight the importance of continuous vector surveillance and integrated tick control strategies within a One Health framework (Zhuang et al., 2018).

Mechanisms of virus transmission and spillover

The intricate interactions between the tick vector, the host animal, and humans are part of the SFTSV transmission mechanism, which reflects the usual dynamics of zoonotic illnesses spread by arthropods (Sun et al., 2025). The principal vector, H. longicornis, maintains the virus through a tick–animal transmission cycle in nature (Luo et al., 2015). In the larval or nymphal stages, ticks pick up the virus by feeding on the blood of infected animals. As they mature into later stages, they spread it to new victims (Gong et al., 2025). The ability of the virus to persist through transstadial and transovarial transmission contributes to long-term maintenance within tick populations (Phillips et al., 2025).

Humans are typically affected through tick bites, especially those who work or participate in activities in rural and agricultural areas (Tufts et al., 2021). The risk of infection generally increases during seasons with elevated tick activity (Piedmonte et al., 2021). SFTSV can be directly transmitted through contact with infected animals, especially cats and dogs, in addition to vector transmission (Woo et al., 2025). These animals may have high viremia and may have the virus in their blood, saliva, or other body fluids (Chen et al., 2025a). Animal-to-human transmission cases have been documented in South Korea and Japan, mainly involving veterinarians and pet owners who come into contact with bodily fluids while caring for sick animals (Kim et al., 2023a,b).

Epidemiological data point to the potential for human-to-human transmission in addition to zoonotic transmission under specific circumstances (Zheng et al., 2026). Most reported cases are associated with close contact with infected blood or bodily fluids in healthcare or household settings, indicating that nosocomial transmission remains a secondary but important epidemiological concern (Zhang et al., 2024; Woo et al., 2025). Therefore, to reduce the possibility of secondary transmission, healthcare facilities must employ biosafety and infection prevention policies (Xu et al., 2024).

Environmental and anthropogenic factors may further influence spillover events by increasing contact among vectors, animals, and humans (Casel et al., 2021). Agricultural expansion, changing land use, pet ownership, and climate-related habitat shifts can facilitate closer interaction between humans and tick-infested environments, thereby supporting viral transmission dynamics (Wang et al., 2021; Ouh, 2026).

Virus evolution, reassortment, and phylogenetic insights

SFTSV isolates from East and Southeast Asia show a high degree of genetic diversity, which reflects active evolutionary dynamics and adaptability to a variety of hosts and conditions (Park et al., 2024). As a member of the genus Bandavirus within the family Phenuiviridae, SFTSV possesses a three-segmented RNA genome (L, M, and S segments) that facilitates genetic reassortment between co-circulating strains (Lokupathirage et al., 2021). This reassortment process can generate novel viral variants with altered biological characteristics, including changes in virulence, host adaptation, and transmission efficiency (Kim and Park, 2023).

Several major clades are identified by phylogenetic studies of SFTSV isolates from different regions, and genetic dispersion is frequently correlated with geographic origin (Zhang et al., 2022). Interregional movement of vectors and animal hosts is believed to contribute to viral genetic exchange and the emergence of reassortant strains (Ren et al., 2023). This event has the potential to change the virus’s virulence and transmission efficiency, as well as boost its capacity to adapt to new hosts and broaden its geographic range (Wu et al., 2021).

The genetic variability of SFTSV is also influenced by point mutations in addition to reassortment. Mutations in the M segment, which codes for the glycoprotein, might impact the virus's affinity for host cell receptors, while alterations in the S segment may contribute to the virus's ability to evade the host immune system, according to several molecular studies (Lokupathirage et al., 2025; Ren et al., 2026). Such genetic changes are important because they may affect pathogenicity, molecular diagnostic performance, and the development of sequence-based vaccines or antiviral strategies (Tani et al., 2016).

Comparative phylogenetic studies further demonstrate evolutionary relationships between SFTSV and other tick-borne bandaviruses, including HRTV identified in the United States (Bellman et al., 2025). Despite coming from separate continents, both show parallels in human clinical symptoms, potential vectors, and genome structure (Shen et al., 2018). This resemblance raises the possibility of a common evolutionary ancestor as well as the possibility of similar viruses spreading to other areas via ecological convergence and vector expansion (Mantlo and Haley, 2023).

Environmental and anthropogenic factors that drive the spread

In addition to the biology of the virus and its vector, anthropogenic activities and environmental changes that modify the ecological balance between humans, animals, and vectors have a significant impact on the transmission of SFTSV (Chen et al., 2025b). Land-use change associated with agricultural expansion, deforestation, and urban development may increase contact between humans and tick-infested environments by creating ecotones favorable for H. longicornis and vertebrate hosts (Morand and Lajaunie, 2021; Nam et al., 2023). Figure 3 illustrates the global epidemiology and environmental drivers of SFTSV spread.

Fig. 3. Global epidemiology and environmental drivers.

In rural East and Southeast Asia, intensive farming methods and traditional animal husbandry frequently involve direct contact between humans, domestic animals, and tick-infested open spaces (Sharifah et al., 2020). These conditions may increase occupational exposure risk among farmers, veterinarians, and livestock workers (Livengood et al., 2025). In addition, the pet trade and the movement of cattle across areas are potential pathways for the spread of SFTSV, both through passively carried vectors and sick animals (Lu et al., 2025). According to seroepidemiological research, transporting animals without rigorous health inspections and ectoparasite treatment can unintentionally increase the endemic range of the virus (Mekata et al., 2024).

The virus is also maintained and spread in nature through interactions with wildlife. Rats, deer, and shrews are examples of wild animals that frequently act as natural reservoirs for the virus without exhibiting any symptoms (Wang et al., 2021). Human encroachment into wildlife habitats through hunting, ecotourism, or land conversion can increase opportunities for spillover transmission between wildlife, vectors, and humans (Nam et al., 2023).

Climate variability further influences vector survival, seasonal activity, and habitat expansion. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns may enable ticks to persist in previously unsuitable regions, potentially increasing human exposure risk (Gilbert, 2021; Cui et al., 2024). Several studies from South Korea and Japan have reported associations between warmer seasonal conditions, increased tick abundance, and higher numbers of human infections (Pérez et al., 2024). Table 3 describes the various environmental and anthropogenic factors contributing to the spread of SFTSV.

Table 3. Environmental and anthropogenic factors contributing to the spread of SFTSV.

The danger of SFTSV spread is also greatly influenced by cross-border mobility and regional trade dynamics (Peng et al., 2025). Therefore, international collaboration, vector surveillance, and coordinated cross-border monitoring programs remain important components of prevention and outbreak preparedness strategies (Wang et al., 2021; Oshiro et al., 2026).

Public health implications and the One Health approach

Because SFTSV is zoonotic and can spread from animals to humans through tick vectors or direct contact with infected animals, it presents a serious risk to public health (Zu et al., 2024). Severe disease is more commonly observed in elderly individuals, immunocompromised patients, and people with occupational exposure to livestock or tick-infested environments (Park et al., 2014a; Liu et al., 2025).

Early diagnosis and underreporting of cases are the two of the biggest obstacles to SFTSV management. Clinically, SFTSV infection commonly presents with acute high fever, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, fatigue, myalgia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and, in severe cases, may progress to multiorgan failure, hemorrhagic manifestations, and neurological complications (Seo et al., 2021). Because these clinical features overlap with other endemic febrile illnesses such as dengue, leptospirosis, and rickettsiosis, accurate diagnosis often requires laboratory confirmation using molecular or serological methods (Huang et al., 2019; Zu et al., 2024). Limited access to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing in endemic rural areas may contribute to substantial underestimation of the true disease burden (Perez et al., 2025).

Effective surveillance of SFTSV requires integration of medical, veterinary, and ecological data within a One Health framework (Robles et al., 2018). Monitoring vector distribution, animal exposure, and human infection trends can support earlier detection of emerging transmission hotspots and improve outbreak preparedness (Oshiro et al., 2026).

Collaboration between the health, livestock, environmental, and research sectors is necessary to implement a One Health plan (Nyokabi et al., 2023). Priority measures include strengthening zoonotic surveillance systems, promoting public education on tick avoidance, improving infection prevention practices, and supporting collaborative international research on viral evolution and environmental drivers of transmission (Li et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2026).

Prospects and research priorities

The necessity for more thorough study and monitoring efforts to comprehend the dynamics of this virus internationally is highlighted by the growing spread of SFTSV in East Asia and its potential to move into other areas (Sun et al., 2025). Monitoring programs in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and Australasia should prioritize surveillance of vectors, wildlife, and domestic animals in areas considered at risk for viral emergence (Park et al., 2014b; Kuan et al., 2023). Future surveillance systems should also incorporate standardized molecular screening methods, longitudinal vector monitoring, and coordinated reporting between veterinary and public health sectors to improve early outbreak detection (Chen et al., 2026; Oshiro et al., 2026).

Strengthening experimental research on host competence and vector capacity is also necessary to identify the animal species that contribute most to the virus’s persistence in the wild (Sato et al., 2021). Research priorities include evaluating viremia dynamics, interspecies transmission potential, environmental influences on tick infectivity, and risk factors associated with human-to-human transmission in healthcare settings (Wang et al., 2021; Woo et al., 2025). Integrated tick control programs combining livestock management, environmental sanitation, and vector monitoring should also be strengthened in endemic regions (Ouh, 2026).

In addition, as there are currently no targeted, efficient medical treatments for SFTSV, the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments is an urgent field of study (Chen et al., 2026). The current focus is on creating vaccines that target the SFTSV surface glycoprotein using DNA, recombinant proteins, and viral vectors (Kim et al., 2024). Several vaccine candidates have shown promising immunogenicity and protective efficacy in preclinical animal studies, although further clinical evaluation is still required before widespread implementation (Jeong et al., 2025). Future vaccine research should emphasize multicenter preclinical validation, long-term immune protection, and efficacy against genetically diverse SFTSV strains, supported by international collaboration and funding initiatives (Dang et al., 2025; Ganbold et al., 2025). In parallel, continued pharmacological and biotechnological studies are needed to identify antiviral compounds capable of inhibiting viral RNA replication (Chen et al., 2023).

Advances in spatial modeling and bioinformatics technologies are enabling the application of predictive modeling to identify high-risk areas and estimate the likelihood of future outbreaks (Chen et al., 2025a). Policymakers may use models incorporating climate variables, vector distribution, population density, and livestock activity to improve outbreak preparedness and rapid response strategies within One Health surveillance systems (Miao et al., 2020; Oshiro et al., 2026).

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Conclusion

SFTSV is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic virus with substantial public health importance due to its ecological adaptability and ability to infect multiple animal hosts. The continued spread of the virus is influenced by interactions among vectors, animals, humans, and environmental changes associated with human activities. Because current evidence indicates that transmission is driven primarily by vector ecology and environmental conditions, integrated surveillance and early detection systems remain essential for outbreak prevention and control.

A One Health approach involving collaboration between medical, veterinary, and environmental sectors is critical for improving surveillance, vector control, outbreak preparedness, and public awareness. Future studies should focus on vaccine and antiviral development, improved understanding of spillover and human-to-human transmission dynamics, and strengthening coordinated vector surveillance and tick control programs in endemic and at-risk regions.

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Acknowledgment

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, BRIN) for their support and facilitation of this study.

Funding

This study was fully supported by the authors’ personal resources.

Author’s contributions

HN, ARK, NLPID, and RSA drafted the manuscript. AW, SW, AW, and SMN revised and edited the manuscript. FE, DN, MS, IF, and SSP prepared and critically checked the manuscript. EM, MKJK, and IS edited the references. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Data availability

The data used in this study were obtained from publicly available sources on the internet. All relevant data are cited within the article, and additional details can be provided by the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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