[The Transmission of the Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus Via Cow's Milk]

A case of group infection with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Bikin, Khabarovsk Territory is reviewed. The disease developed as a result of drinking raw cow milk, bought from one owner, and eating sour-milk products made of that milk. 5 persons from 3 families were ill, in three cases the outcome was lethal. Data of clinical, epidemiological, viral and serological examinations confirm the diagnosis of TBE. Various antibodies to TBE virus have been determined in the blood of cows. The presence of complement-fixing antibodies may indicate fresh infection. The characteristics of TBE viral strain, isolated from the brain of dead Z. N. F. is presented on white mice. The data obtained confirm the previous suggestion on possible transmission of TBE virus with cow milk.