Thogotovirus can replicate in both tick cells and vertebrate cells, and is usually transmitted by ticks. It can be transmitted from infected tick to uninfected tick when co-feeding on uninfected guinea pigs, although the guinea pigs do not develop the virus. THOV has been isolated to ticks in Africa and Southern Europe. DHOV has been known to infect humans in natural settings. DHOV has been isolated from ticks in India, Eastern Russia, Egypt, and Southern Portugal. DHOV causes a febrile illness and encephalitis in humans. THOV has 6 RNA segments, while DHOV has 7. 

This virus is not yet fully understood, as it is not a threat to humans, but tests are being done in order to learn more.