Integrated management of blood-feeding arthropods in veterinary teaching facilities - Part 1: overview of haematophagous arthropods of interest in North-western Europe.

Abstract

Numerous arthropod species negatively affect animal and human health through physical attacks, by generating allergic reactions and as potential vectors of pathogens. Their control is essential to prevent vector-borne diseases and reduce their negative direct effect. Climate change militates for appropriate preparedness towards invasive species, their establishment and their involvement in new potential vector-pathogen-host cycles. This paper reviews the main blood-feeding arthropods of veterinary/zoonotic interest and their role in the transmission of infections in North-western Europe. It is the first part of an approach aimed at proposing a coherent and affordable vector control programme for facilities housing healthy and sick animals in a veterinary faculty, from a global health point of view. It is the first review focusing on this topic in such a specific and at-risk environment. Indeed, considering its multi-disciplinary and multi-species context and the importance of animal welfare, a veterinary faculty should attach great importance to vector control.