Ticks and tick-borne diseases: geographical distribution and control strategies in the Euro-Asia region

Abstract

Abstract This book is comprised of 7 chapters covering the geographical distribution and control of ticks and tickborne diseases in the Euro-Asia region. Chapter 1 focuses on the factors behind the emergence and reemergence of tickborne diseases, highlighting the theme of environmental and climatic change and also the renewed interest in ticks and the diseases they transmit, which has been stimulated by an increased awareness of tickborne zoonoses. Chapter 2 describes the basic biology of a total of 25 important tick species endemic to part or all of the geographical region under consideration, and also includes short accounts of their life cycles, geographical distributions and significance as vectors. The factors responsible for the spread and distribution of ticks are considered in chapter 3, which include climate, land use, animal movement (both wild and domestic) and importation of exotic vertebrates. Tickborne infections are reviewed in chapter 4. The geographical distribution of tickborne pathogens is the focus of Chapter 5, in the form of maps with accompanying qualifying and illustrative comments. Chapter 6 addresses the distributions of the vector ticks. Chapter 7 addresses the surveillance and control of ticks and tickborne diseases. It includes a brief description of tick sampling methods, an introduction to the principles of surveillance and monitoring and control options for both ixodids and argasids.