Ixodid Tick Species Research Articles

Genetic diversity of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in ixodid ticks collected from small ruminants in Northern Pakistan

Mapping tick distribution and pathogens in unexplored areas sheds light on their importance in zoonotic and veterinary contexts. In this study, we performed a comprehensive investigation of the genetic diversity of tick and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) detection infesting/infecting small ruminants across northern Pakistan. We collected 1587 ixodid ticks from 600 goats and sheep, an overall tick infestation rate of 50.2 %. Notably, gender-based infestation rates were higher in female goats and sheep compared to their male counterparts. Age-wise analysis showed that the tick infestation rate was higher in older animals. This study identified 11 ixodid tick species within three genera: Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis, and Rhipicephalus, which were taxonomically classified using 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase I (cox1) molecular markers. Sequence analysis indicated that reported ticks are similar to ixodid species found across various Asian and African countries. Tick-borne pathogens were detected by amplifying 16S rRNA and citrate synthase (gltA) for bacterial pathogens and 18S rRNA for apicomplexan parasites. The present study reported a diverse array of TBPs in ticks from the study area, with Rickettsia massiliae (24.5 %) and Theleria ovis (16.4 %) as the most prevalent bacterial and apicomplexan pathogens. Phylogenetically, detected TBPs shared evolutionary relatedness with identical TBPs from old and new world countries. These findings highlight the presence of zoonotic TBPs in ixodid ticks from Pakistan. In addition, it also provides a foundation for future epidemiological research on ticks and TBPs, emphasizing their relevance in both zoonotic and veterinary contexts.

A morpho-phylogenetic update on ixodid ticks infesting cattle and buffalos in Vietnam, with three new species to the fauna and a checklist of all species indigenous to the country

BackgroundSoutheast Asia is regarded as a hotspot for the diversity of ixodid ticks. In this geographical region, Vietnam extends through both temperate and tropical climate zones and therefore has a broad range of tick habitats. However, molecular-phylogenetic studies on ixodid tick species have not been reported from this country.MethodsIn this study, 1788 ixodid ticks were collected from cattle, buffalos and a dog at 10 locations in three provinces of northern Vietnam. Tick species were identified morphologically, and representative specimens were molecularly analyzed based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and 16S rRNA genes. Fifty-nine tick species that are indigenous in Vietnam were also reviewed in the context of their typical hosts in the region.ResultsMost ticks removed from cattle and buffalos were identified as Rhipicephalus microplus, including all developmental stages. Larvae and nymphs were found between January and July but adults until December. Further species identified from cattle were Rhipicephalus linnaei, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Amblyomma integrum and Haemaphysalis cornigera. Interestingly, the latter three species were represented only by adults, collected in one province: Son La. The dog was infested with nymphs and adults of R. linnaei in July. Phylogenetically, R. microplus from Vietnam belonged to clade A of this species, and R. haemaphysaloides clustered separately from ticks identified under this name in China, Taiwan and Pakistan. Amblyomma integrum from Vietnam belonged to the phylogenetic group of haplotypes of an Amblyomma sp. reported from Myanmar. The separate clustering of H. cornigera from Haemaphysalis shimoga received moderate support.ConclusionsThree tick species (R. linnaei, A. integrum and H. cornigera) are reported here for the first time in Vietnam, thus increasing the number of indigenous tick species to 62. Clade A of R. microplus and at least R. linnaei from the group of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato occur in the country. There is multiple phylogenetic evidence that different species might exist among the ticks that are reported under the name R. haemaphysaloides in South and East Asia. This is the first report of A. integrum in Southeastern Asia.Graphical

Results of Epizootiological Survey of the Territories of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2015–2022

Introduction: Systematic studies of endemic zoonotic diseases on the Crimean Peninsula resumed in 2015 after a long break. Objective: To specify boundaries and determine epizootiological activity of the natural foci of infectious diseases in the Crimea and to update the list of possible reservoir hosts and vectors based on the results of field studies conducted in 2015–2022. Materials and methods: Counting and trapping of small mammals, ixodid ticks and mosquitoes, collecting of pellets of birds of prey, sampling of water and other zoological and entomological materials were carried out in the Crimea in the years 2015 to 2022. Results and discussion: According to the results of epidemiological and epizootiological monitoring of the Crimean Peninsula, the samples tested positive for tularemia were collected on the territory of 14 administrative entities, leptospirosis – 21, hantaviruses – 12, tick-borne encephalitis – 2, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – 7, Lyme borreliosis – 21, West Nile fever – 3, Q fever – 2, Marseilles fever – 6, monocytic ehrlichiosis – 1, and granulocytic anaplasmosis – 8 entities. A new hantavirus was identified in the Leninsky district. Positive findings of markers of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus were registered not only in the main vector, but also in other species of ixodid ticks. True boundaries of the natural foci of Lyme borreliosis in the Crimea were much wider and ran through both forest and steppe zones. A stable reproducing population of epidemiologically significant Ae. albopictus mosquitoes was found on the southern coast of Crimea. Conclusions: Based on the findings, we specified the boundaries and confirmed the activity of natural foci of infectious diseases during the study period, updated sources of infections, reservoir hosts and vectors, and compiled the “List of enzootic (endemic) territories of the Crimea, on which circulation of infectious agents common to humans and animals was found based on the results of field material studies in 2015–2022,” all facilitating managerial decisions on prevention of natural focal infections.

Vector Competence of Five Ixodid Tick Species in Egypt for Borrelia

Vector Competence of Five Ixodid Tick Species in Egypt for Borrelia

Role of ixodid ticks in tick-borne pathogen spread and circulation in the Belarusian Lakeland

Results of ixodid tick analysis for their ecological, epizootological and epidemiological significance for tick-borne pathogen spread across the Belarusian Lakeland are presented. The ticks were collected in publicly accessible areas of the Vitebsk Raion in April – November 2022: 8 routes were tracked, 18 flag-km were passed, 529 tick specimens were collected, including 350 imago ticks and 179 nymph ticks. The ixodid tick genus and species were determined using N. A. Filippova’s ixodid tick determinator. All caught ticks were tested for Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp. (Ehrlichia spp.), Babesia spp. and Tick-borne encephalitis virus genetic materials with real-time polymerase chain reaction using the reagent kit for nucleic acid extraction from environmental samples in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc­tions. The specimens were grouped in accordance with the MG 3.1.1027-01 “Collection, recording and preparation for laboratory tests of blood-sucking arthropods being vectors of natural focal infections”; therewith, one specimen includes only one tick. Differences in the numbers of ixodid ticks and the occurrence of genetic markers of tick-borne pathogens in them were found to be associated with ecological characteristics of the examined territories. The following epidemically and epizootically significant ticks contributing to transmissible infection and invasion spread were found in the Belarusian Lakeland: ticks of Ixodes and Dermacentor genera; their frequency index was 70.1 and 29.9%, respectively. Tick-transmitted pathogen prevalence rate in the examined territories of the Vitebsk Raion was as follows: 61.7% for Borrelia spp., 25.8% for Anaplasma spp. (Ehrlichia spp.) and 25% for Babesia spp., mixed infections were found in 10.8% of the ticks. No tick-borne encephalitis virus genetic materials were found in the specimens. Total infection rate for ixodid ticks was 22.7%.

Distribution and prevalence of ixodid tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting cattle in Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda

BackgroundTicks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) are a significant threat to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa. Transhumance pastoralism practiced in Karamoja region and other factors like cattle trade, communal grazing and the presence of wildlife predispose cattle to TTBDs. Tick species abundance and distribution data can be used as a tool for early disease diagnosis and inform tick control strategies. However, these data for north-eastern Uganda are currently limited; previous surveys were relatively localized and targeted fewer cattle kraals and numbers.MethodsWe randomly collected tick specimens from 1,534 cattle spread across Karamoja region in both the peak month of the rainy (May 2020) and the dry (February2021) seasons. The ticks were identified using morpho-taxonomic keys and the tick species identities confirmed by the 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsA collection of 18,637 ticks was examined and fifteen tick species from three genera (ten Rhipicephalus; three Amblyomma; two Hyalomma species) were identified. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was the most dominant (37.9%) tick species, followed by Amblyomma variegatum (32.3%); A. lepidum (17.3%); R. evertsi evertsi (7.8%); and R. decoloratus (1.4%). Eight of these tick species were ubiquitous in the study districts while six were found in isolated areas. The peak month of the dry season collection was associated with a higher proportion of tick-infested cattle (91%) compared to the peak month of the rainy season (89.8%); a difference that was not found statistically significant (χ2 = 0.5077, n = 1385, p = 0.476). The overall cattle infestation rate was mainly dominated by five tick species namely: A. variegatum (55%), R. appendiculatus (53%), A. lepidum (41%), R. evertsi (22%), and R. decoloratus (8%). The proportion of tick-infested cattle was highest in Napak District (95.4%) and lowest in Amudat District (80.9%) during the peak month of the rainy season. Napak and Amudat Districts also had the highest and lowest proportion of tick-infested cattle (94.8% and 80.7% respectively) during the peak month of the dry season. Rhipicephalus microplus was confirmed in Amudat, Kaabong and Napak districts.ConclusionThis study demonstrates high tick infestation rates in cattle by a battery of tick species in Karamoja region. We identified both R. microplus and R. decoloratus which indicates that R. microplus has recently been introduced in this region. This calls for effective tick control responses to prevent further spread of this invasive cattle tick specie.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of ixodid tick species infesting cattle and sheep in Balochistan, Pakistan

Tick infestation poses a serious threat to animal health, leading to significant losses in terms of vector-borne disease transmission, reduced live weight, lower quality hides, decreased milk production, and impaired reproduction in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, seasonal variation, distribution pattern, and associated risk factors of Ixodid family tick species in the cattle and sheep population of three different districts in Balochistan, Pakistan. This study employed a convenient sampling method, collecting 4080 adult ticks from 816 cattle and sheep of various breeds, ages, and sexes. Specific morphological keys were used to identify the ticks up to the genus and species level. Among cattle, the highest prevalence was recorded for R. (B) annulatus (27.01%), followed by R. (B) microplus (24.02%), and H. anatolicum (20.54%). H. dromedarii (5.29%) was the least prevalent species observed in cattle. In the sheep population, H. anatolicum (30.34%) showed the highest prevalence, followed by H. marginatium (22.99%), and R. (B) annulatus (20.88%). H. dromedarii (6.96%) was the least prevalent species observed in sheep. The prevalence of R. (B) decoloratus, H. anatolicum and H. dromedarii was found to be significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the breed, age, and sex of both cattle and sheep. However, the presence of R. (B) annulatus, R. (B) microplus and H. marginatium tick species showed no significant association (P > 0.05) with these factors. In addition, the prevalence of ticks was higher in younger, female, and crossbred Friesian cattle compared to adults, males, and other breeds. Conversely, the prevalence of ticks was higher in adult, female and Hernai breed of sheep in the studied area. In conclusion, R. (B) annulatus and H. anatolicum are the dominant tick species infesting the cattle and sheep population in Balochistan. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights for developing practical and effective control measures against ticks and tick-borne diseases in the sheep and cattle population of Balochistan, Pakistan.

Distribution of ixodid tick species parasitizing livestock in Sirumalai, The Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, South India and its implications for public health

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are an important public health problem worldwide. In India, prevalence of many tick-borne pathogens such as Ganjam virus, Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus and Rickettsia conorii etc., have been documented. The species composition of ticks infesting domestic animals in the Sirumalai area of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, South India has been recorded. A total of 2851 tick specimens were collected, and taxonomical identification revealed that 14 species belong to four genera, viz., Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma and Hyalomma. Among the species, Haemaphysalis intermedia from goats and Rhipicephalus microplus from cattle account for 72.6% and 15.2%, respectively. Amblyomma integrum was collected only from cattle (n=22). Rhipicephalus simus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma hussaini and Hyalomma kumari have been recorded for the first time this area. The preliminary results confirms the occurrence of rich diversity of tick fauna in this area and recommend further studies to determine the role of these fauna and their public health relevance to livestock and residents.

Molecular Identification of Ixodid Tick Species and their Screening for Selected Protozoan Pathogens Collected from Large Ruminants of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Molecular Identification of Ixodid Tick Species and their Screening for Selected Protozoan Pathogens Collected from Large Ruminants of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

A Review of Ixodid Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Associated with Lacerta spp. (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from the Caucasus and Adjacent Territory

Based on a literature review, as well as on our own data, 14 ixodid tick species belonging to 5 genera were registered for the lizard hosts of the genus Lacerta (L. agilis, L. media, and L. strigata) in the Caucasus and the adjacent territories: Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haem. punctata, Haem. parva, Haem. caucasica, Haem. concinna, Haem. inermis, Ixodes ricinus, I. redikorzevi, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, Hyalomma marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rh. rossicum, and Rh. turanicum. Tick species Haem. caucasica were recorded from Armenia for the first time. Our findings of Haem. punctata represent the first record of this species for Chechnya, Ingushetia (Russia), Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Most of the parasite species are associated with L. agilis (13) and L. strigata (12); L. media is a host of 6 tick species. Data on the infestation of Lacerta spp. by four tick species from our material (I. ricinus, Haem. punctata, Haem. caucasica, and Hyal. marginatum) are presented in the article. In addition, our article contains information on the range of infections associated with the above tick species. Castor bean tick I. ricinus (236 specimens), the most represented species in our collection, parasitizes all available terrestrial vertebrates including humans and can be vector of many various pathogens, so our study provides significant epidemiological information.

Ixodid tick species found in northern Sweden – Data from a frontier area

Environmental and climatic changes in northern Europe have shaped a geographical area in which new tick species may become established and introduce new tick-borne pathogens. In recent decades, ticks have expanded their latitudinal and altitudinal range limits in northern Sweden. In this study, ticks were collected in 2018 and 2019 in northern Sweden from different hosts, mainly from dogs, cats and humans. The ticks in 2018 (n = 2141, collected from 65 municipalities in 11 provinces) were identified as Ixodes ricinus (n = 2108, 98.5%), Ixodes persulcatus (n = 18, 0.8%), Ixodes trianguliceps (n = 14, 0.7%) and Hyalomma marginatum (n = 1, 0.05%). The ticks collected in 2019 (n = 519, across a smaller area than in 2018, i.e. Sweden's four northernmost provinces) were identified as I. ricinus (n = 242, 46.6%) and I. persulcatus (n = 277, 53.4%). Among those collected in 2019, the majority of I. ricinus (n = 111, 45.9%) were submitted from the province of Västerbotten, while most I. persulcatus (n = 259, 93.5%) were collected in the province of Norrbotten. This study provides updated figures on the geographical distribution of two Ixodes species in northern Sweden. The results confirmed I. ricinus to be the dominant species and that I. persulcatus has enlarged its distributional area compared with previous reports. Updated knowledge of tick distribution is fundamental for the creation of risk maps and will allow relevant advice to be provided to the general public, suggesting measures to prevent tick bites and consequently tick-borne diseases.

Comparative evaluation of cell-mediated immune response in calves immunized with live-attenuated and killed Theileria annulata vaccines.

Tropical theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoan Theileria annulata and transmitted by numerous species of Ixodid ticks of the genus Hyalomma. The main clinical signs are fever, lymphadenopathy, and anemia responsible for heavy economic losses, including mortality, morbidity, vaccination failure, and treatment cost. Development of poor cell-mediated immunity (CMI) has been observed in the case of many bovine pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and parasites). Quantification of CMI is a prerequisite for evaluating vaccine efficacy against theileriosis caused by T. annulata. The current study evaluated the CMI in calves administered with two types of T. annulata vaccine (live attenuated and killed). We prepared a live attenuated T. annulata vaccine by attenuation in a rabbit model and also prepared killed vaccine from non-attenuated T. annulata. For the evaluation of immune response in experimental groups including control, 20 calves were divided into four different groups (A, B, C, and D). They were either inoculated subcutaneously with live rabbit-propagated-Theileria-infected RBCs (5 × 106) (group A) or with killed T. annulata vaccine (2 × 109 schizonts) with Freund's adjuvant (group B), along with an infected group (group C) and a healthy control group (group D). The protection of vaccinated calves was estimated with challenge infection. Our results showed that with a single shot of live-attenuated and killed vaccine with a booster dose elicited cell-mediated immune responses in immunized calves. We observed a significant elevation in CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in immunized calves. A significant difference in the CD8 + T cell response between the post-challenge stage of killed and live vaccine (p < 0.0001) was observed, whereas no other difference was found at both pre- and post-immunization stages. A similar finding was recorded for the CD4 + T cells at a post-challenge stage, where a significant difference was seen between killed and live vaccine (p < 0.0001). Another significant difference was observed between the CD8 + T cells and CD4 + T cells at the post-challenge stage in the live vaccine group, where there was a significantly higher induction of CD4 + T cell response (p < 0.0001).

Prevalence of cattle ixodid ticks and acaricides efficacy evaluation in Amibara district of Afar Region, Ethiopia.

A cross sectional and randomized controlled trial study was conducted starting from July 2021 to July 2022 to determine the prevalence of ixodid ticks, and evaluate the efficacy of commonly used acaricides (amitraz 12.5% and diazinon 60%) in vitro and in vivo on cattle ticks in Amibara district. A total of 372 cattle were visited randomly from six kebeles of the district which were selected based on their livestock population. A total of 4330 adult ticks were collected and identified to the species level with stereomicroscope. For the invitro acaricide efficacy test, 90 engorged female ticks were collected from infested herds and grouped into three, each group having ten engorged ticks; two groups for the two test acaricides and the third groups were control to evaluate these acaricides in the laboratory. All the groups were replicated three times and incubated for seven days with similar temperature and humidity. Thirty-six infested cattle were selected and again grouped into three randomly, 12 each for the invivo test. The first groups of animals were sprayed with amitraz, the second with diazinon and the third groups were left untreated. Ticks were counted and recorded before, day 3, day 7, day 14 and day 21 of spraying. A total of 360 (96.7%) of the visited cattle were infested with ticks. Amblyomma. Rhipicephallus, Hyalomma and Bophillus were the genera of ticks identified with a prevalence of 44.9%, 41.4%, 7.5% and 6.2% respectively. A total of 15 species of ixodid ticks were identified from which Rhipicephallus pulchellus (39.86%) was dominant followed by Amblyomma lepidum (26.65%) and Amblyomma gemma (14.36%). Diazinon 60% EC and amitraz 12.5% were significantly inhibited the egg laying ability of engorged ticks' in vitro with percent inhibition of 100% and 99.1% respectively. On live animal, both acaricides showed statistically significant difference from the control group (p- value <0.05) with maximum 97.37% (amitraz) and 93.33% (diazinon) at day 7 and minimum 73.3% (amitraz) and 73.7% (diazinon) efficacy. However, there was no statistically significant difference on egg laying inhibition and tick count reduction between the two acaricides (p-value >0.05). Therefore, awareness should be created about the high prevalence as well as the application, dosage and dilution of the acaricides to pastoralists, community animal health workers and para veterinarians in the study area. Cattle owners, veterinarians and concerned government officials should address infested herds with manufacturer recommended dosage of these acaricides to control the tick infestation.

Ticks of Australasia: 125 species of ticks in and around Australia

The present work is an update and a substantial expansion of Barker & Walker (2014). Barker & Walker (2014) dealt with 16 species of particular importance to domestic animals and humans whereas the present work deals with all 125 of the species known from Australasia; that is Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea, Sulawesi, and the islands of the western Pacific. These comprise 102 species of ixodid (hard) ticks and 23 species of argasid (soft) ticks.

Epidemiology of Ixodid tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens in small ruminant from Enarje Enawuga, North Western Ethiopia.

Small ruminant playing significant economic development and cultural roles for smallholders and reared in different agroecological systems in Ethiopia. However, ticks and tick-borne haemopathogens are major threats to the health of small ruminants leading to loss of production and productivity in Ethiopia especially in north-western Ethiopia, due to climate and agroecological system favourable to the tick survival in the area. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens, to identify the existing Ixodid tick species and to investigate major risk factors associated with tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens. A cross sectional study was conducted on 396 small ruminants (sheep =198 and goats = 198). Ticks were identified to the species level according to their morphological key structures. Thin blood smear were prepared and laboratoricaly examined to investigate tick-borne haemopathogens. Logistic regression was employed to assess the association between potential risk factors with tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens. The overall prevalence of tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens were 47.22% and 4.29%, respectively. Age, species, body condition, agroecological system and season were found significantly (p < 0.05) associated with tick infestation. Season was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with occurrence of tick-borne haemopathogen. Amblyomma variegatum (18.2%) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (13.4%) were the predominant tick species encountered. Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma marginale and Babesia ovis were prevalent tick-borne haemopathogens. The present study reported that there was higher tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens infections on small ruminants in the study area. Therefore, based on tick epidemiology, a strategic tick control programs were needed in this region. Further detailed studies on the role of Ixodid tick species in causing tick-borne diseases in small ruminants and their economic impact on livelihoods should be conducted.

Preliminary Study on Hard Ticks ( Acari: Ixodidae) of Sheep in Some Areas of Thamar Governorate, Yemen

The objective of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence of tick species infesting sheep in some areas of Thamar governorate, Yemen. A total of 392 indigenous sheep breeds of either sex and different age were randomly selected and examined for presence of ticks using standard parasitological techniques from December, 2010 to May, 2011. The results revealed that the overall prevalence of tick infestations on sheep was 43.37 %. Of total 875 ticks collected, Seven species of ixodid ticks were identified. The species on hierarchy of overall prevalence abundance were Rhipicephalus sanguineus (13.01%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (9.69%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (5.87 %), Hyalomma marginatum (4.59 %), Amblyomma variegatum (4.34%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (3.06%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (2.04%). Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus species is recorded for first time in Thamar governorate and Yemen as well as. Statistically, there was significance difference (P

Unravelling the Diversity of Microorganisms in Ticks from Australian Wildlife.

Ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a significant threat to the health and welfare of humans and animals. Our knowledge about pathogens carried by ticks of Australian wildlife is limited. This study aimed to characterise ticks and tick-borne microorganisms from a range of wildlife species across six sites in Victoria, Australia. Following morphological and molecular characterisation (targeting 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase I), tick DNA extracts (n = 140) were subjected to microfluidic real-time PCR-based screening for the detection of microorganisms and Rickettsia-specific real-time qPCRs. Five species of ixodid ticks were identified, including Aponomma auruginans, Ixodes (I.) antechini, I. kohlsi, I. tasmani and I. trichosuri. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA sequences of I. tasmani revealed two subclades, indicating a potential cryptic species. The microfluidic real-time PCR detected seven different microorganisms as a single (in 13/45 ticks) or multiple infections (27/45). The most common microorganisms detected were Apicomplexa (84.4%, 38/45) followed by Rickettsia sp. (55.6%, 25/45), Theileria sp. (22.2% 10/45), Bartonella sp. (17.8%, 8/45), Coxiella-like sp. (6.7%, 3/45), Hepatozoon sp. (2.2%, 1/45), and Ehrlichia sp. (2.2%, 1/45). Phylogenetic analyses of four Rickettsia loci showed that the Rickettsia isolates detected herein potentially belonged to a novel species of Rickettsia. This study demonstrated that ticks of Australian wildlife carry a diverse array of microorganisms. Given the direct and indirect human-wildlife-livestock interactions, there is a need to adopt a One Health approach for continuous surveillance of tick-associated pathogens/microorganisms to minimise the associated threats to animal and human health.

Description of three new bat-associated species of hard ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) from Japan.

In Eurasia, the geographically most widespread ixodid tick species of the bat families Rhinolophidae Gray, Vespertilionidae Gray, and Miniopteridae Dobson were considered to belong to four species, Ixodesvespertilionis Koch, I.collaris Hornok, I.ariadnae Hornok, and I.simplex Neumann. Previous data attest that bat-associated tick species from Eastern Asia show remarkable genetic difference from the above four tick species, but in the absence of detailed morphological comparison these were regarded as conspecific. In this study we compensate for this lack of data on three bat-associated tick species, reporting their morphological comparison, as well as molecular and phylogenetic relationships. According to the results we describe the females of three tick species new to science, i.e., I.nipponrhinolophi Hornok & Takano, sp. nov., I.fuliginosus Hornok & Takano, sp. nov., and I.fujitai Hornok & Takano, sp. nov. In case of all three new tick species the cytochrome c oxidase subunit (coxI) gene showed remarkably high sequence differences from the species that they previously were thought to belong to, well exceeding the average limit delineating ixodid tick species. This, as well as observed morphological differences fully justify their taxonomical status as new species.

Prevalence, Species Identification, and Associated Risk Factor Ixodid Tick Infestation of Cattle in Selamago District Southern Ethiopia.

Ticks are blood-sucking external parasites of livestock and humans; and can transmit pathogens beyond their direct effect during biting. Ticks are distributed in different agro-ecological zones. The study's objectives were to determine the species of ixodid ticks, estimate prevalence, and link the presumptive risk variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023 in Selamago district, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 384 cattle managed under extensive grazing systems were selected proportionally based on cattle population, from 3 kebeles, which is the lowest administrative structure of government, and individual animals were selected using systematic random sampling techniques at an interval of 5 animals; as the results, 153, 128, and 103 cattle were selected from Hana, Marsiyo, and Geyo kebeles, respectively. 262 animals (68.2%) were found to be infested with one or more tick species. In this study, there was a statistically significant difference in prevalence between sexes and age groups (P < .05). A higher prevalence was recorded in female and adult cattle than respective group. A total of 579 ticks were collected; 4 genera and 7 tick species were identified. As a result, Ambylomma variegatum, Amblyomma gemma, Amblyomma lepidum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, and Hyalomma truncatum were observed. Among the species identified in the study area, Ambylomma variegatum was the most abundant tick (32.3%) and Hy. truncatum was the least prevalent (4.3%). Ticks on animals' body were recovered more dominantly around the perineum region, udder, scrotum, and dewlap, followed by the belly, head, and neck. Male ticks were more frequently encountered than females. The finding shows a high tick infestation, and adult age groups were more affected and had a serious problem. Hence, prompt control measures are required to rescue the livelihood of the community and economic loss.

Community Engagement in Research &amp; Policy Development: A One Health Approach to the Control of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Eastern Bhutan

Summary Livestock farming plays an important role in supporting the livelihood of resource-poor subsistence farmers in Bhutan. However, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are major constraints on livestock farming due to their negative effect on health and production. In this case study, we illustrate how we engaged communities, academic partners from the University of Calgary (UoC), and the experts and policy makers from the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) to conduct research and develop policies regarding ticks and TBDs in Bhutan. The team used a transdisciplinary approach to design and conduct an active field-surveillance programme. Live ticks were collected from cattle to determine tick species diversity, infestation prevalence and geographic distribution. Habitat suitability models were also developed for four common tick species identified in Bhutan by engaging environmental modellers from UoC. Further, we conducted face-to-face interviews with 246 farmers in eastern Bhutan to understand their knowledge, management practices and perspectives on ticks and TBDs. Five genera and 13 species of ixodid ticks were identified. Despite a high level of acaricide usage among farmers, we found that the level of knowledge about ticks and TBDs was low. The research results were shared with the communities and other stakeholders to inform and initiate the development and adoption of effective tick prevention and control measures. We conclude that such collaborative research projects using an interdisciplinary approach and involving communities have huge potential to transfer research findings into policy and practice.