Tick Management Research Articles

Protective Efficacy of Multiple Epitope-Based Vaccine against Hyalomma anatolicum, Vector of Theileria annulata and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus.

Hyalomma anatolicum is the principal vector for Theileria annulata, T. equi, and T. Lestoquardi in animals and the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in humans. Due to the gradual loss of efficacy of the available acaricides against field tick populations, the development of phytoacaricides and vaccines has been considered the two most critical components of the integrated tick management strategies. In the present study, in order to induce both cellular and humoral immune responses in the host against H. anatolicum, two multi-epitopic peptides (MEPs), i.e., VT1 and VT2, were designed. The immune-stimulating potential of the constructs was determined by in silicoinvestigation on allergenicity (non-allergen, antigenic (0.46 and 1.0046)), physicochemical properties (instability index 27.18 and 35.46), as well as the interaction of constructs with TLRs by docking and molecular dynamics analysis. The immunization efficacy of the MEPs mixed with 8% MontanideTM gel 01 PR against H. anatolicum larvae was determined as 93.3% and 96.9% in VT1- and VT2-immunized rabbits, respectively. Against adults, the efficacy was 89.9% and 86.4% in VT1- and VT2-immunized rabbits, respectively. A significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4) and significantly higher IgG response was observed in a VT1-immunized group of rabbits as compared with the response observed in the control group. However, in the case of the VT2-immunized rabbits, an elevated anti-VT2 IgG and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-2) (>30 fold) along with a decreased level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 (0.75 times) was noted. The efficacy of MEP and its potential immune stimulatory responses indicate that it might be useful for tick management.

Density Functional Theory Calculations and Molecular Docking Analyses of Flavonoids for Their Possible Application against the Acetylcholinesterase and Triose-Phosphate Isomerase Proteins of Rhipicephalus microplus.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases constitute a substantial hazard to the livestock industry. The rising costs and lack of availability of synthetic chemical acaricides for farmers with limited resources, tick resistance to current acaricides, and residual issues in meat and milk consumed by humans further aggravate the situation. Developing innovative, eco-friendly tick management techniques, such as natural products and commodities, is vital. Similarly, searching for effective and feasible treatments for tick-borne diseases is essential. Flavonoids are a class of natural chemicals with multiple bioactivities, including the inhibition of enzymes. We selected eighty flavonoids having enzyme inhibitory, insecticide, and pesticide properties. Flavonoids' inhibitory effects on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE1) and triose-phosphate isomerase (TIM) proteins of Rhipicephalus microplus were examined utilizing a molecular docking approach. Our research demonstrated that flavonoids interact with the active areas of proteins. Seven flavonoids (methylenebisphloridzin, thearubigin, fortunellin, quercetagetin-7-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-β-d-glucopyranoside), quercetagetin-7-O-(6-O-p-coumaroyl-β-glucopyranoside), rutin, and kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside) were the most potent AChE1 inhibitors, while the other three flavonoids (quercetagetin-7-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-β-d-glucopyranoside), isorhamnetin, and liquiritin) were the potent inhibitors of TIM. These computationally-driven discoveries are beneficial and can be utilized in assessing drug bioavailability in both in vitro and in vivo settings. This knowledge can create new strategies for managing ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Development of a low-dose fipronil deer feed: evaluation of efficacy against two medically important tick species parasitizing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) under pen conditions

BackgroundOdocoileus virginianus (the white-tailed deer) is a key reproductive host for medically important tick species, including Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum. Orally administering a systemic acaricide to white-tailed deer has the potential to reduce tick reproduction, abundance and pathogen-infected tick bites. Prior studies have demonstrated considerable efficacy of a low-dose fipronil mouse bait in controlling larval I. scapularis parasitizing the pathogen reservoir, Peromyscus leucopus. No prior studies have evaluated the efficacy of a fipronil product in controlling ticks parasitizing white-tailed deer.MethodsA pen study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a fipronil deer feed in controlling I. scapularis and A. americanum adult ticks. Individually housed deer (n = 24) were exposed to deer feed containing 0.0025% fipronil (fipronil deer feed) for 48 h and 120 h, and a control group of deer were exposed to an untreated placebo. On post-exposure day 7 and day 21, all deer were parasitized with 20 mating pairs of feeding capsule-enclosed I. scapularis and A. americanum. Post-attachment, engorgement and mortality of ticks were recorded. The concentrations of fipronil in plasma, feces and tissues from euthanized deer were estimated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsThe fipronil deer feed efficaciously controlled ticks parasitizing pen-reared white-tailed deer. Efficacy in reducing survivorship of blood-feeding female I. scapularis exceeded 90% in all instances except for when ticks parasitized 48-h treated deer at day 21 post-exposure (47.2%). Efficacy in reducing survivorship of A. americanum females exceeded 80% in all instances. In the 120-h exposure group there was 100% tick mortality at day 7 post-exposure for both tick species. A significant correlation was observed between reductions in tick survivorship and concentrations of fipronil sulfone in plasma. The results of tissue analysis suggest that a withdrawal period may be needed to allow for fipronil degradation prior to hunting season.ConclusionsThe results provide proof-of-concept for the use of a fipronil-based oral acaricide in controlling two medically important tick species infesting a key reproductive host. A field trial is necessary to confirm the efficacy and toxicology of the product in wild deer populations. Fipronil deer feed may provide a means of controlling multiple tick species parasitizing wild ruminants to be integrated into tick management programs.Graphical

Co-Immunization Efficacy of Recombinant Antigens against Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma anatolicumTick Infestations.

The immunoprophylactic management of ticks is the most effective option to control tick infestations and counter spread the acaricide resistance problem worldwide. Several researchers reported an inconsistent efficacy of the single antigen-based immunization of hosts against different tick species. In the present study, to develop a multi-target immunization protocol, proteins from Rhipicephalus microplus BM86 and Hyalomma anatolicum subolesin (SUB) and tropomyosin (TPM) were targeted to evaluate the cross-protective potential. The sequence identities of the BM86, SUB, and TPM coding genes amongst Indian tick isolates of targeted species were 95.6-99.8%, 98.7-99.6%, and 98.9-99.9%, respectively, while at the predicted amino acid level, the identities were 93.2 to 99.5, 97.6 to 99.4, and 98.2 to 99.3%. The targeted genes were expressed in the eukaryotic expression system, pKLAC2-Kluyveromyces lactis, and 100 µg each of purified recombinant protein (Bm86-89 kDa, SUB-21 kDa, and TPM-36 kDa) mixed with adjuvant was injected individually through the intramuscular route at different sites of the body on days 0, 30, and 60 to immunize cross-bred cattle. Post-immunization, a statistically significant (p < 0.001) antibody response (IgG, IgG1, and IgG2) in comparison to the control, starting from 15 to 140 days, against each antigen was recorded. Following multi-antigen immunization, the animals were challenged twice with the larvae of R. microplus and H. anatolicum and theadults of H. anatolicum, and a significant vaccine efficacy of 87.2% and 86.2% against H. anatolicum larvae and adults, respectively, and 86.7% against R. microplus was obtained. The current study provides significant support to develop a multi-antigen vaccine against cattle tick species.

An invasive human commensal and a native marsupial maintain tick populations at the urban fringe.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are major disease vectors globally making it increasingly important to understand how altered vertebrate communities in urban areas shape tick population dynamics. In urban landscapes of Australia, little is known about which native and introduced small mammals maintain tick populations preventing host-targeted tick management and leading to human-wildlife conflict. Here, we determined (1) larval, nymphal, and adult tick burdens on host species and potential drivers, (2) the number of ticks supported by the different host populations, and (3) the proportion of medically significant tick species feeding on the different host species in Northern Sydney. We counted 3551 ticks on 241 mammals at 15 sites and found that long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta) hosted more ticks of all life stages than other small mammals but introduced black rats (Rattus rattus) were more abundant at most sites (33%-100%) and therefore important in supporting larval and nymphal ticks in our study areas. Black rats and bandicoots hosted a greater proportion of medically significant tick species including Ixodes holocyclus than other hosts. Our results show that an introduced human commensal contributes to maintaining urban tick populations and suggests ticks could be managed by controlling rat populations on urban fringes.

Tick management with one health approach

Tick management with one health approach

Ethanolic Extracts of Datura innoxia Have Promising Acaricidal Activity against Rhipicephalus microplus as It Blocks the Glutathione S-Transferase Activity of the Target Tick.

Rhipicephalus microplus is a major bovine ectoparasite that negatively impacts the cattle industry. The acaricidal activity of Datura innoxia ethanolic plant extract against R. microplus, compared with trichlorfon, was examined using the adult immersion test (AIT), and larval packet test (LPT). In vitro acaricidal activity of the selected plant extract against R. microplus engorged females was evaluated at different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL), and was the same for AIT and LPT. It was further supported by in silico molecular docking of D. innoxia's 21 phytochemicals against the R. microplus Glutathione S-transferases (RmGST) protein's three-dimensional (3D) structure predicted by the trRosetta server. The modeled 3D structure was then evaluated and confirmed with PROCHECK, ERRAT, and Verify3D online servers. To predict the binding mechanisms of these compounds, molecular docking was performed using Auto dock Vina software, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were used to investigate the protein atom's dynamic motion. D. innoxia has a relatively higher inhibitory effect on oviposition (from 9.81% to 45.37%) and total larval mortality (42.33% at 24 h and 93.67% at 48 h) at 40 mg/mL. Moreover, the docking results showed that the chemicals norapoatropine and 7-Hydroxyhyoscyamine have strong interactions with active site residues of the target protein, with a docking score of -7.3 and -7.0 Kcal/mol, respectively. The current work also provided a computational basis for the inhibitors of Glutathione S-transferases that were studied in this research work, and this new knowledge should aid in creating new and effective acaricidal chemicals. Furthermore, this plant extract's acaricide activity and its effect on oviposition and larval mortality were established in this work for the first time, indicating the possible use of this extract in the management of ticks.

Molecular characterization of Hyalomma dromedarii and evaluation of acaricidal potential of herbal methanolic extracts against H. dromedarii larvae in comparison to synthetic acaricides.

The present study had two aims: molecular characterization of Hyalomma dromedarii infesting one-humped camels of Haryana (North India), and assessment of the acaricidal potential of herbal methanolic extracts against H. dromedarii larvae in comparison to synthetic acaricides. Phylogenetics and population neutrality indices were assessed by targeting partial amplification of mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences. Larval packet test (LPT) was performed to evaluate the acaricidal efficacy of herbal extracts (Ferula asafoetida and Trachyspermum ammi) and synthetic acaricides (deltamethrin and fipronil). Phylogenetic studies established the collected ticks to be H. dromedarii, exhibiting a homology of 99.8-100%. However, the present study isolates formed a different sub-clade compared to H. dromedarii sequences from Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity values were indicative of demographic expansion and low gene flow. Negative values of Tajima's D (-0.612) and Fu and Li's Fst (-0.479) highlighted deviations from neutrality and emphasized recent population expansion. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values recorded for T. ammi, F. asafoetida and their combination were 3.68, 2.87 and 2.59mg/mL, respectively, whereas the 90% lethal concentration (LC90) values were 4.09, 3.58 and 3.35mg/mL, respectively. It was also observed that the H. dromedarii population under study was completely susceptible to both the formulated synthetic acaricides. In conclusion, combination of methanolic extracts of F. asafoetida and T. ammi could provide a potential substitute to toxic synthetic chemical acaricides and might prove a valuable component of integrated tick management strategies.

Tick Control in a Connected World: Challenges, Solutions, and Public Policy from a United States Border Perspective.

Ticks are able to transmit the highest number of pathogen species of any blood-feeding arthropod and represent a growing threat to public health and agricultural systems worldwide. While there are numerous and varied causes and effects of changes to tick-borne disease (re)emergence, three primary challenges to tick control were identified in this review from a U.S. borders perspective. (1) Climate change is implicated in current and future alterations to geographic ranges and population densities of tick species, pathogens they can transmit, and their host and reservoir species, as highlighted by Ixodes scapularis and its expansion across southern Canada. (2) Modern technological advances have created an increasingly interconnected world, contributing to an increase in invasive tick species introductions through the increased speed and frequency of trade and travel. The introduction of the invasive Haemaphysalis longicornis in the eastern U.S. exemplifies the challenges with control in a highly interconnected world. (3) Lastly, while not a new challenge, differences in disease surveillance, control, and management strategies in bordering countries remains a critical challenge in managing ticks and tick-borne diseases. International inter-agency collaborations along the U.S.-Mexico border have been critical in control and mitigation of cattle fever ticks (Rhipicephalus spp.) and highlight the need for continued collaboration and research into integrated tick management strategies. These case studies were used to identify challenges and opportunities for tick control and mitigation efforts through a One Health framework.

Economic impact of predominant ticks and tick-borne diseases on Indian dairy production systems

As per 20th livestock census, India possessing 193.46 million cattle and 109.85 million buffaloes in organized and unorganized sectors. These animals are suffering from tick infestation almost throughout the year causing both direct and indirect losses. Repeated use of chemical acaricides for tick management resulted in the establishment of acaricide resistant tick populations, insecticide residues in livestock products and environmental pollution. In the present study, analysis of the data generated during 1990–2021 revealed pooled prevalence of infestations in cattle and buffaloes was 53% [95% CI = 47–60%] and 38% [95% CI = 28–49%], respectively. Based on peripheral blood smear examination the prevalence of theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle is estimated as 17% [95% CI = 12–24%], 4% [95% CI = 3–6%] and 5% [95% CI = 3–7%], respectively, while in buffalo the prevalence of infection is estimated as 7% [95% CI = 2–21%], 2% [95% CI = 0–5%] and 8% [95% CI = 2–36%],respectively.To estimate economic impact, both direct (reduction in milk production, cost of treatment, leather depreciation) and indirect (milk loss and treatment cost) losses were taken into consideration. Loss of milk production was predicted as 13.91, 56.91 and 85.34L/cross-bred cow/lactation in low, moderate and high tick infestation conditions, respectively. Whereas, 20.10, 7.01L milk/buffalo/lactation in Hyalomma spp. and Rhipicephalus spp. infestation was estimated. Similarly,the estimated loss of milk production due to clinical theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis was 57.96, 30.96 and 59.22L, respectively. The cumulative (milk loss, treatment cost and leather loss) loss due to tick infestation was calculated as 46199.31 million INR (USD595.07 million) while due to TBDs 14877.15 million INR (USD191.15 million) = 61076.46 million INR (USD787.63 million). The data provided base line information for the policy maker to develop strategies at government level so that the significantly high cumulative loss of 787.63 million USD due to ticks and tick borne diseases (TTBDs) can be minimized.

In vitro acaricidal activity of Azadirachta indica and Phytolacca dodecandra leaves and their combination on Rhipicephalus (boophilus) decoloratus

Rhipicephalus (boophilus) decoloratus (ticks) are causing great economic loss among the cattle rearers from cattle mortalities and costs during the treatments. Synthetic acaricides have been used for a long time in the management of ticks, however chemical resistance from multiple uses of acaricides as well as contamination of dairy products from these acaricides has caused the urgent need for alternative herbal drugs. This study evaluated in vitro activity of the combination of Phytolacca dodecandra L’Her and Azardirachta indica A. Juss against R. (boophilus) decoloratus (ticks) with a view to developing active, less toxic and non-resistant acaricides. P. dodecandra and A. indica were collected, dried after authentication, pulverised mechanically and extracted with cold water. Ticks were treated with the herbal extracts singly and then in combination with concentrations ranging between 50-100mg/mL of distilled water. The anti-tick activity of P. dodecandra and A. indica was compared with Duodip and Ametix which are synthetic acaricides currently being used by farmers in Western Uganda. Results showed that P. dodecandra extract gave the highest mortality of ticks (65%) compared with A. indica (50%), Duodip (40%) and Ametix (5%) within a period of 12– 48 hours after exposure to the treatment. A combination of the two medicinal plant extracts (50%) did not show any significant difference in tick mortality compared to P. dodecandra. Phytolacca dodecandra has potential benefits thus may be used to obtain a natural eco-friendly acaricide for the management of ticks, however, a combination of the two medicinal herbal extracts has little synergistic effect compared to when P. dodecandra is used alone.

Environmental factors driving fine-scale ixodid tick abundance patterns

Tick abundance is an essential demographic parameter to infer tick-borne pathogen transmission risks. Spatiotemporal patterns of tick abundance are heterogeneous, so its determinants at small spatial scales need to be understood to reduce their negative effects on hosts. Current knowledge of these determinants is scarce, especially in Mediterranean environments, limiting the possibilities for designing efficient tick control strategies. With the goal of unravelling tick abundance determinants and informing new tick management strategies, we estimated tick burdens on 1965 wild ungulates in Doñana National Park, Spain, annually between 2010 and 2020. Under the hypothesis of a predominant host influence on tick abundance, we modelled the burdens of Rhipicephalus annulatus, Hyalomma lusitanicum, and Ixodes ricinus with relevant predictors grouped into four factors: i) environment; ii) host population; iii) host individual; and iv) land-use. Generalized linear mixed models with a zero-inflated negative binomial distribution were built. Additionally, we analysed the differential contribution to abundance of each factor by deviance partitioning. We finally estimated the similarity in the environmental space of tick species by analysing their niche overlap with the environmental principal component analysis method. Our work hypothesis was confirmed for R. annulatus and H. lusitanicum, but we found that tick abundance at a fine spatial scale is jointly driven by multiple drivers, including all four factors considered in this study. This result points out that understanding the demography of ticks is a complex multifactorial issue, even at small spatial scales. We found no niche differences between the three tick species at the study spatial scale, thus showing similar host and environmental dependencies. Overall results identify that host aggregation areas displaying environmentally favourable traits for ticks are relevant tick and vector-borne pathogen transmission hotspots. Our findings will facilitate the design of new strategies to reduce the negative effects of tick parasitism.

In vitro assessment of the acaricidal activity of a carvacrol shampoo on tick larvae

Ticks are a widely distributed arthropod of veterinary importance. Resistance of ticks to synthetic acaricides has become widespread, warranting the development of new drugs for tick management. Carvacrol is a volatile monoterpene, with promising results against various species of ticks; however, to be used for therapeutic purposes, carvacrol must be included in a formulation that makes its application feasible. This study aims to develop a formulation of a carvacrol-containing shampoo that is effective against two species of ticks: Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. microplus. Shampoo sensory characteristics and pH were evaluated at 37, 25 and 5 °C, for a maximum of 15 days. The shampoo remained stable at 25 and 5 °C. The efficacy of the carvacrol-containing formulation against two species of ticks was assessed by the larval immersion test. Mortality of both tick species was significantly higher for the carvacrol shampoo than for a carvacrol hydroalcoholic solution. In conclusion, the carvacrol-containing shampoo showed larvicidal efficacy on ticks.

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) needles and their essential oil kill overwintering ticks (Ixodes scapularis) at cold temperatures

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, vectors Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium that causes Lyme Disease. Although synthetic pesticides can reduce tick numbers, there are concerns about their potential effects on beneficial insects, such as pollinators. Plant-based pest control agents such as essential oils could provide an alternative because they have low environmental persistency; however, these products struggle to provide effective control. We found a new natural acaricide, balsam fir (Abies balsamea) needles, that kill overwintering I. scapularis ticks. We extracted the essential oil from the needles, analyzed its chemical composition, and tested it for acaricidal activity. We placed ticks in tubes with substrate and positioned the tubes either in the field or in incubators simulating winter temperatures. We added balsam fir essential oil, or one of the main components of balsam fir essential oil (i.e., ß-pinene), to each tube. We found that both the oil and ß-pinene kill overwintering ticks. Whole balsam fir needles require several weeks to kill overwintering ticks, while the essential oil is lethal within days at low temperatures (≤ 4 °C). Further, low temperatures increased the efficacy of this volatile essential oil. Higher temperatures (i.e., 20 °C) reduce the acaricidal effectiveness of the essential oil by 50% at 0.1% v/v. Low temperatures may promote the effectiveness of other natural control products. Winter is an overlooked season for tick control and should be explored as a possible time for the application of low toxicity products for successful tick management.

Effect of Metarhizium anisopliae 1 (Ma14 Strain) against Rhipicephalus microplus 2 on Cattle Infested Naturally

Biological control based on entomopathogenic fungi is a promising option for controlling ticks on livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate acaricidal effect of M. anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (Ma14 strain) against R. microplus (Canestrini, 1887) on cattle. Thirty heifers naturally infested with R. microplus were divided into three groups of 10 each. One group was sprayed with Ma14 strain at a concentration of 108 conidia/ml and 0.1% Tween 80, the second was sprayed with M. anisopliae Ma34 strain at the same concentration and considered a positive check. The third group remained a nontreated check. Efficacy of Ma14 was 38.3 to 51.3% from the fourth application to the end of the experiment. The Ma14 strain had considerable efficacy against naturally infesting ticks, which makes it a candidate for use in integrated tick management.

Babesiosis in cattle and ixodid tick distribution in Dasenech and Salamago Districts, southern Ethiopia

Babesiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, and ixodid ticks are considered to be one of the most important causes that result in significant economic losses in cattle production worldwide, including in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Dasenech and Salamago Districts of South Omo zone Ethiopia to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of babesia infection and ixodid ticks of cattle using Giemsa-stained thin and thick film techniques and morphological identification keys for babesia species and tick identification, respectively. Out of 470 examined cattle, 102 (21.7%) were infected by Babesiosis (15.53% Babesia bigemina and 6.17% Babesia bovis). A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between babesia infection and season and tick infestation. However, cattle that were infected with the Babesia parasite revealed a lower mean PCV value (21.49%) than noninfected cattle (28.29%) and showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference with the occurrence of Babesia infection. The overall prevalence of ixodid ticks was 53.8% (253/470) and revealed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the season and origin of the animal. However, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was observed between sex, age, and body condition score of the animal with the occurrence of ixodid tick. A total of 8040 adult ticks belonging to four tick genera, Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus, were collected from various body parts and identified. The high prevalence of Babesia infection and ixodid ticks in cattle at the study sites requires seroprevalence and molecular studies to identify the predominant Babesia species and to detect Babesia in tick hemolymph for the identification of tick genera responsible for the occurrence of Babesia infection. Additionally, tailoring suitable and coordinated tick management methods using chemotherapy as well as strategic treatment to overt clinical cases of bovine babesiosis is critical.

Integrative Alternative Tactics for Ixodid Control.

Simple SummaryHard ticks are important for economic and health reasons, and control has mainly relied upon use of synthetic acaricides. Contemporary development of resistance and concerns relating to health and environmental safety have elicited exploration into alternative tactics for hard tick management. Some examples of alternative tactics involve biological control, desiccant dusts, growth regulators, vaccines, cultural methods, and ingested medications.Ixodids (hard ticks), ectoparasitic arthropods that vector the causal agents of many serious diseases of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, have become increasingly difficult to control because of the development of resistance against commonly applied synthetic chemical-based acaricides. Resistance has prompted searches for alternative, nonconventional control tactics that can be used as part of integrated ixodid management strategies and for mitigating resistance to conventional acaricides. The quest for alternative control tactics has involved research on various techniques, each influenced by many factors, that have achieved different degrees of success. Alternative approaches include cultural practices, ingested and injected medications, biological control, animal- and plant-based substances, growth regulators, and inert desiccant dusts. Research on biological control of ixodids has mainly focused on predators, parasitoid wasps, infective nematodes, and pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Studies on animal-based substances have been relatively limited, but research on botanicals has been extensive, including whole plant, extract, and essential oil effects on ixodid mortality, behavior, and reproduction. The inert dusts kaolin, silica gel, perlite, and diatomaceous earth are lethal to ixodids, and they are impervious to environmental degradation, unlike chemical-based toxins, remaining effective until physically removed.

A Review of Commercial Metarhizium- and Beauveria-Based Biopesticides for the Biological Control of Ticks in the USA.

Simple SummaryMicrobial biopesticides containing entomopathogenic fungi have potential in tick management. In this review, we compiled a comprehensive list of the use of commercialized Metarhizium and Beauveria-based biopesticides in the USA that have been tested against ixodid ticks under laboratory and field conditions and when used as a part of integrated tick management. Despite considerable progress in the development of fungal biopesticides over the past 20 years, the establishment of commercial products available for use against ticks continues to be slow. There is a need for the development of sustainable, nonchemical tick management strategies. Until efficacious fungus-based products become more available, tick management will rely primarily on synthetic chemical acaricides, with natural-product acaricides as the alternative.There is a need for the development of sustainable, nonchemical tick management strategies. Mycoacaricide and mycoinsecticide product development worldwide has focused primarily on fungi in the genera Beauveria (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). Microbial biopesticides containing entomopathogenic fungi have potential in tick management. However, despite considerable progress in the development of fungal biopesticides over the past 20 years, the establishment of commercial products available for use against ticks continues to be slow. We reviewed published scientific literature and compiled a comprehensive list of reports of the effectiveness of commercial biopesticides based on the fungal genera Metarhizium and Beauveria and registered for use in the USA against ixodid ticks under laboratory and field conditions. We also report on results when these biopesticides were used as a part of integrated tick management. Until efficacious fungus-based products become more available, tick management will rely primarily on synthetic chemical acaricides, with natural-product acaricides as the alternative.

A Review of Tick and Tick Control Strategies in Pakistan

Background: In Pakistan, ticks are a major problem for livestock and humans. These can spread a wide range of infections including protozoan, viruses, and bacteria such as spirochetes and rickettsiae. Ticks are found in all ecological and geographic zones of Pakistan. Bovine Babesiosis and Theileriosis have been documented in Pakistan. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral disease that affects those who work with cattle, like slaughterhouse workers, vets, and hospitals. There are at least 40 tick species, mostly Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus. In Pakistan, CCHF is spread by Hyalomma ticks, posing a severe risk to human health. Ticks are most prevalent in the summer (June–September) and goats rather than sheep in Pakistan. Tick-borne infections include Anaplasma, Babesia, and Theileria spp., more common in sheep than goats. In the previous sixteen years, occasional CCHF outbreaks have been documented in Pakistan, with a 24% fatality rate. Mass tick control efforts have been initiated in Punjab and Sind provinces to control tick populations and zoonotic disease spread. These tick control campaigns use a lot of Deltamethrin and Ivermectin. Deltamethrin and Ivermectin can harm the ecosystem and suggested alternate tick control approaches. Deltamethrin can damage the kidneys of insect-eating birds and disrupt the life cycle of aquatic organisms when mixed with stream water. This is because roughly 60%-80% of the whole dose is excreted by the animal and is not metabolized by the animal. Dung deterioration can be hampered by a reduction of dung beetles. Tick control methods have been used for decades worldwide. But only chemical technique is still practised in Pakistan. Each method's efficacy varies with tick number, dispersion, morphology, and host species. Results: The goal of the literature review was to discuss ticks and tick management measures used on domestic animals in Pakistan and offer new and successful techniques. This article reviews the most widely used tick management methods in Pakistan. According to studies, ticks and tick-borne diseases cause significant economic losses to livestock globally. Chemicals (acaricides) are overused to treat ticks on domestic and wild animals. Tickbots, bait boxes, vaccines, natural fauna, and bio-pesticides should be promoted and used to control ticks. Conclusion: The literature concluded that tick and tick-borne diseases are a significant cause of economic losses to the livestock throughout the globe. The chemicals (acaricides) are excessively applied against ticks on domestic and wild animals. Other new techniques like tickbot, bait boxes, the discovery of vaccines, natural fauna and biopesticides should be promoted and applied to control the ticks. These strategies will have an extreme outcome on reducing the tick population. Keywords: Ticks, Ectoparasites, Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Wild animals, Integrated tick management, Pakistan

Behavior of Nymphs and Adults of the Black-Legged Tick Ixodes scapularis and the Lone Star Tick Ambylomma americanum in Response to Thermal Stimuli.

Simple SummaryTicks use heat emitted by warm-blooded animals to orient to potential hosts for blood-feeding. Here we study the behavior of two species, the black-legged tick and the lone star tick, to sources of heat emissions representative of a human host. First, we offered a heat source to females walking on a locomotion compensator (servosphere). While speed, walking distance, displacement and linearity were unaffected by the source of heat, walking trajectories of ticks were aimed toward this thermal source. In a double-choice walking bioassay, both nymphs and adults of both sexes of the lone star tick, but not the black-legged tick, oriented to a thermal source. From a practical standpoint, a source of heat might be used in combination with other, e.g., chemical or visual, signals in strategies aimed at the survey or control of targeted tick species.Ticks use chemical and thermal signals emitted by humans and other vertebrates to locate suitable hosts for a blood meal. Here, we study the behavior of black-legged Ixodes scapularis and the lone star ticks Amblyomma americanum exposed to heat sources held at temperatures near those of vertebrate hosts (32 °C). First, we used a locomotion compensator to test behavioral responses of ticks to an infrared light emitting diode (LED). The servosphere allowed us to measure parameters such as velocity, acceleration, linearity, and orientation. Then a heating element (Peltier) located in one of the extremes of a double-choice vertical rod (flying T), was employed to observe upward movement of the ticks toward such a heat source. While both species oriented toward the LED, only lone star ticks were attracted to the Peltier element while climbing upward. In conclusion, we showed that heat attracted ticks from short distances up to several centimeters on a the servosphere, and those responses differed between the two species of ticks on the flying T. We discuss our results in the context of the ecology of both tick species and their potential in tick survey and management.