Prevalence Of Ticks Research Articles

Assessment of cypermethrin and amitraz resistance and molecular profiling of voltage-gated sodium channel and octopamine tyramine genes of Rhipicephalus microplus.

Control of ticks and tick-borne pathogens is a priority for human and animal health. Livestock-holders extensively rely on acaricide applications for tick control. Different groups of acaricides including cypermethrin and amitraz have been consistently used in Pakistan. There has been a gap in understanding the susceptibility or resistance of Rhipicephalus microplus, the most prevalent tick in Pakistan, to acaricides. The present study aimed to molecularly characterize cypermethrin and amitraz targeted genes such as voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) and octopamine tyramine (OCT/Tyr) of R. microplus ticks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan to monitor the acaricides resistance. Tick specimens were collected from cattle and buffaloes in northern (Chitral, Shangla, Swat, Dir, and Buner), central (Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Swabi, and Nowshera), and southern districts (Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan) of KP, Pakistan. Different concentrations of commercially available cypermethrin (10%) and amitraz (12.5%) were prepared for in vitro larval immersion tests (LIT). In LIT, the average mortality rate of immersed larvae was recorded that was increased gradually with an increase in the concentration of specific acaricide. The larvae's highest mortality rates (94.5% and 79.5%) were observed at 100-ppm of cypermethrin and amitraz, respectively. A subset of 82 R. microplus ticks was subjected to extract genomic DNA, followed by PCR to amplify partial fragments of VGSC (domain-II) and OCT/Tyr genes. The BLAST results of the consensus sequence of VGSC gene (domain-II) showed 100% identity with the acaricides susceptible tick sequence from the United States (reference sequence). Obtained identical sequences of OCT/Tyr genes showed maximum identity (94-100%) with the identical sequences reported from Australia (reference sequence), India, Brazil, Philippines, USA, South Africa, and China. Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (10 synonymous and three non-synonymous) were observed at various positions of partial OCT/Tyr gene fragments. The SNP at position A-22-C (T-8-P) in OCT/Tyr gene has been linked to amitraz resistance in R. microplus ticks. Molecular analysis and LIT bioassay's findings indicate the availability of resistant R. microplus ticks in the KP region. To our understanding, this is the first preliminary study to monitor cypermethrin and amitraz resistance via molecular profiling of cypermethrin and amitraz targeted genes (VGSC and OCT/Tyr) in combination with in vitro bioassays (LIT) in R. microplus ticks from Pakistan.

Study on distribution of Ixodid ticks of cattle in Bedele District, South Western Ethiopia

BackgroundTicks cause substantial losses in cattle production, in terms of diseases, and reduced productivity, and are economically the most important ectoparasites of cattle. MethodsA cross-section study was conducted from January 2022 to August 2022 in the Bedele district to identify genera and species of Ixodid ticks infesting cattle and determine the prevalence concerning host-related factors. Adult ixodid ticks were collected from 384 randomly selected cattle by using forceps and preserved in separate collecting bottles with 70% ethyl alcohol. The collected ticks were identified under stereomicroscope into species based on their morphology. ResultsOut of the 384 cattle examined, 276 (71.9%) were found with being infested by one or more tick species. A total of 3192 ticks were collected and identified. Three genera; namely Amblyomma, Boophilus and Rhipicephalus, and four species (Amb. cohaerence, Boophilus decoloratus, Amb. variegatem, and Rhip. evertsi evertsi) were identified with a prevalence rate of 44.8%, 26.8%, 14.1%, and 14% respectively. The respective prevalence for assessed risk factors was: 71.32%, 68.75%, 74.72%, 72.72%, 82.02%, 68.81%, 72.97%, 69.19%, 75.25%, 72.25%, 71.34%, 72.93%, 67.65%, 75.00% Bedele Town, Haro, Ilike Kararo, Obolo Bachara, Cross Breed, Local Breed, Young, Adult, Old, Male, Female, Poor, Medium, and Good, respectively. Only the association between the breed of cattle is statistically significant in terms of the prevalence of ticks (p < 0.05), and others risk factors (Kebele, age, sex, and body condition) were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Tick species were highly distributed on the udder part with a prevalence of (26.3%) and least in the vulva body region of the cattle (2.3%). ConclusionsThe present study indicated there is a high prevalence of ixodid tick infestation, especially in local cattle breeds, adults, males, poor body condition, and Bedele town. In line with this, further studies on factors affecting tick burden and tick control strategies are recommended.

Transcriptome Profiling of Rhipicephalus annulatus Reveals Differential Gene Expression of Metabolic Detoxifying Enzymes in Response to Acaricide Treatment.

Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites of economic consequence by virtue of being carriers of infectious diseases that affect livestock and other sectors of the agricultural industry. A widely prevalent tick species, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, has been recognized as a prime vector of tick-borne diseases in South Indian regions. Over time, the use of chemical acaricides for tick control has promoted the evolution of resistance to these widely used compounds through metabolic detoxification. Identifying the genes related to this detoxification is extremely important, as it could help detect valid insecticide targets and develop novel strategies for effective insect control. We performed an RNA-sequencing analysis of acaricide-treated and untreated R. (B.) annulatus and mapped the detoxification genes expressed due to acaricide exposure. Our results provided high-quality RNA-sequenced data of untreated and amitraz-treated R. (B.) annulatus, and then the data were assembled into contigs and clustered into 50,591 and 71,711 uni-gene sequences, respectively. The expression levels of the detoxification genes across different developmental stages of R. (B.) annulatu identified 16,635 transcripts as upregulated and 15,539 transcripts as downregulated. The annotations of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed the significant expression of 70 detoxification genes in response to the amitraz treatment. The qRT-PCR revealed significant differences in the gene expression levels across different life stages of R. (B.) annulatus.

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.

The AxBioTick Study: Borrelia Species and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Ticks, and Clinical Responses in Tick-Bitten Individuals on the Aland Islands, Finland.

The AxBioTick study was initiated to investigate the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens and their impact on antibody and clinical responses in tick-bitten individuals on the Aland Islands. This geographical area is hyperendemic for both Lyme borreliosis (LB) and Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Blood samples and ticks were collected from 100 tick-bitten volunteers. A total of 425 ticks was collected, all determined to Ixodes ricinus using molecular tools. Of them 20% contained Borrelia species, of which B. garinii and B. afzelii were most common. None contained the TBE virus (TBEV). Blood samples were drawn in conjunction with the tick bite, and eight weeks later. Sera were analyzed for Borrelia- and TBEV-specific antibodies using an ELISA and a semiquantitative antibody assay. In total 14% seroconverted in Borrelia C6IgG1, 3% in TBEV IgG, and 2% in TBEV IgM. Five participants developed clinical manifestations of LB. The high seroprevalence of both Borrelia (57%) and TBEV (52%) antibodies are likely attributed to the endemic status of the corresponding infections as well as the TBE vaccination program. Despite the similar prevalence of Borrelia spp. detected in ticks in other parts of Europe, the infection rate in this population is high. The AxBioTick study is continuing to investigate more participants and ticks for co-infections, and to characterize the dermal immune response following a tick bite.

Epidemiology and Risk Mapping of hard ticks (Ixodidae) infecting Small Ruminants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) cause a negative impact on animal health and production globally. Because of the transhumant production system of sheep and goats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, registration and tracking system of animals is not possible, which is a prerequisite for the development of early warning systems for any outbreak of TBDs. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the district-wise surveillance and risk mapping to find the epidemiological profile of tick infestation in small ruminants from KP, Pakistan. Ticks (n=6257) were collected from the six selected districts from May 2017- April 2018. A total of 1500 animals (goats=618 and sheep=881) were screened for the presence of ticks on different host predilection sites. A questionnaire depicting epidemiological information was filled, and a geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the risk areas. The study identified six tick species namely, Rhiphicephalus (R.) microplus, Hyalomma (H.) trancatum, H. anatolicum, H. aegyptium, H. asiaticum, and Haemaphysalis bispinosa. The tick prevalence in study districts was 16% in Peshawar, 15.67% Mardan, 12.8% Bannu, 18% Mansehra, 15.67% Mingora, and 21.87% in Dera Ismail Khan. R. microplus was only prevalent in Peshawar (36.18 %) and in Dera Ismail Khan (63.81 %) districts, while Haemaphysalis bispinosa and H. aegyptium were only recorded in Mardan. The intensity of Hyalomma spp. was recorded at 62.92 % followed by Rhipicephalus spp., 36.55%, and Haemaphysalis spp., 1.15%. Hyalomma spp. showed the highest prevalence on all host predilection sites viz: ears (62.2 %), groin areas (60.8%), under the tail (61.9 %), testicular areas (63.2 %), breast (64.5 %), and in hooves (64.7%) as compared to Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis species. Similarly, in sheep and goats, the adult ticks were more prevalent in age group 1-2 years (83.28% and 68.98%) followed by &lt; 1 year of age group (82% and 68.89%), respectively. The results revealed high female (61.9%) tick infestation as compared to male ticks (38.1%), whereas the highest female to male tick ratio was 1.77:1 in Haemaphysalis species. The GIS map demonstrated that the degree of tick infestation varied within districts and villages. In conclusion, results recorded that economically vital ticks are extensively distributed all over the KP province and cost-effective control studies are needed to minimize the spread of tick-borne diseases.

Effective Methods of Estimation of Pathogen Prevalence in Pooled Ticks.

Since tick-borne diseases (TBDs) incidence, both in human and animal populations, is increasing worldwide, there is the need to assess the presence, distribution and prevalence of tick-borne pathogens. Reliable estimates on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) prevalence represent the public health foundation to create risk maps and take effective prevention and control actions against TBDs. Tick surveillance consists of collecting and testing (usually in pools) thousands of specimens. Construction and analysis of tick pools represent a challenge due to the complexity of tick-borne pathogens and tick-borne diseases ecology. The aim of this study is to provide a practical guideline on appropriate pooling strategies and statistical analysis of infection prevalence through: (i) reporting the different pooling strategies and statistical methodologies commonly used to calculate pathogen prevalence in tick populations and (ii) practical comparison between statistical methods utilising a real dataset of infection prevalence in ticks collected in Northern Italy. Reporting detailed information on tick pool composition and size is as important as the correct TBPs prevalence estimation. Among the prevalence indexes, we suggest using maximum-likelihood estimates of pooled prevalence instead of minimum infection rate or pool positivity rate given the merits of the method and availability of software.

Prevalence, seasonal dynamics and associated variables of ixodid tick cattle infestation in Gondar, northwestern Ethiopia

Ticks are ectoparasites that impact the health and productivity in farm animals. They are also important vectors for pathogens transmitted to animals and humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 with the objectives of determining the prevalence, identifying genera and seasonal dynamics of adult ixodid ticks infesting cattle in and around Gondar, northwestern Ethiopia. Pearson Chi-square Test was used to evaluate the association of tick prevalence with explanatory variables. One way analysis of variance was used to compare mean tick density of cattle with the explanatory variables. The overall prevalence of cattle ixodid tick infestation was found to be 65.8% (95% CI = 60.0–71.2%). The effect of breed, sex, age and body condition score on tick prevalence was investigated. However, only the body condition score of study animals was found to have statistically significant effect on the prevalence of tick infestation. Monthly analysis of tick infestation showed statistically significant variation (χ2 = 36.17, p = 0.00) during the study period (November 2018 – April 2019). The highest monthly prevalence was recorded in March (85.0%), and the least in February (42.0%). A comparison of the tick prevalence across seasons showed statistically significant differences (χ = 34.10, p = 0.00), being highest (82.5%) during the short rainy season. During the study period, a total of 3796 adult ixodid ticks were collected from different body regions of the study animals. Three ixodid tick genera were identified, with the genus Rhipicephalus being the most prevalent (n = 2122 (55.9%) of the total adult ticks (3796). The overall mean tick density per host for all genera was 12.78 ticks, with a marked difference in tick density during the three study seasons. The highest MTD was recorded during the short rainy season (MTD = 18.58), (F = 19.71, p < 0.05). The present study has shown that ticks are highly prevalent in the study area. Therefore, an appropriate tick control program should be designed and implemented.

Study on Identification and Prevalence of Ixodid Ticks Genera Infestation in Cattle in the Case of Areka District, Wolaita Zone, and Southern Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to July 2022 to determine the prevalence and identify major ixodid ticks of cattle and associated risk factors in the case of Areka District, Woliata Zone, and Southern Ethiopia. Standard physical and direct stereomicroscopy techniques were employed for identification of tick genera. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared test analyses were used for data analysis and P < 0.05 was considered as significant. During the study period, a sample of 384 local breed cattle's were taken by random selection and a total of 683 adult ixodid ticks were collected from different body parts of infested animals. Among 384 examined animals, 275 (71.6%; 95% CI: 62.8-80.4) animals were infested with one or more ixodid tick genera. In current study, the major ixodid tick genera infesting cattle were Ambylomma (32.2%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) (30%), Haylomma (16.8%), and Rhipicephalus (21%), and most of the genera preferred dewlap and sternum body part of animal for attachment. Out of 184 male and 200 female cattle examined, 144 males (78.3%) and 131 females (65.5%) were positive for one or more adult ixodid tick genera. The difference also found statically significant (P < 0.05). The overall prevalence of hard tick's infestation was statistically significant (P < 0.05) across the age, origin, and body condition of cattle. In conclusion, the high level of prevalence of hard ticks infestation in the present study represent the most important problems of cattle and detrimental to production. According to this finding, it is recommended that owners who keep cattle should practice good management and regular deworming using acaricides and it is also important to create awareness among livestock owners about the veterinary importance of ticks for the integrated tick control.

Anaplasma and Ehrlichia Species in Ixodidae Ticks Collected from Two Regions of Bulgaria.

The aim of the study was to determine prevalence of Anaplasmataceae-infected ticks in the Black Sea Coast and the Pleven regions of Bulgaria. A total of 350 ticks from different tick species were collected. Two hundred fifty-five ticks were removed from dogs in the Black Sea Coast region, and 95 Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected by flagging vegetation with a white flannel cloth in two areas in the region of Pleven. After the DNA isolation of the ticks, a genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to identify Anaplasmataceae. Second PCRs were performed with species-specific primers to identify Ehrlichia canis (E. canis) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum). The results showed that 26.9% of the Ixodes ricinus ticks were infected with Anaplasmataceae in the Black Sea Coast region and 36.8% in the Pleven region. The infection with E. canis was detected in 35.7% and A. phagocytophilum in 25.0% of positive ticks from the Black Sea Coast region. In the Pleven region, 22.9% of ticks were positive for E. canis, while 42.9% were positive for A. phagocytophilum. The molecular identification of E. canis in ticks collected from Bulgaria was performed for the first time. In conclusion, the present study revealed a higher prevalence of ticks infected with Anaplasmataceae, particularly A. phagocytophilum, in the Pleven region than in the Black Sea Coast region.

Nucleic Acid Prevalence of Zoonotic Babesia in Humans, Animals and Questing Ticks, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Zoonotic Babesia infections are an emerging public health threat globally. The geographical distribution, animal reservoirs and tick vectors vary greatly across Babesia species, and estimations of prevalence reported in works within the literature are also quite different. Better prevalence estimates and identification of moderators are needed to understand the global transmission risk of different zoonotic Babesia species, and to provide crucial background information for the diagnosis, treatment and control of zoonotic babesiosis. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global nucleic acid prevalence of different zoonotic Babesia species in humans, animals and ticks. Relevant publications were obtained from several electronic databases and grey literature up to December 2021. Articles were included if they were published in English or Chinese and reported the nucleic acid prevalence of zoonotic Babesia species in humans, animals or ticks. The pooled estimates of prevalence were determined using a random effect model. Heterogeneity was investigated using subgroup analyses and random effect meta-regression models. Results: Of 3205 unique studies, 28 were included by the systematic review of zoonotic Babesia for humans, 79 for animals and 104 for ticks. The results showed overall pooled estimates of nucleic acid prevalence for the following: B. microti-1.93% (0.32-4.69%) in humans; B. microti-7.80% (5.25-10.77%), B. divergens-2.12% (0.73-4.08%) and B. venatorum-1.42% (0.30-3.16%) in animals; and B. microti-2.30% (1.59-3.13%), B. divergens-0.16% (0.05-0.32%), and B. venatorum-0.39% (0.26-0.54%) in questing ticks. The type of population, animal reservoir or tick vector, detecting method and continent were moderators possibly associated with heterogeneity, yet the remaining heterogeneity that was not explained was still substantial (all QE p values < 0.05). Conclusions:B. microti is the most prevalent and widely distributed zoonotic Babesia species globally. The wide range of suitable animal reservoirs and potential transmission vectors and high prevalence in animals and ticks may contribute to the worldwide distribution of B. microti. Other zoonotic Babesia species were relatively less prevalent and were reported in quite limited areas.

What Influences the Prevalence and Intensity of Haemoparasites and Ectoparasites in an Insular Lizard?

Island biogeography theories predict that characteristics such as island size, age, and isolation interplay in host-parasite dynamics. In this study, we analyzed haemogregarines of the Aegean wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii, to investigate how island characteristics relate to parasite prevalence and intensity. A previous assessment of 19 Greek island populations suggested that isolation time and host population density were key predictors of haemogregarines. Here, by combining microscopy and genetic techniques, we extend this previous study to four additional islands: Syros, Folegandros, Santorini and Nea Kameni. We also recorded the prevalence of ticks and mites, definitive hosts for these parasites. The genetically identified haemogregarines are part of a clade with parasites from other lizard species, including some considered as Karyolysus, but others assigned to Hepatozoon. The prevalence of these parasites differed significantly between islands, while their intensity did not. The presence of ticks was associated with endoparasite prevalence, and males were more frequently infected by haemogregarines than females. Combining our data with that of the previous study, we found no significant impact of the island age and area on parasite prevalence. We also confirmed the presence of the unrelated parasite genus Schellackia through microscopy and DNA sequencing, which is the first record of this genus in this host species. Our results further highlight the complexity of host-parasite systems.

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and diversity of its outer surface protein C (ospC) alleles in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in Delaware

Characterizing the diversity of genes associated with virulence and transmission of a pathogen across the pathogen's distribution can inform our understanding of host infection risk. Borrelia burgdorferi is a vector-borne bacterium that causes Lyme disease in humans and is common in the United States. The outer surface protein C (ospC) gene of B. burgdorferi exhibits substantial genetic variation across the pathogen's distribution and plays a critical role in virulence and transmission in vertebrate hosts. In fact, B. burgdorferi infections that disseminate across host tissues in humans are associated with only a subset of ospC alleles. Delaware has a high incidence of Lyme disease, but the diversity of ospC in B. burgdorferi in the state has not been evaluated. We used PCR to amplify ospC in B. burgdorferi-infected blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in sites statewide and used short-read sequencing to identify ospC alleles. B. burgdorferi prevalence in blacklegged ticks varied across sites, but not significantly so. We identified 15 previously characterized ospC alleles accounting for nearly all of the expected diversity of alleles across the sites as estimated using the Chao1 index. Nearly 40% of sequenced infections (23/58) had more than one ospC allele present suggesting mixed strain infections and the relative frequencies of alleles in single infections were positively correlated with their relative frequencies in mixed infections. Turnover of ospC alleles was positively related to distance between sites with closer sites having more similar allele compositions than more distant sites. This suggests a degree of B. burgdorferi dispersal limitation or habitat specialization. OspC alleles known to cause disseminated infections in humans were found at the highest frequencies across sites, corresponding to Delaware's high incidence of Lyme disease.

Identification and prevalence of ticks on Merino sheep in Lesotho.

For over a decade, export of wool accounted for 58.3% of agricultural exports from Lesotho. Even though the sheep subsector contributes significantly to the economy, its development is hampered by different constraints. One of the most important constraints of sheep production is poor animal health due to widespread diseases including those caused by ticks. This study aimed to identify tick species parasitizing sheep and to determine whether tick prevalence on sheep was influenced by agroecological zone, sheep age, and seasonality. Ticks were collected from 720 sheep in the four agroecological zones of Lesotho, namely lowlands, foothills, Senqu River Valley, and highlands, during December 2018-May 2019. Ticks were picked from their sites of attachment then taken to the laboratory for identification to species level. No ticks were found on the sheep examined from the highlands and, as a result, this agroecological zone was excluded from further analysis. The following five tick species, with their overall prevalence, were identified: Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (38.0%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (1.6%), Hyalomma rufipes (1.0%), Otobius megnini (1.0%), and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (0.3%). Four of the species were hard ticks (Family Ixodidae). The only soft tick species found was O. megnini (Family Agarsidae). Tick prevalence was influenced by seasonality that varied across agroecological zones. Foothills and lowlands had highest tick prevalence in December and January, respectively, and lowest prevalence in February and May, respectively, whereas Senqu River Valley had highest tick prevalence in May and lowest in March. The age of the sheep did not significantly influence prevalence of tick infestation.

The First Nationwide Surveillance of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Ruminants and Wildlife in Taiwan.

Since the first discovery of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in China in 2009, SFTSV has rapidly spread through other Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Pakistan, in chronological order. Taiwan reported its first discovery of SFTSV in sheep and humans in 2020. However, the prevalence of SFTSV in domestic and wildlife animals and the geographic distribution of the virus within the island remain unknown. A total of 1324 animal samples, including 803 domestic ruminants, 521 wildlife animals and 47 tick pools, were collected from March 2021 to December 2022 from 12 counties and one terrestrial island. The viral RNA was detected by a one-step real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Overall, 29.9% (240/803) of ruminants showed positive SFTSV RNA. Sheep had the highest viral RNA prevalence of 60% (30/50), followed by beef cattle at 28.4% (44/155), goats at 28.3% (47/166), and dairy cows at 27.5% (119/432). The bovine as a total of dairy cow and beef cattle was 27.8% (163/587). The viral RNA prevalence in ticks (predominantly Rhipicephalus microplus) was similar to those of ruminants at 27.7% (13/47), but wild animals exhibited a much lower prevalence at 1.3% (7/521). Geographically the distribution of positivity was quite even, being 33%, 29.1%, 27.5% and 37.5% for northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan, respectively. Statistically, the positive rate of beef cattle in the central region (55.6%) and dairy cattle in the eastern region (40.6%) were significantly higher than the other regions; and the prevalence in Autumn (September-November) was significantly higher than in the other seasons (p < 0.001). The nationwide study herein revealed for the first time the wide distribution and high prevalence of SFTSV in both domestic animals and ticks in Taiwan. Considering the high mortality rate in humans, surveillance of other animal species, particularly those in close contact with humans, and instigation of protective measures for farmers, veterinarians, and especially older populations visiting or living near farms or rural areas should be prioritized.

Regional dynamics of tick vectors of human disease.

The expansion of tick-borne diseases challenges ecologists, epidemiologists, and public health professionals to understand the mechanisms underlying its emergence. The vast majority of tick-borne disease research emphasizes Ixodes spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi, with less known about other Ixodidae ticks that serve as vectors for an increasing number of pathogens of public health concern. Here, we review and discuss the current knowledge of tick and tick-borne pathogens in an undersurveilled region of the United States. We discuss how landscape shifts may potentially influence tick vector dynamics and expansion. We also discuss the impact of climate change on the phenology of ticks and subsequent disease transmission. Increased efforts in the Central Plains to conduct basic science will help understand the patterns of tick distribution and pathogen prevalence. It is crucial to develop intensive datasets that may be used to generate models that can aid in developing mitigation strategies.

Assessment of knowledge and attitudes, prevalence of Hard ticks among goat and cattle in Kech District, Balochistan

Assessment of knowledge and attitudes, prevalence of Hard ticks among goat and cattle in Kech District, Balochistan

Effects of Neighborhood-Scale Acaricidal Treatments on Infection Prevalence of Blacklegged Ticks (Ixodes scapularis) with Three Zoonotic Pathogens.

Acaricides are hypothesized to reduce human risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens by decreasing the abundance and/or infection prevalence of the ticks that serve as vectors for the pathogens. Acaricides targeted at reservoir hosts such as small mammals are expected to reduce infection prevalence in ticks by preventing their acquisition of zoonotic pathogens. By reducing tick abundance, reservoir-targeted or broadcast acaricides could reduce tick infection prevalence by interrupting transmission cycles between ticks and their hosts. Using an acaricide targeted at small-mammal hosts (TCS bait boxes) and one sprayed on low vegetation (Met52 fungal biocide), we tested the hypotheses that infection prevalence of blacklegged ticks with zoonotic pathogens would be more strongly diminished by TCS bait boxes, and that any effects of both acaricidal treatments would increase during the four years of deployment. We used a masked, placebo-controlled design in 24 residential neighborhoods in Dutchess County, New York. Analyzing prevalence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti in 5380 nymphal Ixodes scapularis ticks, we found little support for either hypothesis. TCS bait boxes did not reduce infection prevalence with any of the three pathogens compared to placebo controls. Met52 was associated with lower infection prevalence with B. burgdorferi compared to placebo controls but had no effect on prevalence of infection with the other two pathogens. Although significant effects of year on infection prevalence of all three pathogens were detected, hypothesized cumulative reductions in prevalence were observed only for B. burgdorferi. We conclude that reservoir-targeted and broadcast acaricides might not generally disrupt pathogen transmission between reservoir hosts and tick vectors or reduce human risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens.

Hybrids of Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks effectively acquire and transmit tick-borne encephalitis virus.

Ixodes rici nus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks are the main vectors of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which has three main subtypes connected with certain tick species: the European subtype, associated with I. ricinus, and the Siberian and Far-Eastern subtypes, associated with I. persulcatus. Distribution ranges of these species overlap and form large sympatric areas in the East European Plain and Baltic countries. It has previously been shown that crossing of I. ricinus and I. persulcatus is possible, with the appearance of sterile hybrids. Hybridization of ticks can affect not only the spread of ticks but also the properties of natural foci of arbovirus infections, in particular TBEV. In the present study, we analyzed the effectiveness of virus transmission from infected mice to larvae and nymphs and trans-stadial transmission (from larvae to nymph and adult) in I. ricinus, I. persulcatus, and hybrids. For this purpose, we bred a hybrid generation from the crossing of I. persulcatus females and I. ricinus males, and we used the Siberian and European subtypes of TBEV. We showed that after feeding on infected mice, virus prevalence in engorged ticks decreased over time, and after molting, the opposite was true. In hybrids we observed the highest acquisition effectiveness and RNA copy numbers during Siberian TBEV subtype transmission. The efficiency of trans-stadial transmission of both TBEV subtypes was similar in hybrids and parental species. After the second trans-stadial TBEV transmission, a significant increase in ticks' infection rates was observed only in specific subtype-tick combination. Our data demonstrate the possible features of TBEV circulation in the I. ricinus and I. persulcatus sympatry area.

Molecular Prevalence of Anaplasma Marginale in Cattle and Identification of Rhipicephalus, Boophilus, Hyalomma, And Amblyomma Ticks from District Mirpurkhas and Hyderabad

Introduction: Anaplasma marginal is a rickettsial organism and is the causative agent in cattle anaplasmosis. This Parasite attacks the red blood cells after infection of sensitive bovine and is transmitted by ticks. Methodology: The study was aimed to detect Anaplasma marginale through PCR the prevalence of four genera (Rhipicephalus, Boophilus, Hyalomma, and Amblyomma) of ticks, twelve hundred animals were observed, 560 samples of blood randomly taken from cattle that possesses ticks on their body and these samples were shifted to the Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. The infected cattle exhibited clinical signs such as Temperature, decrease in appetite, nausea, and chills. The study was conducted over a period of one year from November 2020 to November 2021. Results: The results of the study showed a high rate of Anaplasma infection (88.33%) and a prevalence of ticks at Mirpurkhas. Month-wise data reveals that the maximum infection was shown in the month of June and the minimum in the month of November at District Mirpurkhas, while at Hyderabad, the month-wise data indicates the Maximum infection rate in the month of May, and the minimum infection was found in the month of November. Conclusion: Ticks collected from two districts of Mirpurkhas and Hyderabad proceeded for identification of Tick’s genus, and the mostly ticks which were infested on animals concerned with the Hyalomma genus (26.11%) Amblyomma genus (25.37%), Boophilus genus (24.62%), and Rhipicephalus genus (23.88%).