Spread Of Ticks Research Articles

Wild birds as hosts of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and Anaplasmataceae (Rickettsiales) in the Atlantic rainforest ecoregion, Argentina

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the presence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia species infecting wild birds and their associated ticks in two localities: Moconá Provincial Park (MPP) and Piñalito Provincial Park (PPP), within the Atlantic rainforest ecoregion of Argentina. A total of 142 birds were captured representing 34 species, 28 genera, 15 families and five orders. Ticks were collected from 33 of these birds, comprising 19 species, 14 genera and one order. A total of 59 ticks were collected and identified as Amblyomma calcaratum (13 larvae and four nymphs), Amblyomma longirostre (31 larvae and four nymphs), Amblyomma ovale (one larva and one nymph) and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (five larvae). All samples were screened for detection of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Four bird species tested positive for Anaplasmataceae, with three closely related to Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species previously reported in A. calcaratum adults from a site 15 km away from MPP. The fourth Anaplasmataceae agent was phylogenetically related to Ehrlichia strains reported in Amblyomma triste from the Delta and Parana Islands ecoregion. Additionally, two Rickettsia species were detected and molecularly identified within ticks collected from birds: Rickettsia amblyommatis in A. longirostre larvae and Rickettsia rhipicephali in H. leporispalustris larvae. These findings suggest that birds may play a significant role in the spread of ticks and their associated tick‐borne pathogens across diverse biomes.

Blood Parasitic Diseases of Cattle in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan

The result of a study on the distribution of parasitosis in cattle in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan is presented. In a study of 422 heads of cattle, parasite carriage reached 73%. Increased infestation is observed in lowland and foothill areas. The most common species are Theileria annulata(65.6%) and Anaplasma marginale(14.9%). To combat blood-parasitic diseases in the Republic, it is necessary to determine the type of blood-parasitic diseases, study the species composition of ixodid ticks and seasonal periods of parasitism, the reasons for the spread of ticks. In conclusion, a number of practical measures for the prevention of blood parasitic diseases are proposed.

Molecular identification of cattle ticks in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana: a high occurrence of Rhipicephalus microplus.

Ticks are competent vectors of a wide range of pathogens. They are of veterinary and public health importance as they affect both animal and human health. Transhumance and the transboundary movements of cattle within the West African Sub-region have facilitated the spread of ticks which threatens the introduction of invasive species. Currently, Rhipicephalus microplus have been identified in the Upper East Region of Ghana which could mean a wider distribution of the species across the country due to livestock trade. This study focused on three sites in the Greater Accra Region, which serves as the gateway to receiving most of the cattle transported from the northern regions of Ghana. Ticks were sampled from August 2022 in the wet season to January 2023 in the dry season. Three tick genera were identified: Amblyomma (19.5%), Hyalomma (1.1%), and Rhipicephalus (79.3%) from the 1,489 feeding ticks collected from cattle. Furthermore, Rhipicephalus microplus, Hyalomma rufipes and Amblyomma variegatum were identified molecularly using primers that target the mitochondrial COI gene. There was a significant association between the tick species and seasons (p < 0.001). Finding R. microplus in this study indicates the extent of the spread of this invasive tick species in Ghana and highlights the need for efficient surveillance systems and control measures within the country.

Monitoring of the epizootic situation of tick infestation in the territory of Stavropol

This problem is also relevant for urbanized cases, especially for the southern regions of the country, where there are cases of spread of ticks. Research on the basis of the Department of Parasitology and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise, Anatomy and Pathology named after prof. S. N. Nikolsky and the Scientific, Diagnostic and Treatment Veterinary Center of the FGBOU HE "Stavropol State Agrarian University", as well as on the basis of the veterinary clinic IP Zaichenko "Veterinary Center named after. Pirogov. The object of the study was ixodid ticks of the genera Dermacentor and Ixodes, seized using a specialized trap, as well as seized with dogs in veterinary clinics during the acceptance. The study showed that two main types of ixodid ticks are widespread in the city of Stavropol: Demacentor and Ixodes. According to the results of research in 2022, female ticks of the genus Dermacentor identified 54% of the total number of adults, males - 46%. Female ticks of the genus Ixodes accounted for 61% of the total number of adults, males - 39%. The spring peak of activity in 2023 showed that female ticks of the genus Dermacentor were identified in the amount of 102 individuals, males - 78 individuals. Female ticks of the genus Ixodes accounted for 53% of the total number of adults, males - 47%. Thus, it has been established that the most widespread distribution of ixodid ticks takes place in the Industrial District of Stavropol, the distribution of alleys, forest zones and walking areas with the coverage of the species of ticks of the genus Dermacentor, is 79% of the total number of captured ectoparasites.

Survey of Tick-Borne Zoonotic Agents in Ixodes Ticks Carried by Wild Passerines during Postbreeding Migration through Italy

Recently, increasing attention has been posed on the role of migrating birds in the spread of ticks and indirectly of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). Despite, Italy is considered a bridge between continental Europe and North Africa and a necessary path to connect Mediterranean countries, few studies have been conducted on ticks collected from birds migrating through this country and associated TBPs. The aims of this research were to estimate the infestation burden and identify tick species feeding on migratory birds, and perform a molecular screening for TBPs. During autumn migration (2019–2020), birds were inspected for ticks in a ringing station located in north-east Italy. Ticks were identified and screened for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu latu, Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Neoehrlichia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Bartonella spp. Ixodes ticks (n = 209) were feeding on 2.6% of passerines (88/3411). Most of these (208/209) were Ixodes ricinus, except one Ixodes frontalis. Eight bird species were infested: common blackbird, redwing, brambling, song thrush, common chaffinch, European robin, water pipit, and coal tit. Rickettsiales showed a low prevalence, from 1.4% of Ehrlichia spp., 4.3% of A. phagocytophilum, up to 7.2% of Rickettsia spp.. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. had the highest prevalence, 54.6%, and several zoonotic genotypes were identified: B. garinii, B. valaisiana, B. afzeli, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, and B. miyamotoi. All specimens were negative for TBEV and Bartonella spp.. Although the tick burden was generally low, most of the vectors (&gt;60%) were positive for at least one pathogen, highlighting the relevance of a continuous monitoring of migrating birds as potential sources of pathogen dispersal.

Impact of endosymbionts on tick physiology and fitness.

Ticks transmit pathogens and harbour non-pathogenic, vertically transmitted intracellular bacteria termed endosymbionts. Almost all ticks studied to date contain 1 or more of Coxiella, Francisella, Rickettsia or Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii endosymbionts, indicative of their importance to tick physiology. Genomic and experimental data suggest that endosymbionts promote tick development and reproductive success. Here, we review the limited information currently available on the potential roles endosymbionts play in enhancing tick metabolism and fitness. Future studies that expand on these findings are needed to better understand endosymbionts’ contributions to tick biology. This knowledge could potentially be applied to design novel strategies that target endosymbiont function to control the spread of ticks and pathogens they vector.

Tick Species Diversity and Molecular Identification of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae Collected from Migratory Birds Arriving from Africa.

The role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens along their routes from Africa to Europe is increasingly emerging. Wild birds can host several tick species, often infected by bacteria responsible for zoonoses. The aim of the study is to assess the possible introduction of exotic ticks carried by migratory birds into Italy from Africa and to detect the presence of Rickettsia species and Coxiella burnetii they may harbor. During a two-year survey, we collected ticks from migratory birds captured during their short stop-over on Ventotene Island. Specimens were first identified by morphology or sequencing molecular targets when needed, and then tested by real-time PCR for the presence of selected pathogens. A total of 91% of the collection consisted of sub-Saharan ticks, more than 50% of which were infected by Rickettsia species belonging to the spotted fever group, mainly represented by R. aeschlimannii. In contrast, the suspected C. burnetii detected in two soft ticks were confirmed as Coxiella-like endosymbionts and not the pathogen. Although there are still gaps in the knowledge of this dispersal process, our findings confirm the role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, suggesting the need for a continuous surveillance to monitor the potential emergence of new diseases in Europe.

Winter activity of questing ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus) in Germany − Evidence from quasi-natural tick plots, field studies and a tick submission study

Changing climatic conditions and other anthropogenic influences have altered tick distribution, abundance and seasonal activity over the last decades. In Germany, the two most important tick species are Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus, the latter of which has expanded its range across the country during the past three decades. While I. ricinus was rarely found during the colder months in the past, D. reticulatus is known to be active at lower temperatures. To quantify tick appearance during winter, specimens were monitored in quasi-natural tick plots three times a week. Additionally, the questing activities of these two tick species were observed throughout the year at nine field collection sites that were regularly sampled by the flagging method from April 2020 to April 2022. Furthermore, tick winter activity in terms of host infestation was analysed as part of a nationwide submission study from March 2020 to October 2021, in which veterinarians sent in ticks mainly collected from dogs and cats. All three study approaches showed a year-round activity of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus in Germany. During the winter months (December to February), on average 1.1% of the inserted I. ricinus specimens were observed at the tops of rods in the tick plots. The average questing activity of I. ricinus amounted to 2 ticks/100 m² (range: 1-17) in the flagging study, and 32.4% (211/651) of ticks found infesting dogs and cats during winter 2020/21 were I. ricinus. On average 14.7-20.0% of the inserted D. reticulatus specimens were observed at the tops of rods in the tick plots, while the average winter questing activity in the field study amounted to 23 specimens/100 m² (range: 0-62), and 49.8% (324/651) of all ticks collected from dogs and cats during winter 2020/21 were D. reticulatus. Additionally, the hedgehog tick Ixodes hexagonus was found to infest dogs and cats quite frequently during the winter months, accounting for 13.2% (86/651) of the collected ticks. A generalized linear mixed model identified significant correlations of D. reticulatus winter activity in quasi-natural plots with climatic variables. The combined study approaches confirmed a complementary main activity pattern of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus with climate change-driven winter activity of both species. Milder winters and a decrease of snowfall, and consequently high winter activity of D. reticulatus, among other factors, may have contributed to the rapid spread of this tick species throughout the country. Therefore, an effective year-round tick control is strongly recommended to not only efficiently protect dogs and cats with outdoor access from ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), but also to limit the further geographical spread of ticks and TBPs to so far non-endemic regions. Further measures, including information of the public, are necessary to protect both, humans and animals, in a One Health approach.

Serological screening for tick-borne encephalitis virus in eight Norwegian herds of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus).

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is found in Ixodes ricinus ticks throughout the area where viable tick populations exist. In Norway, TBEV is found in I. ricinus from the south coast until Brønnøy municipality in Nordland County and the range of the vector is expanding due to changes in climate, vegetation, host animals and environmental conditions. TBEV might thus have the potential to establish in new areas when I. ricinus expand its geographical distribution. At present, there is little knowledge on the status of the virus in high-altitude areas of inland regions in Norway. It has previously been indicated that reindeer may be an important sentinel species and indicator of the spread of ticks and TBEV in high-altitude regions. In this study, 408 semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) from eight herds, from Tana in Troms and Finnmark County in northern Norway to Filefjell in Innlandet and Viken Counties in southern Norway, were screened for TBEV antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found 16 TBEV reactive reindeer samples by ELISA; however, these results could not be confirmed by the serum neutralization test (SNT). This could indicate that a flavivirusand not necessarily TBEV, may be circulating among Norwegian semi-domesticated reindeer. The results also indicate that TBEV was not enzootic in Norwegian semi-domesticated reindeer in 2013-2015. This knowledge is important as an information base for future TBEV and flavivirus surveillance in Norway.

Morphological and Molecular Detection of Hard Ticks in Stray Cats in Mosul city, Iraq.

The results of the study showed the infestation rate of ticks in stray cats was 52.22% one type of hard tick was diagnosed Rhipicephalus sanguineus it was relied on the macroscopic examination and PCR technique was used for the existing species. The study recorded a high rate of infection in animals of age groups younger than one year with a significant difference depending on age and no significant difference was recorded in the infestation rate between males and female cats. The study also showed the spread of ticks in separate areas of the animal’s body, where it was noted that the highest area of tick presence was in the ear and the back with an infection rate of 80.9% and 68.1%, respectively, while the lowest percentage of ticks was around the perianal and tail with an infection rate was 19.1%. The study also recorded a high rate of infection in the hot months with a significant difference in the percentage of infection depending on the months of the study

Identification and Characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus ATAQ Homolog from Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks and Its Immunogenic Potential as an Anti-Tick Vaccine Candidate Molecule.

Although vaccines are one of the environmentally friendly means to prevent the spread of ticks, there is currently no commercial vaccine effective against Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks. In this study, we identified, characterized, localized, and evaluated the expression patterns, and tested the immunogenic potential of a homologue of Rhipicephalus microplus ATAQ in H. longicornis (HlATAQ). HlATAQ was identified as a 654 amino acid-long protein present throughout the midgut and in Malpighian tubule cells and containing six full and one partial EGF-like domains. HlATAQ was genetically distant (homology < 50%) from previously reported ATAQ proteins and was expressed throughout tick life stages. Its expression steadily increased (p < 0.001) during feeding, reached a peak, and then decreased slightly with engorgement. Silencing of HlATAQ did not result in a phenotype that was significantly different from the control ticks. However, H. longicornis female ticks fed on a rabbit immunized with recombinant HlATAQ showed significantly longer blood-feeding periods, higher body weight at engorgement, higher egg mass, and longer pre-oviposition and egg hatching periods than control ticks. These findings indicate that the ATAQ protein plays a role in the blood-feeding-related physiological processes in the midgut and Malpighian tubules and antibodies directed against it may affect these tissues and disrupt tick engorgement and oviposition.

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.

Spread of arthropod-borne infections in Kyrgyzstan

The article presents the results of studying the spread of ticks carrying blood parasitic diseases, as well as species of arthropod-borne infections, which were registered among animals in Kyrgyzstan. For research, the material was ticks that parasitize animals, and the blood of sick animals. In total, 6 types of ticks were identified that were carriers of such diseases as: anaplasmosis, babesiosis, theileriosis, nuttaliosis, hemobartonellosis and ehrlichiosis. The work showed a fairly high incidence of blood parasitic diseases among pets. At the same time, it was determined which diseases on which types of ticks circulate on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, and they turned out to be: Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Hemophysalis punctate, Hyalomma scupense, Hyalomma marginatum.

Spread of ticks and tick-borne infections: Does Kandyan Home Garden system facilitate them?

The Ceylon Journal of Science is a peer-reviewed journal published quarterly by the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in March, June, September and December. It is aimed at publishing high quality research articles on topics related to different disciplines in Science. The journal accepts original research articles, book reviews, reviews and mini-reviews, short communications, opinions, research notes, and commentaries and notes. The Journal has its own website https://site.pdn.ac.lk/cjs/. The journal strictly adheres to publication ethics as emphasized by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). It is indexed in Sri Lanka Journals Online (SLJOL), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar and Zoological Records. According to the Google Scholar;H5-Index: 12H5-Median: 15According to the Exaly (1970 – 2021);Impact Factor: 0.6 (top 19%)Extended IF: 0.6 (top 19%)H-Index: 8 (top 28%)Citations/paper: 1.42

In vitro Assessment of the Acaricidal Activity of Laurus nobilis and Croton tiglium Seeds Extract against Hyalomma dromedarii Ticks

Background: Ticks are destructive ectoparasites that feed on the blood of domestic animals and the spread of ticks causes significant losses in meat, milk and leather production. About 800 species of ticks are known around the world, Hyalomma dromedarii is one of the ticks that attack camels as their main host. The objective of this study was to identify the acaricidal activity of Laurus nobilis and Croton tiglium seeds extract against H. dromedarii ticks and comparison with some drugs used against external parasites. Methods: A study was performed to evaluate the acaricidal activities of methanolic extracts of two medicinal plants, namely the seeds of C. tiglium and L. nobilis, against H. dromedarii using an adult immersion test and larval bundle test. Five graduated concentrations of extracts, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml, were tested at different periods and changes over time in the viability of ticks were registered for 24 hr. Distilled water and cypermethrin (0.1%) were used as a negative and positive control, respectively. Result: From 30 min after exposure, a concentration of 100 mg/ml of C. tiglium seed extract resulted in higher mortality (p less than 0.05) compared with cypermethrin. A significant rise in tick mortality began 2 hr after exposure to a concentration of 100 mg/ml of C. tiglium seed extract and cypermethrin. At 24 hr after exposure, cypermethrin and concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/ml of C. tiglium extract induced significantly higher tick mortality compared to the rest of the concentrations. A significant increase in tick mortality began 3 hr after exposure to cypermethrin and concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/ml of Laurus nobilis extract and 12 hr after exposure to concentrations of 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/ml L. nobilis extract. At 24 hr after the exposure time, concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/ml of the extract and cypermethrin had a comparable higher tick mortality effect compared to the remaining concentrations below 25 mg/ml (p less than 0.05). The lower concentration (6.25 mg/ml) resulted in notably higher mortality of adult ticks and larvae compared to the negative control (distilled water) at 24 hr exposure to both extracts. At 24 hr after the exposure period, the tick mortality of all estimated plant extracts also increased with raised exposure time and concentration. Therefore, studied plants can be used against H. dromedarii as a potential alternative to commercially available medicines. Further studies should include more research on separating each component and validating the materials.

Tick Infestation in Migratory Birds of the Vistula River Valley, Poland.

Migratory birds play an important role in the eco-epidemiology of tick-borne diseases due to their ability to carry ticks for long distances. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and factors influencing the intensity of tick infestation in migratory birds. The study was conducted in a locality situated in the Vistula River valley, eastern Poland, during autumn, when the high migratory activity of birds is registered in the region. The birds were captured using ornithological nets and identified at the species level. In the next step, they were carefully inspected for attached ticks. Tick infestation was observed in 4.43% of the captured birds. The highest mean intensity of tick infestation was observed in birds foraging on the ground or in low shrubs and by long- and medium-distance migrants, i.e., Turdus merula (2.73), T. philomelos (2.04), and Erithacus rubecula (1.58). Ixodes ricinus was found to infest the birds most frequently. However, other tick species, i.e., I.&amp;nbsp;trianguliceps, I.&amp;nbsp;crenulatus (synonym I.&amp;nbsp;canisuga), and I. apronophorus, rarely found in eastern Poland, were also found parasitizing birds. The occurrence of I.&amp;nbsp;persulcatus, I. frontalis, and I.&amp;nbsp;acuminatus (synonym I.&amp;nbsp;redikorzevi) was confirmed in the region for the first time. The results of the study suggest that captured bird species are susceptible to tick infestation and could play an important role in the circulation of some tick-borne pathogens. They also play a significant role in the spread of ticks. The ecology and ethology of birds, including their foraging styles and migratory habits, are factors determining the risk of exposure of birds to tick attacks.

First genetic report of Ixodes kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp.

BackgroundHard ticks (Ixodidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit various pathogens to a variety of hosts including humans. Transhumant herds have been involved in the spread of ticks and associated Rickettsia spp., and studies on this neglected topic have been unexplored in many regions including Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate ticks infesting transhumant herds of sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) in district Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.MethodsOf the 144 examined animals, 112 hosts (68 sheep and 44 goats) of transhumant herds were infested by 419 ticks of different life stages including nymphs (105; 25%), males (58; 14%) and females (256; 61%). For molecular analyses, DNA was extracted from 64 collected ticks and subjected to PCR for the amplification of tick 16S rDNA and ITS2 partial sequences and for the amplification of rickettsial gltA and ompA gene sequences.ResultsAll tick specimens were identified as Ixodes kashmiricus based on morphological features. The obtained 16S rDNA and ITS2 sequences showed 95.7% and 95.3% identity, respectively, with Ixodes kazakstani reported from Kyrgyzstan. In the phylogenetic tree, the sequences clustered with members of the Ixodes ricinus species complex, including I. kazakstani and Ixodes apronophorus. Additionally, rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences were 99.7% identical to Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont of Ixodes spp. from Panama and Costa Rica and 99.2% with Rickettsia endosymbiont from the USA. Phylogenetically, the rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences from I. kashmiricus clustered with various haplotypes of Rickettsia endosymbiont, which were sister cladded to Rickettsia monacensis.ConclusionsThis is the first genetic report of I. kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp. Large-scale tick surveillance studies across the country are needed to investigate Ixodes ticks and associated pathogens.Graphical

Ticks in medical and parasitological research: Globally emerging risks require appropriate scientific awareness and action

BackgroundThe spread of ticks has also led to the emergence of regional, previously unknown tick-borne diseases (TBDs) that pose an immediate threat to public health systems worldwide. People who spend time or work outdoors are at risk without closer awareness of regional exposures. That is especially true for tourists, who very easily come into contact with ticks and get bitten while hiking and climbing. A regional lack of surveillance, lack of awareness, lack of scientific background, and misdiagnosis makes it hard to assess the actual threat properly. MethodsTherefore, this bibliometric study aims to assess the global research on ticks and some TBDs. Geographical and temporal patterns are elaborated under epidemiological and socioeconomic aspects. That will provide a factual basis for targeted action at the scientific, societal, and policy levels against the growing threat associated with ticks. ResultsThe USA and Brazil can be identified as the key players in tick research, followed by Russia and some Central European countries. The socioeconomic analysis points to epidemiologically relevant regions, as also shown by comparison with the TBD analysis. A correlation between countries' gross domestic product and publication performance was found. Lack of scientific resources limits the necessary research and surveillance programs. ConclusionsMany regions that are popular travel destinations are threatened by new tick species and thus new health risks. Therefore, outdoor activities in many locations may pose an unknown hazard that requires regionally differentiated scientific investigation and better, globally networked research strategies.

Patterns of white-tailed deer movements in suburban Maryland: implications for zoonotic disease mitigation

AbstractUnderstanding the ecology of the often dense white-tailed deer populations in urban and suburban landscapes is important for mitigating a variety of conflicts that arise with dense human populations, such as issues surrounding zoonotic disease mitigation. We collared white-tailed deer in highly suburban areas of Howard County, Maryland with high-resolution GPS collars. Then, we created autocorrelated kernel density home ranges for broader land use analyses and concurrently used general additive models to characterize fine-scale hourly measures of speed, activity, and proximity to residential buildings. Suburban deer home ranges encompassed approximately 35% direct residential land, and an average of 71 and 129 residential properties were found within female and male core ranges, respectively. Sex, time of day, and day of year all influenced fine-scale speeds, activity levels, and proximity to residential property buildings. Deer moved into residential areas nightly, especially in winter, and exhibited bouts of increased speed and activity shortly after sunrise and sunset, with distinctive seasonal changes. We discuss how variation in home ranges and movements may influence population management success and explore year-round periods of increased risk of deer transporting ticks to residential areas. These findings focus our broad understanding of deer movements in suburban and urban landscapes to improve deer population management and to mitigate the spread of ticks into residential areas.

Assessment of the species composition of ticks attacking dogs and domestic cats in the Małopolska and Silesian provinces

Urban, tourist and recreational environments are ideal places for the spread of ticks to new areas. The increasing presence of wild animals in urban environments can lead to increased exposure and risk of infestation by dangerous parasites in humans and pets. Increased pace of urbanization relates to human mobility, long-distance trade and interactions with nature between humans and companion animals, which could change epidemiological conditions in urban and peri-urban areas. In 2017–2018, 2,777 ticks were collected in selected areas of the Małopolska and Silesian provinces: 2,643 Ixodes ricinus (95.2%), 107 Ixodes hexagonus (3.9%), 23 Ixodes crenulatus (0.8%), 3 Dermacentor reticulatus (0.1%) and 1 Ixodes apronophorus (0.03%), from 1,209 dogs and 399 cats. Ixodes ricinus is of the greatest medical, veterinary and economic importance in the transmission of many pathogens of tick-borne diseases. The widespread travel of humans with their pets is likely to have a key impact on the existing epidemiology situation of many ectoparasites and may lead to a higher frequency of rare or new parasitic diseases.