Tick Habitat Research Articles

Machine Learning-Based Techniques for Assessing Critical Factors for European Tick Abundance

Tick-borne diseases are a significant health risk to humans and animals worldwide. It is important to understand the environmental and climatic factors that contribute to tick occurrence rates in order to reduce the proliferation of tick-borne diseases. Using machine learning and spatial indexing techniques, this study covers tick occurrence rates in Europe over the last 20 years to understand the environmental and climatic factors that contribute to Ixodes ricinus tick abundance. We used biodiversity databases to study land cover categories, climate, vegetation index, and sociological factors. Areas with agriculture and natural vegetation, especially broad-leaved forests, had the strongest tick correlation. Waterways and pastures also showed significant positive correlations, indicating tick habitats. Ticks have moderate associations with urban green spaces, industrial units, and mixed forests suggesting their presence in ecologically disturbed habitats. Geoclimatic factors namely Normalised Difference Vegetation Index and rainfall, showed weak to negative correlations with tick population, indicating that they were less important than previously assumed. Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine were compared. We found that feature set and outlier presence significantly affected model performance. After removing outliers, Linear Regression performed best for land use features, with an R² value of 0.81, Normalised Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) of 1.56, Scatter Index (SI) of 1.56, and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 1.22. Outlier exclusion improved the model performance results. This research emphasises the importance of specific land uses in predicting the dynamics of tick populations. Our findings lay the groundwork for focused intervention strategies to reduce the spread of tick-borne diseases using an innovative and intelligent approach, while also emphasising the need for further investigation into the complex interactions between environmental factors and tick abundance.

Grading Habitats for Ticks by Mapping a Suitability Index based on Remotely Sensed Data and Meta® population dataset in Aosta Valley, NW Italy.

Ticks represent a reservoir of zoonotic pathogens, and their numbers are increasing largely in wildlife. This work is aimed at producing maps of suitable habitats for ticks in Aosta Valley, Italy based on multitemporal EO data and veterinary datasets (tick species and distribution in wild hosts). EO data were processed in Google Earth Engine considering the following inputs: A) Growing Degree Ticks (GDT), B) NDVI from MOD09GA, C) NDVI entropy, D) distance from water bodies, E) topography, F) rainfalls from CHIRPS as monthly composites along the 2020, 2021 and 2022 years. Ticks were collected from hunted, injured, and found-dead wild animals ( Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Cervus elaphus); they were labeled at species level using taxonomic keys. Between September 2020 and December 2022, a total of 90 ticks were collected from 89 wild animals. Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent tick species, followed by Dermacentor marginatusand Dermacentor spp. Molecular analyses demonstrated the presence of Anaplasma spp., B. burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. pathogens in infected ticks. To assess human population potential exposure to tick Meta® population dataset was used. In conclusion this study shows the potentialities of Remote sensing improving the technological transfer to the veterinarian sector.

Tick-Borne Diseases and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review Evaluating Pregnancy Complications Caused by Tick-Borne Diseases.

Ticks are vectors of public health concern because the pathogens they transmit can cause detrimental diseases in humans. Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne encephalitis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis are some of the most common diseases caused by the pathogens transmitted by ticks. The overlap between human activities and tick habitats is growing, contributing to an increase in tick-borne disease cases. Unfortunately, pregnancy as a risk factor for tick-borne diseases is largely ignored. In this narrative review we use case reports, epidemiological studies, and animal studies to evaluate the maternal, pregnancy, and fetal outcomes caused by Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne encephalitis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis during pregnancy.

A-283 Serologic and molecular testing for the diagnosis of Rickettsia, Ehrlicha, and Anaplasma infections in patients in Maryland

Abstract Background Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia are underrecognized tick-borne pathogens of increasing human importance. As tick habitats are expanding and populations are increasing, human exposure to these pathogens is also increased in recent years. Unfortunately, while treatment is usually simple, diagnosis can be difficult as it requires specialized testing for clinical diagnosis - generally performed only at reference laboratories. Methods To better understand the prevalence, diagnosis, and testing patterns for Rickettisal infections, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis in Maryland, a retrospective analysis of all serologic and molecular testing for Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia species performed for the University of Maryland Medical System from 2018-2022 was conducted. Eight hospitals within the University of Maryland Medical System (Central Maryland and Maryland’s Eastern Shore) diagnose Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia infections using serologic and molecular testing. Results Between 2018-2022, an average of 413 individuals were tested for Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia each year. On average 315 serologic tests for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) group Rickettsia, 195 serologic tests for Ehrlichia chaffeensis (Anaplasma serology is not available), and 165 molecular tests for the detection of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species were ordered each year. Clinical indications for testing included tick bite, fever, chills, severe headaches, muscle aches, and rash. Overall, 17% of individuals tested were positive for IgG antibodies to RMSF group Rickettsia, however only 1% were positive for IgM antibodies. Further, 20% of individuals tested were positive for IgG antibodies to Ehrlichia chaffeensis, while <1% were positive for IgM. Acute and convalescent samples were not tested for any individuals. Molecular evidence of infection was found in 8% of individuals tested. Nineteen precent were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the remaining 81% were positive for Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Interestingly, only two individuals had positive results from both molecular and serologic testing. Conclusions Results from serologic and molecular testing show that Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia are important human pathogens with the potential to cause significant morbidity. However, lack of follow-up serology, and laboratory tests that confirm acute infection make definitive diagnosis difficult. Increased awareness of Rickettsial diseases and appropriate diagnostics is needed.

Age- and Sex-Specific Differences in Lyme Disease Health-Related Behaviors, Ontario, Canada, 2015-2022.

We investigated differences in risk factors and preventive behaviors by age and sex among persons with reported Lyme disease in Ontario, Canada, during 2015-2022. Incidence rates peaked among children 5-9 and adults 50-79 years of age. Median age was higher for female than male case-patients (54 vs. 51 years). Male case-patients reported more activity in wooded and tall grass areas than did female case-patients; fewer male case-patients reported sharing living space with outdoor-exposed companion animals. As age increased, more case-patients reported activity in blacklegged tick habitats, exposure to ticks, and wearing adequate clothing, but fewer reported sharing living space with outdoor-exposed companion animals. Adoption of preventive behaviors was relatively low and did not differ by sex. Male case-patients, children 5-9 years of age and their parents or caregivers, and adults >59 years of age represent populations that would benefit from tailored public health messaging on Lyme disease prevention.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis the situation in Poland 2024 - concern that warrants attention?

Introduction Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a zoonotic infectious disease and the leading cause of viral meningitis in Poland. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in TBE cases, a trend possibly linked to global climate changes that are facilitating the spread of its primary vector, the Ixodes Ricinus tick species. Aim of the Study This paper aims to review the current understanding of tick-borne encephalitis and emphasize the importance of preventive measures. Materials and Methods This review compiles data from various sources, including recent epidemiological studies, clinical reports, and public health records. It examines the clinical progression of TBE, from the initial viremic phase to the possible development of severe neurological symptoms. Epidemiological data are analyzed to identify trends in TBE incidence, with a particular focus on how climate change affects the distribution and activity of tick populations. Conclusions The review underscores that TBE is an escalating public health issue in Poland, with incidence rates increasing alongside climate-induced changes in tick habitats. Effective prevention, particularly through vaccination, is essential for reducing the impact of TBE. However, despite the availability of effective vaccines, vaccination rates remain low in Poland. This highlights the need for improved public health efforts to promote vaccination and educate at-risk populations. Addressing the TBE threat requires a comprehensive strategy that includes better surveillance, preventive measures, and strong public health initiatives to protect against this increasingly common disease.

Barriers to the Uptake of Tickborne Disease Prevention Measures: Connecticut, Maryland 2016-2017.

Public health programs promote numerous tickborne disease (TBD) prevention measures. However, measures are not frequently or consistently performed. Describe barriers to consistent use of 4 commonly promoted TBD prevention measures. We conducted an online survey (n=1883) evaluating behaviors regarding TBD prevention measures including conducting tick checks, applying insect repellents, showering/bathing, and applying chemical or natural pesticides to residential yards. Respondents could select reasons for never, rarely, or sometimes performing these measures. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression modeling evaluated associations between the 3 most cited barriers for each measure and select demographic variables. The survey was administered to residents in high Lyme disease incidence counties of Connecticut and Maryland, 2016-2017. For tick checks (n=800), the most cited barriers were forgetting (63%), not spending time in tick habitat (28%), and too much trouble (11%). For applying insect repellents (n=1303), the most cited barriers were forgetting (38%), personal safety concerns (24%), and too much trouble (19%). For showering/bathing 2 hours after outdoor activity in tick habitat (n=1080), the most cited barriers were being unaware of the prevention measure (51%), too much trouble (18%), and forgetting (18%). For applying chemical pesticides to yards (n=1320), the most cited barriers were having environmental (45%), pet safety (31%), and personal safety concerns (28%). Lastly, for applying natural pesticides to yards (n=1357), the most cited barriers were being unaware of natural pesticides (31%), having cost concerns (23%), and not being concerned about ticks on property (16%). Forgetting, too much trouble, unawareness, and safety concerns were primary barriers to using several TBD prevention measures. Education regarding effectiveness, safety, and timing may increase uptake of certain measures. These challenges can be difficult to address, highlighting the need for passive TBD prevention measures, such as a Lyme disease vaccine.

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

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

Improving Turf and Soil Health, Reducing Energy Use and Assessing Tick Populations by Mulching Leaves in Place

Mulching leaves in place was studied for 4 years in Westchester County, New York State, USA. Soil testing showed an advantage in long-term mulch mowing for available water capacity and soil proteins with no detrimental effects on the health of the soil. There were no differences in the concentration of macro or micronutrients in the leaf and duff material between treatments or in the concentration of those nutrients being added or removed from the soil. Lawns that had been mulch mowed showed significantly higher pest and traffic tolerance than those where leaves had been removed. Drought stress tolerance remained the same on sites where mulch mowing had occurred, but decreased where leaves had been removed. Mowing practices accounted for less than one percent of the variation in tick numbers, indicating that other variables, not measured had a larger impact. The amount of fuel used for community pick-up of leaves was 4 and 33 times as much as mulch mowing for the two treatment groups. Based on the results of this 3-year study, mulch mowing of leaves provides some soil health benefits, many turf quality benefits, does not improve the habitat for pests and uses less fuel than community pick-up. This study showed that mulch mowing of leaves (i.e., leaving leaves on the lawn) does provide some benefits to soil health and turf quality, without having an adverse effect on nutrient load or tick habitat.

Factors influencing private woodland owners’ land management decisions on Lyme disease mitigation in Maine

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including Lyme disease (LD), have become of great concern in the United States due to their impacts on individuals, communities, local businesses, and the national economy. Methods to mitigate the impact of TBDs often target tick habitat and wildlife hosts, yet the effectiveness of these methods is contingent on large-scale adoption by private woodland owners (PWOs) and agencies. As research has shown, adaptive land management methods may have a significative impact on LD mitigation in forest landscapes. Therefore, understanding how PWOs’ current and future decisions on land management methods may contribute to reducing human exposure to TBDs is critical. In this paper we characterize the factors influencing PWOs’ land management decisions and develop an improved understanding of their perception of LD as it relates to land management. We synthesize this information by identifying opportunities for and barriers against the adoption of adaptive land management methods among PWOs. We applied a quantitative survey to 355 PWOs from the state of Maine in fall of 2019 and spring of 2020. Our analysis sought to explore the relationships between PWOs’ individual characteristics and histories, and their knowledge, experience, perceptions, attitudes and sources of information regarding ticks and LD. Our findings show that the diversity of PWOs’ attitudes, perceptions of, and land management objectives requires to be approached in tandem. PWOs’ orientations toward LD management methods are significantly associated with several socio-demographic and land-ownership characteristics, such as gender, education background, size of woodlot and frequency of engagement in land management, supporting the inclusion of demographic data in future PWO behavior research. In this paper we discuss how sociodemographic characteristics alongside PWOs’ attitudes, perceptions of and land management objectives can be considered by agencies interested in promoting land management methods through targeted outreach and educational campaigns.

Entomopathogenic Fungi in Forest Habitats of Ixodes ricinus.

(1) Background: In addition to the microclimate, host availability, and tick microbiota, soil environmental microorganisms can affect tick populations. This study aimed to (1) determine the presence and diversity of entomopathogenic fungi (EF) in forests, where ticks are abundant, and (2) estimate the effectiveness of the isolated EF strains against Ixodes ricinus. (2) Methods: EF were isolated using the trap insect method from soil collected from tick sites. A bioassay was used to estimate the effectiveness of EF against ticks. (3) Results: The presence of EF was found in all tested forest habitat types. A total of 53 strains belonging to the genera Metarhizium, Beauveria, and Isaria were isolated. All the six strains subjected to the bioassay showed potential efficacy against both adult and nymphal stages of I. ricinus; however, the strains differed in their effectiveness. The most effective isolate against I. ricinus was the soil environmental strain of Metarhizium anisopliae. (4) Conclusion: The study indicates that tick habitats can be the source of entomopathogenic fungi, which have a lethal effect on ticks, as demonstrated in preliminary laboratory tests with I. ricinus. However, for practical use, extensive field tests and further research on application methods and long-term effects are necessary to develop effective and sustainable tick management strategies.

Cascading impacts of overstory structure in managed forests on understory structure, microclimate conditions, and Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) densities.

Forest management practices designed to meet varied landowner objectives affect wildlife habitat and may interrupt the life-cycle stages of disease vectors, including the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae). Ixodes scapularis transmits multiple pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, which is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. There is evidence that a range of active forest management practices (e.g., invasive plant removal, prescribed burning) can alter tick densities and pathogen transmission. However, few studies have investigated relationships between forest stand structural variables commonly manipulated by timber harvesting and tick ecology. Foresters may harvest timber to create certain forest structural conditions like the mean number of trees, or basal area, per hectare. This study used a spatially replicated experiment in a blocked design to compare forest stands with a range of overstory structures and document variations in the midstory, understory, and forest floor, as well as microclimate conditions within tick off-host habitat. Greater numbers of trees or basal area per hectare correlated with greater canopy closure but less understory cover, stabilized microclimate temperature, higher microclimate humidity, and greater I. scapularis nymph densities. A random forest model identified understory forest structure as the strongest predictor of nymph densities. There was no relationship between the number of trees or basal area per hectare and daily deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) activity or nymphal infection prevalence. These findings provide a deeper understanding of tick-habitat associations within a forest stand and have the potential to inform forest management decisions.

Human risk to tick encounters in the southeastern United States estimated with spatial distribution modeling.

Expanding geographic distribution and increased populations of ticks has resulted in an upsurge of human-tick encounters in the United States (US), leading to an increase in tickborne disease reporting. Limited knowledge of the broadscale spatial range of tick species is heightened by a rapidly changing environment. Therefore, we partnered with the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and used passive tick surveillance to better understand spatiotemporal variables associated with foresters encountering three tick species (Amblyomma americanum L., Dermacentor variabilis Say, and Ixodes scapularis L.) in the southeastern US. Eight years (2014-2021) of tick encounter data were used to fit environmental niche and generalized linear models to predict where and when ticks are likely to be encountered. Our results indicate temporal and environmental partitioning of the three species. Ixodes scapularis were more likely to be encountered in the autumn and winter seasons and associated with soil organic matter, vegetation indices, evapotranspiration, temperature, and gross primary productivity. By contrast, A. americanum and D. variabilis were more likely to be encountered in spring and summer seasons and associated with elevation, landcover, temperature, dead belowground biomass, vapor pressure, and precipitation. Regions in the southeast least suitable for encountering ticks included the Blue Ridge, Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and the Southern Florida Coastal Plain, whereas suitable regions included the Interior Plateau, Central Appalachians, Ozark Highlands, Boston Mountains, and the Ouachita Mountains. Spatial and temporal patterns of different tick species can inform outdoorsmen and the public on tick avoidance measures, reduce tick populations by managing suitable tick habitats, and monitoring areas with unsuitable tick habitat for potential missed encounters.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF): present and future therapeutic armamentarium.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging severe tick-borne illness. The expanding habitat of Hyalomma ticks, coupled with migratory birds harbouring CCHF-infected ticks, contributes to an increasing number of potential hosts. The seroprevalence of anti-CCHF virus antibodies in livestock is approximately one-quarter, with a noticeable upward trend in recent years. The management of CCHF patients predominantly relies on supportive therapy, although a potential arsenal of antivirals, convalescent and hyperimmune plasma, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines exists, both currently and in the future. This review aims to critically examine the current therapeutic approaches to managing CCHF, highlighting both the potential and limitations of existing treatments, and identifying future directions for improving patient outcomes.

PREVALENCE OF ANAPLASMOSIS IN SMALL RUMINANTS IN SOME SELECTED LIVESTOCK FARMS IN WUKARI METROPOLIS TARABA STATE NIGERIA

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne haemo-parasitic disease that causes huge economic loss in small ruminant flocks. The pathogen, Anaplasma Spp destroys red blood cells resulting in anaemia. The study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Anaplasmosis in Goats and Sheep in Wukari metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria and to determine the prevalence based on age and sex. A total of 100 small ruminants (n =50 sheep, n =50 goats) were randomly sampled. 5mls of blood were collected via jugular vein puncture stained with Giemsa, and examined under a microscope for the pathogen. An overall prevalence of 21% was obtained; goats had a prevalence of 32% while sheep had 10%. Based on age, the prevalence was observed higher in adults (>2yrs) than the young ones (≤ 2yrs), while prevalence based on sex was higher in females than in the males. Prevalence among the female animals was observed higher in pregnant ones in both goats and sheep and therefore, special veterinary and management care should be given to tick infested pregnant animals because of their prone to the disease due to their suppressed immunity during pregnancy. Also, adult animals that have gone through many ticks’ seasons with heavy tick infestation should also be given special veterinary and management attention. Veterinary care through prevention and control of ticks by chemical method either by fumigation of the animal farms with acaricides or regular treatment of tick infested animals with acaricides by direct application on the animal host is recommended. Also, management changes such as clearing bushes, keeping pastures mowed and avoiding tick habitats during the season of greatest tick activity may be helpful and therefore recommended. This will reduce the prevalence of the disease with the resultant effect of reduced economic loss.

The impact of anthropogenic climate change on pediatric viral diseases.

The adverse effects of climate change on human health are unfolding in real time. Environmental fragmentation is amplifying spillover of viruses from wildlife to humans. Increasing temperatures are expanding mosquito and tick habitats, introducing vector-borne viruses into immunologically susceptible populations. More frequent flooding is spreading water-borne viral pathogens, while prolonged droughts reduce regional capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks with adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene resources. Worsening air quality and altered transmission seasons due to an increasingly volatile climate may exacerbate the impacts of respiratory viruses. Furthermore, both extreme weather events and long-term climate variation are causing the destruction of health systems and large-scale migrations, reshaping health care delivery in the face of an evolving global burden of viral disease. Because of their immunological immaturity, differences in physiology (e.g., size), dependence on caregivers, and behavioral traits, children are particularly vulnerable to climate change. This investigation into the unique pediatric viral threats posed by an increasingly inhospitable world elucidates potential avenues of targeted programming and uncovers future research questions to effect equitable, actionable change. IMPACT: A review of the effects of climate change on viral threats to pediatric health, including zoonotic, vector-borne, water-borne, and respiratory viruses, as well as distal threats related to climate-induced migration and health systems. A unique focus on viruses offers a more in-depth look at the effect of climate change on vector competence, viral particle survival, co-morbidities, and host behavior. An examination of children as a particularly vulnerable population provokes programming tailored to their unique set of vulnerabilities and encourages reflection on equitable climate adaptation frameworks.

Risk factors for Lyme disease resulting from residential exposure amidst emerging Ixodes scapularis populations: A neighbourhood-level analysis of Ottawa, Ontario.

Lyme disease is an emerging health threat in Canada due to the continued northward expansion of the main tick vector, Ixodes scapularis. It is of particular concern to populations living in expanding peri-urban areas where residential development and municipal climate change response impact neighbourhood structure and composition. The objective of this study was to estimate associations of socio-ecological characteristics with residential Lyme disease risk at the neighbourhood scale. We used Lyme disease case data for 2017-2020 reported for Ottawa, Ontario to determine where patients' residential property, or elsewhere within their neighbourhood, was the suspected site of tick exposure. Cases meeting this exposure definition (n = 118) were aggregated and linked to neighbourhood boundaries. We calculated landscape characteristics from composited and classified August 2018 PlanetScope satellite imagery. Negative binomial generalized linear models guided by a priori hypothesized relationships explored the association between hypothesized interactions of landscape structure and the outcome. Increases in median household income, the number of forest patches, the proportion of forested area, forest edge density, and mean forest patch size were associated with higher residential Lyme disease incidence at the neighbourhood scale, while increases in forest shape complexity and average distance to forest edge were associated with reduced incidence (P<0.001). Among Ottawa neighbourhoods, the combined effect of forest shape complexity and average forest patch size was associated with higher residential Lyme disease incidence (P<0.001). These findings suggest that Lyme disease risk in residential settings is associated with urban design elements. This is particularly relevant in urban centres where local ecological changes may impact the presence of emerging tick populations and how residents interact with tick habitat. Further research into the mechanistic underpinnings of these associations would be an asset to both urban development planning and public health management.

The current distribution of tick species in Inner Mongolia and inferring potential suitability areas for dominant tick species based on the MaxEnt model

BackgroundTicks are known to transmit a wide range of diseases, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The expansion of tick habitats has been intensified in recent years due to various factors such as global warming, alterations in microclimate, and human activities. Consequently, the probability of human exposure to diseases transmitted by ticks has increased, leading to a higher degree of risk associated with such diseases.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a comprehensive review of domestic and international literature databases to determine the current distribution of tick species in Inner Mongolia. Next, we employed the MaxEnt model to analyze vital climatic and environmental factors influencing dominant tick distribution. Subsequently, we predicted the potential suitability areas of these dominant tick species under the near current conditions and the BCC-CSM2.MR model SSP245 scenario for the future periods of 2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100.ResultsOur study revealed the presence of 23 tick species from six genera in Inner Mongolia, including four dominant tick species (Dermacentor nuttalli, Ixodes persulcatus, Dermacentor silvarum, and Hyalomma asiaticum). Dermacentor nuttalli, D. silvarum, and I. persulcatus are predominantly found in regions such as Xilin Gol and Hulunbuir. Temperature seasonality (Bio4), elevation (elev), and precipitation seasonality (Bio15) were the primary variables impacting the distribution of three tick species. In contrast, H. asiaticum is mainly distributed in Alxa and Bayannur and demonstrates heightened sensitivity to precipitation and other climatic factors. Our modeling results suggested that the potential suitability areas of these tick species would experience fluctuations over the four future periods (2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100). Specifically, by 2081–2100, the centroid of suitable habitat for D. nuttalli, H. asiaticum, and I. persulcatus was predicted to shift westward, with new suitability areas emerging in regions such as Chifeng and Xilin Gol. The centroid of suitable habitat for H. asiaticum will move northeastward, and new suitability areas are likely to appear in areas such as Ordos and Bayannur.ConclusionsThis study provided a comprehensive overview of the tick species distribution patterns in Inner Mongolia. Our research has revealed a significant diversity of tick species in the region, exhibiting a wide distribution but with notable regional disparities. Our modeling results suggested that the dominant tick species’ suitable habitats will significantly expand in the future compared to their existing distribution under the near current conditions. Temperature and precipitation are the primary variables influencing these shifts in distribution. These findings can provide a valuable reference for future research on tick distribution and the surveillance of tick-borne diseases in the region.Graphical

Community-based integrated tick management programs: cost and feasibility scenarios.

Numerous studies have assessed the efficacy of environmentally based control methods to suppress populations of the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say), but few of these estimated the cost of control. We estimated costs for a range of tick control methods (including habitat management, deer exclusion or population reduction, broadcast of acaricides, and use of host-targeted acaricides) implemented singly or in combination and applied to a model community comprising 320 residential properties and parklands. Using the high end for cost ranges, tick control based on a single method was estimated to have mean annual costs per household in the model community ranging from $132 for treating only forest ecotone with a broadcast synthetic acaricide to kill host-seeking ticks (or $404 for treating all residential forested habitat) to >$2,000 for deployment of bait boxes (SELECT TCS) across all residential tick habitat to treat rodents topically with acaricide to kill infesting ticks. Combining different sets of multiple methods in an integrated tick management program placed the annual cost between $508 and 3,192 annually per household in the model community, underscoring the disconnect between what people in Lyme disease endemic areas say they are willing to pay for tick control (not more than $100-150 annually) and the actual costs for tick control. Additional barriers to implementing community-based tick management programs within residential communities are discussed.

Prescribed Fire as a Tool for Controlling Tick Populations in the Southeastern United States

There is an increase in reported tick-borne illnesses as the tick geographic range expands past historical boundaries. Prescribed fires, ignited intentionally for specific management goals, can indirectly affect tick abundance by disrupting tick predator and prey interactions and altering suitable tick habitat. The high temperatures during prescribed fires can also directly induce tick mortality. Repeated prescribed fires in southeastern United States tick habitat can be an affordable and environmentally conscious management option.