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Simple Summary: Dermacentor reticulatus is an arthropod vector with great medical and veterinary importance. Its wide distribution and biological characteristics determine its important role in the circulation of pathogens in the parasite–host system. Its occurrence range is divided into western and eastern populations, which are separated from each other by the so-called Dermacentor-free zone localized in central Poland. This study aimed to estimate the potential epidemiological significance of D. reticulatus in the new endemic focus west of the Vistula River (Upper Silesia, central–southern Poland) and its co-occurrence with Ixodes ricinus. The molecular studies revealed the presence of Rickettsia spp. in 23.8% of the D. reticulatus specimens. In turn, 94.1% of the I. ricinus adults were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l., 11.7% with Babesia spp., and 5.8% with Rickettsia spp. Polymicrobial infections were noted in 17.6% of the I. ricinus. Our finding emphasizes the risk of infestation by both tick species and the risk of tick-borne infections in an area previously thought to be free of Dermacentor ticks. It is necessary to enhance medical and veterinary services for the more efficient diagnosis and prevention of tick-borne diseases in this region. Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Ixodidae) is an important arthropod vector in medical and veterinary contexts. Its geographic range is divided into western and eastern populations separated by a "Dermacentor-free zone" in central Poland. Recent faunistic studies showed a new endemic locality of the species in Upper Silesia to the west of the Vistula River (central–southern Poland) and its co-occurrence with I. ricinus. The prevalence of five tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), e.g., B. burgdorferi s.l., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp., in the ticks was assessed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. The molecular studies revealed the presence of Rickettsia spp. in 23.8% of the D. reticulatus specimens. In turn, 94.1% of the I. ricinus adults were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l., 11.7 % with Babesia spp., and 5.8% with Rickettsia spp. Coinfections with two TBPs were noted in 17.6% of the I. ricinus. These findings highlight not only the risk of infestation by both tick species in an area previously considered Dermacentor-free, but also the high prevalence of TBPs in the study area. Increased focus on medical and veterinary services appears necessary to diagnose and prevent tick-borne diseases in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks are vectors for transmitting tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in animals and humans. Therefore, tick identification is necessary to understand the distribution of tick species and the pathogens they carry. Unfortunately, data on dog ticks and the TBPs they harbor in Malawi are incomplete. This study aimed to identify dog ticks and the TBPs they transmit in Malawi. One hundred thirty-two ticks were collected from 87 apparently healthy but infested domestic dogs in four districts of Malawi, which were pooled into 128 tick samples. The ticks were morphologically identified under a stereomicroscope using identification keys, and species identification was authenticated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) through the amplification and sequencing of 12S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1) genes. The tick species identified were Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (58.3%), Haemaphysalis elliptica (32.6%), and Hyalomma truncatum (9.1%). Screening for TBPs using species-specific PCR assays revealed that 48.4% of the ticks were infected with at least one TBP. The TBP detection rates were 13.3% for Anaplasma platys, 10.2% for Babesia rossi, 8.6% for B. vogeli, 6.3% for Ehrlichia canis, 3.9% for A. phagocytophilum, 3.1% for B. gibsoni, 2.3% for B. canis and 0.8% for Hepatozoon canis. Co-infections of up to three pathogens were observed in 48.4% of the positive samples. This is the first study to identify dog ticks and the TBPs they harbor in Malawi. These findings provide the basis for understanding dog tick distribution and pathogens they carry in Malawi. This study necessitates the examination of ticks from more study locations to have a better picture of tick challenge, and the development of ticks and tick-borne disease control methods in Malawi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Ixodidae) is an important arthropod vector in medical and veterinary contexts. Its geographic range is divided into western and eastern populations separated by a “Dermacentor-free zone” in central Poland. Recent faunistic studies showed a new endemic locality of the species in Upper Silesia to the west of the Vistula River (central–southern Poland) and its co-occurrence with I. ricinus. The prevalence of five tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), e.g., B. burgdorferi s.l., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp., in the ticks was assessed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. The molecular studies revealed the presence of Rickettsia spp. in 23.8% of the D. reticulatus specimens. In turn, 94.1% of the I. ricinus adults were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l., 11.7 % with Babesia spp., and 5.8% with Rickettsia spp. Coinfections with two TBPs were noted in 17.6% of the I. ricinus. These findings highlight not only the risk of infestation by both tick species in an area previously considered Dermacentor-free, but also the high prevalence of TBPs in the study area. Increased focus on medical and veterinary services appears necessary to diagnose and prevent tick-borne diseases in this region.

Background: Tick distributions have changed rapidly with changes in human activity, land-use patterns, climate, and wildlife distributions over the last few decades. Methods: To estimate potential distributions of ticks, we conducted a tick survey at 134 locations in western Kanto, Japan. We estimated the potential distributions of six tick species (Amblyomma testudinarium Koch, 1844; Haemaphysalis flava Neumann, 1897; Haemaphysalis kitaokai Hoogstraal, 1969; Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, 1901; Haemaphysalis megaspinosa Saito, 1969; and Ixodes ovatus Neumann, 1899) using MaxEnt modeling based on climate patterns, land-use patterns, and the distributions of five common wildlife species: sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838), wild boar (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758), raccoon (Procyon lotor Linnaeus, 1758), Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834), and masked palm civet (Paguma larvata C.E.H. Smith, 1827)). Results: We collected 24,546 individuals of four genera and 16 tick species. Our models indicated that forest connectivity contributed to the distributions of six tick species and that raccoon distribution contributed to five tick species. Other than that, sika deer distribution contributed to H. kitaokai, and wild boar distribution, bamboo forest, and warm winter climate contributed specifically to A. testudinarium. Conclusions: Based on these results, the dispersal of some tick species toward residential areas and expanded distributions can be explained by the distribution of raccoons and by forest connectivity.

Abstract Ticks are important vectors of emerging and re-emerging pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine tick species occurring in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), especially on border regions. A total of 22,994 ticks (including 22,629 adults, 365 larvae and nymphs), belonging to six tick genera (i.e. Dermacentor , Hyalomma , Rhipicephalus , Haemaphysalis , Ixodes and Argas) and fourteen tick species, were collected from ten animal hosts in thirty-five counties (cities) in XUAR during 2011 - 2017. Rhipicephalus turanicus , Dermacentor niveus , Hyalomma asiaticum and Dermacentor marginatus were dominantly sampled from domestic animals while Dermacentor nuttalli , Haemaphysalis punctata , Haemaphysalis concinna , Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Dermacentor silvarum , Hyalomma scupense and Argas persicus were sporadically found. Based on 16S rDNA , phylogenetic analyses showed that: i) R. turanicus genotypes in XUAR showed geographical separation, and belonged to clade I (major distribution in the Central Asian) rather than clade II (major distribution in the Mediterranean Basin); ii) Ixodes kaiseri , firstly sampled from Asian badgers (Meles leucurus), was in ancestral position compared to European tick species when combining COI haplotypes; and iii) Haemaphysalis erinacei from marbled polecats in China was a separate genotype compared with that in Mediterranean and Europe. Our findings suggest that geographical range plays a more important role than host-association in tick phylogeny, especially for R. turanicus , I. kaiseri and H. erinacei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis, caused by piroplasmid protozoans in the genus Babesia, is arguably the most important vector-borne disease of livestock and companion animals and is growing in importance as a zoonosis. Ixodid ticks were identified as vectors more than a hundred years ago, but the particular tick species transmitting some significant pathogens are still unknown. Moreover, it is only recently that the complexity of the pathogen–tick relationship has been revealed as a result of studies enabled by gene expression and RNA interference methodology. In this article, we provide details of demonstrated and incriminated vectors, maps of the current knowledge of vector distribution, a summary of established features of the pathogen life cycle in the vector, and an outline of molecular research on pathogen–tick relationships. The article concludes with a discussion of vector ecology and disease epidemiology in a global-change context and with suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick infestation is the most reported parasitological problem in cattle in Bhutan. In May and June 2019, we collected ticks from 240 cattle in two districts of Eastern Bhutan. Tick presence, diversity, and infestation prevalence were examined by morphological identification of 3600 live adult ticks. The relationships between cattle, geographic factors, and infestation prevalence were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Habitat suitability for the tick species identified was determined using MaxEnt. Four genera and six species of ticks were found. These were Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini) (70.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 68.7–71.7)), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides Supino (18.8% (95% CI: 17.5–20.1)), Haemaphysalis bispinosa Neumann (8.2% (95% CI: 7.3–9.1)), Haemaphysalis spinigera Neumann (2.5% (95% CI: 2–3)), Amblyomma testudinarium Koch (0.19% (95% CI: 0.07–0.4)), and a single unidentified Ixodes sp. Logistic regression indicated that the variables associated with infestation were: longitude and cattle age for R. microplus; latitude for R. haemaphysaloides; and altitude and cattle breed for H. bispinosa and H. spinigera. MaxEnt models showed land cover to be an important predictor for the occurrence of all tick species examined. These findings provide information that can be used to initiate and plan enhanced tick surveillance and subsequent prevention and control programs for ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle in Bhutan.

Ticks are important vectors of an array of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens resulting in a wide range of animal and human diseases. There is limited information in the literature about tick species in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, even though they have suitable climate and vegetation for ticks and their hosts. We reviewed the occurrence of tick species and the pathogens they transmit from the MENA on published papers from 1901–2020. We found taxonomic records of 55 tick species infesting livestock representing the following eight genera: Ornithodoros, Otobius, Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus. In addition, 15 pathogens were recorded causing diseases of significance, with Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever, theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis being widely distributed diseases in the region. In recent decades, there has been increasing trends in disease occurrence and movement associated with global movement of humans and global trade of animals. We suggest that disease control and prevention could be achieved effectively through good integration between public health, veterinary medicine and animal management, and ecological approaches. We recommend further research in the areas of tick ecology and tick born-disease transmission. Furthermore, we suggest evaluation and improvement of disease control policies in the region.

In the late 20th century, elk ( Cervus canadensis) were reintroduced into southeastern Kentucky, US. This population has since been used as a stock population for additional elk reintroductions in other eastern states. Although reintroduction and translocation practices are effective, they can disseminate vectors and pathogens. Therefore, we surveyed tick species residing on elk hosts a decade after elk reintroduction in Kentucky by examining 263 captured individuals (female=86; male=177) from 2011 to 2013. A total of 1,617 ticks were collected from 255 elk. We found five tick species: American dog ( Dermacentor variabilis), Gulf Coast ( Amblyomma maculatum), winter ( Dermacentor albipictus), deer ( Ixodes scapularis), and Lone Star ( Amblyomma americanum). The most prevalent ticks were winter tick (52.3%) and American dog tick (42.1%). We found no difference between female and male elk in mean intensity of American dog tick (mean=2.6, 95% confidence limits: −2.6, 2.7; P=0.701) or winter tick (mean=3.28, 95% confidence limits: −2.21, 2.07; P=0.274). Our findings demonstrated that the elk population acts as host to a diversity of tick species, suggested a broader distribution of tick species than previously reported in Kentucky, and highlighted the potential for inadvertent spread of ticks through translocation and reintroduction efforts, even on a local scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 31,425 ticks were collected from 10 cattle and also from six drag-samples during the 12-month study period. Adult ticks were removed from the right hand side of each animal and all instars of ticks were placed in containers filled with 70% ethanol. Based on morphological traits, 10 tick species were identified: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (32.5%), R. evertsi evertsi (18.8%), R. appendiculatus (17.3%), Amblyomma hebraeum (16.3%), R. simus (7.7%), Ixodes pilosus (3.8%), Hyalomma rufipes (3.5%), R. follis (0.08%), Haemaphysalis elliptica (0.04%), H. silacea (0.02%). The southern African yellow dog tick, H. elliptica, was only found on vegetation. The agro-ecological zones differ significantly in tick species and their distribution. The A. hebraeum and R. evertsi evertsi counts were higher in Kowie Thicket (KT) during summer season (2.05 ± 0.01 and 1.00 ± 0.09, respectively) compared to Bedford Dry Grassland (BDG) and Bhisho Thornveld (BT) veld types. In all vegetation types, R. appendiculatus had higher counts in KT in spring (0.91 ± 0.08), summer (0.78 ± 0.08) and winter (0.78 ± 0.08). Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus was more frequent in the BT (1.78 ± 0.11) during the summer season. BDG had lower tick infestation with R. evertsi evertsi being the most frequent species in summer. No H. rufipes was collected in the KT. Of epidemiological interest, R. (B.) microplus was absent in the study area which needs further investigation. Within the context of this study, we found agro-ecological differences and seasonal variations to have influence on tick species distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The castor bean tick ( Ixodes ricinus) transmits infectious diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, which constitutes an important ecosystem disservice. Despite many local studies, a comprehensive understanding of the key drivers of tick abundance at the continental scale is still lacking. We analyze a large set of environmental factors as potential drivers of I. ricinus abundance. Our multi-scale study was carried out in deciduous forest fragments dispersed within two contrasting rural landscapes of eight regions, along a macroclimatic gradient stretching from southern France to central Sweden and Estonia. We surveyed the abundance of I. ricinus, plant community composition, forest structure and soil properties and compiled data on landscape structure, macroclimate and habitat properties. We used linear mixed models to analyze patterns and derived the relative importance of the significant drivers. Results: Many drivers had, on their own, either a moderate or small explanatory value for the abundance of I. ricinus, but combined they explained a substantial part of variation. This emphasizes the complex ecology of I. ricinus and the relevance of environmental factors for tick abundance. Macroclimate only explained a small fraction of variation, while properties of macro- and microhabitat, which buffer macroclimate, had a considerable impact on tick abundance. The amount of forest and the composition of the surrounding rural landscape were additionally important drivers of tick abundance. Functional (dispersules) and structural (density of tree and shrub layers) properties of the habitat patch played an important role. Various diversity metrics had only a small relative importance. Ontogenetic tick stages showed pronounced differences in their response. The abundance of nymphs and adults is explained by the preceding stage with a positive relationship, indicating a cumulative effect of drivers. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the ecosystem disservices of tick-borne diseases, via the abundance of ticks, strongly depends on habitat properties and thus on how humans manage ecosystems from the scale of the microhabitat to the landscape. This study stresses the need to further evaluate the interaction between climate change and ecosystem management on I. ricinus abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ixodes scapularis, the main vector of Borrelia burgdorferi , the spirochetal agent of Lyme disease, is expanding its range in southern Canada and bringing risk to the public from Lyme disease. The aims of this study were to (i) describe how risk of Lyme disease in Quebec, Canada, has changed from 2008 to 2014 by analysis of the number of tick submissions, the geographic scope of ticks submitted and the prevalence of B. burgdorferi in ticks removed from people and submitted through the Quebec passive tick surveillance program and (ii) explore whether exposure to ticks is influenced by age and sex. Ticks were collected from 2008 to 2014 in a passive surveillance program conducted by the Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec (LSPQ), and tested by PCR for B. burgdorferi at the National Microbiology Laboratory. The number of ticks submitted each year more than quadrupled during the study period (from 174 in 2008 to 962 in 2014), increases in the geographic range and geographic uniformity of submissions amongst municipalities were observed, and infection prevalence in the ticks (mostly adult females) submitted rose from 5.9% in 2008 to 18.1% in 2014. These data are consistent with outcomes from active surveillance for blacklegged ticks. More men (54.4%) than women (45.6%) were bitten by I. scapularis ticks and the frequency of tick submission was highest in children under 15 years of age and in the adults 50–70 years old. These findings demonstrate the utility of conducting passive tick surveillance using humans and provides information on risk groups (i.e., males, children under 15, adults older than 50, and those living in the more southern parts of the province) to which information on personal protection and tick-bite prevention should be most strongly targeted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhipicephalus rossicus ( Ixodida: Ixodidae) is a three-host tick with a broad host spectrum that includes wild animals, pets, livestock and humans. Despite its local abundance in certain areas, most of the available information on R. rossicus was published decades ago, mainly by former soviet authors. Its distribution largely overlaps the Eurasian steppe. However, its range may be more extensive than is currently known because this species may have been misidentified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, principally in areas where the latter species is present. Although R. rossicus has been occasionally reported to feed on people, little attention has been given to its medical importance. It has been shown to have a vectorial role in the transmission of Francisella tularensis, Crimean- Congo haemorrhagic fever virus and West Nile virus. However, the vectorial importance of R. rossicus may be significantly greater, mainly as the closely related species R. sanguineus s.l. is known to transmit a very wide spectrum of pathogens. The probably underestimated vectorial role of R. rossicus may represent a hidden public health threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategic applications of long-acting acaricides for the control of Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus ) microplus in northwestern Argentina were evaluated for one year. In addition, tick distribution among cattle was analyzed to evaluate if partial selective treatment or culling the small proportion of most heavily infested animals were feasible options to control R. ( B. ) microplus . Two different treatments schemes based on two applications of fluazuron and one application of 3.15% ivermectin were performed. Treatments were made in late winter and spring so as to act on the small 1st spring generation of R. ( B. ) microplus , in order to preclude the rise of the larger autumn generation. The overall treatment effect was positively significant in both schemes. The number of ticks observed in the control group was significantly higher than in the treated groups on all post-treatment counts. Group 2 exhibited more than 80% of efficacy almost throughout the study period, whereas Group 1 exhibited an efficacy percentage higher than 80% in September, October, December, February, April and May, but not in November (73.4%), January (58.3%), March (45.2%) or June (53.4%). Absolute control was observed in Group 2 in the counts of September and October, and in Group 1 in the count of February. The control strategies evaluated in this work provide an acceptable control level with only three applications of acaricides; at the same time, they prevent the occurrence of the autumn peak of tick burdens, which is characteristic of R . ( B .) microplus in northwestern Argentina. Tick distribution was markedly aggregated in all counts. Although ticks were not distributed evenly among calves, the individual composition of the most heavily infested group was not consistent throughout the study period. In addition, the level of aggregation varied with tick abundance. These results suggest that applying acaricides to a portion of the herd or culling the most infested individuals at a given moment of the year may not be proper methods to achieve a significant control of R . ( B .) microplus in northwestern Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ticks are important vectors of disease for both humans and animals. In Europe, Lyme borreliosis is the most abundant tick-borne human disease, whereas anaplasmosis, or tick-borne fever, is the most widespread tick-borne infection in domestic animals. However, knowledge about the prevalence of the causative disease agents in questing ticks in the northern range of their distribution in Norway is missing. Ixodes ricinus ticks were therefore collected by flagging vegetation in Brønnøysund, an area near the Arctic Circle in Norway where ticks have been abundant for decades. Ticks were analysed for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum by real-time PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene of B. burgdorferi and the msp2 gene of A. phagocytophilum. B. burgdorferi s.l. were subsequently genotyped by conducting a melt curve analysis of the PCR-amplified hbb gene or by directly sequencing the PCR-amplified rrs (16S)-rrl (23S) intergenetic spacer. A. phagocytophilum was genotyped by msp2 gene sequencing. B. burgdorferi s.l. isolates were detected in 11.3% (15/133) of the nymphal ticks and in 33.3% (29/87) of the adult ticks. Of the 44 Borrelia-infected ticks collected, B. afzelii was identified in 42 ticks (95.5%), whereas B. garinii was detected in only 2 ticks (4.5%). A. phagocytophilum was detected in 0.8% of nymphal ticks (1/133) and in 4.6% of adult ticks (4/87). Mixed infections of more than one B. burgdorferi genospecies were not observed. One adult tick was co-infected with B. afzelii and A. phagocytophilum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The tick vector of Lyme disease, Ixodes scapularis , is currently expanding its geographical distribution northward into southern Canada driving emergence of Lyme disease in the region. Despite large-scale studies that attributed different factors such as climate change and changes in land use to the geographical expansion of the tick, a comprehensive understanding of local patterns of tick abundance is still lacking in that region. Using a newly endemic periurban nature park located in Quebec (Canada) as a model, we explored intra-habitat patterns in tick distribution and their relationship with biotic and abiotic factors. We verified the hypotheses that (1) there is spatial heterogeneity in tick densities at the scale of the park and (2) these patterns can be explained by host availability, habitat characteristics and microclimatic conditions. During tick activity season in three consecutive years, tick, deer, rodent and bird abundance, as well as habitat characteristics and microclimatic conditions, were estimated at thirty-two sites. Patterns of tick distribution and abundance were investigated by spatial analysis. Generalised additive mixed models were constructed for each developmental stage of the tick and the relative importance of significant drivers on tick abundance were derived from final models. We found fine-scale spatial heterogeneity in densities of all tick stages across the park, with interannual variability in the location of hotspots. For all stages, the local density was related to the density of the previous stage in the previous season, in keeping with the tick's life cycle. Adult tick density was highest where drainage was moderate (neither waterlogged nor dry). Microclimatic conditions influenced the densities of immature ticks, through the effects of weather at the time of tick sampling (ambient temperature and relative humidity) and of the seasonal microclimate at the site level (degree-days and number of tick adverse moisture events). Seasonal phenology patterns were generally consistent with expected curves for the region, with exceptions in some years that may be attributable to founder events. This study highlights fine scale patterns of tick population dynamics thus providing fundamental knowledge in Lyme disease ecology and information applicable to the development of well-targeted prevention and control strategies for public natural areas affected by this growing problem in southern Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: From May to November 2003, at five selected sites of the ‘Siebengebirge’, a nature reserve near Bonn, Germany, data on microclimate, pedology, plant sociology and tick abundance were collected weekly and correlated. A total of 2832 host-seeking Ixodes ricinus (2660 nymphs and 172 adults) were collected, with maximal abundance in June and a minor second increase in abundance in August. The spatial and temporal variation in tick abundance was closely related to the air temperature, relative humidity, soil water content and specific vegetation type. Increases in tick abundances in individual habitats were most likely caused by climate change and/or anthropogenic interventions such as increased numbers of wild boar, a host of I. ricinus. When combined with data from previous investigations a correlation of plant communities with six semi-qualitative tick abundance categories (ranging from ‘no ticks’ to ‘very high tick abundance’) was revealed, and GIS analysis indicated that 56.5% of the ‘Siebengebirge’ is made up of plant communities belonging to the three highest tick abundance categories. Therefore, the risk of visitors in the ‘Siebengebirge’ of being exposed to tick bites and being infected by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato had increased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Recently, the risk of tick-borne diseases (TBD) has drawn increasing attention from a public health perspective. Information about where ticks are distributed is important for the prevention of TBDs. In this study, we used the MaxEnt model to predict the potential distribution of six major tick species out of 16 tick species collected in the Kanto region, the central part of Japan, based on land-use, climate, and wildlife distribution, and to investigate the factors that contribute to each distribution of ticks. The distribution of raccoons contributed to the distribution of five tick species, and forest connectivity was a strong contributor to the distribution of all species. Background: Tick distributions have changed rapidly with changes in human activity, land-use patterns, climate, and wildlife distributions over the last few decades. Methods: To estimate potential distributions of ticks, we conducted a tick survey at 134 locations in western Kanto, Japan. We estimated the potential distributions of six tick species (Amblyomma testudinarium Koch, 1844; Haemaphysalis flava Neumann, 1897; Haemaphysalis kitaokai Hoogstraal, 1969; Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, 1901; Haemaphysalis megaspinosa Saito, 1969; and Ixodes ovatus Neumann, 1899) using MaxEnt modeling based on climate patterns, land-use patterns, and the distributions of five common wildlife species: sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838), wild boar (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758), raccoon (Procyon lotor Linnaeus, 1758), Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834), and masked palm civet (Paguma larvata C.E.H. Smith, 1827)). Results: We collected 24,546 individuals of four genera and 16 tick species. Our models indicated that forest connectivity contributed to the distributions of six tick species and that raccoon distribution contributed to five tick species. Other than that, sika deer distribution contributed to H. kitaokai, and wild boar distribution, bamboo forest, and warm winter climate contributed specifically to A. testudinarium. Conclusions: Based on these results, the dispersal of some tick species toward residential areas and expanded distributions can be explained by the distribution of raccoons and by forest connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks (Ixodidae, also known as hard ticks) as principal vectors of zoonotic diseases such as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), Lyme borreliosis, relapsing fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, coxiellosis (Q fever), and tularemia pose a major public health threat. This study was conducted to identify the distribution profile of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Daejeon and the adjacent areas in South Korea, where no such epidemiological study has been conducted. From April to October 2019, 16,765 ticks were collected from three genera and four species: Haemaphysalis longicornis (n = 14,949; 89.2 %), Haemaphysalis flava (n = 987; 5.9 %), Ixodes nipponensis (n = 828; 5.0 %), and Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 1; 0.01 %). Homogenized samples of ticks were screened by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, and PCR for the presence of the following tick-borne pathogens: SFTS virus (SFTSV), Borrelia spp., Babesia microti , Coxiella burnetii , Francisella tularensis , Anaplasma phagocytophilum , and Ehrlichia spp. As a result, SFTSV (2 cases), Borrelia spp. (32 cases), and Babesia microti (7 cases) were detected. The findings of this study will contribute to the prevention and management of tick-borne zoonoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Middle East and North Africa represent a hyper arid region of the world. Humans in these regions have historically kept domestic livestock usually under harsh environmental circumstances. With recent human development, especially in the Middle East, the livestock industry has increased. Livestock is affected by ticks and tick-borne diseases on which there has been relatively few studies in this region. This review paper aims to (i) examine the diversity of ticks infesting livestock, (ii) assess the variety of pathogens in animals and humans, and (iii) to identify gaps in our understanding of tick biology and tick-borne disease transmission in the region. We found 55 tick species on livestock including camels, cows, goats and sheep, belonging to eight genera. Fifteen tick-borne pathogens were reported from livestock in the region. We highlight the magnitude of the tick problem in the region and evaluate the control efforts currently in place. We suggest that disease control and prevention could be achieved effectively through collaborative work among all stakeholders such as funding international research projects and establishing joint control programs to combat cross-border movement of ticks. Ticks are important vectors of an array of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens resulting in a wide range of animal and human diseases. There is limited information in the literature about tick species in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, even though they have suitable climate and vegetation for ticks and their hosts. We reviewed the occurrence of tick species and the pathogens they transmit from the MENA on published papers from 1901–2020. We found taxonomic records of 55 tick species infesting livestock representing the following eight genera: Ornithodoros, Otobius, Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus. In addition, 15 pathogens were recorded causing diseases of significance, with Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever, theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis being widely distributed diseases in the region. In recent decades, there has been increasing trends in disease occurrence and movement associated with global movement of humans and global trade of animals. We suggest that disease control and prevention could be achieved effectively through good integration between public health, veterinary medicine and animal management, and ecological approaches. We recommend further research in the areas of tick ecology and tick born-disease transmission. Furthermore, we suggest evaluation and improvement of disease control policies in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick infestation is the most reported parasitological problem in cattle in Bhutan. In May and June 2019, we collected ticks from 240 cattle in two districts of Eastern Bhutan. Tick presence, diversity, and infestation prevalence were examined by morphological identification of 3600 live adult ticks. The relationships between cattle, geographic factors, and infestation prevalence were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Habitat suitability for the tick species identified was determined using MaxEnt. Four genera and six species of ticks were found. These were Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini) (70.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 68.7-71.7)), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides Supino (18.8% (95% CI: 17.5-20.1)), Haemaphysalis bispinosa Neumann (8.2% (95% CI: 7.3-9.1)), Haemaphysalis spinigera Neumann (2.5% (95% CI: 2-3)), Amblyomma testudinarium Koch (0.19% (95% CI: 0.07-0.4)), and a single unidentified Ixodes sp. Logistic regression indicated that the variables associated with infestation were: longitude and cattle age for R. microplus ; latitude for R. haemaphysaloides ; and altitude and cattle breed for H. bispinosa and H. spinigera . MaxEnt models showed land cover to be an important predictor for the occurrence of all tick species examined. These findings provide information that can be used to initiate and plan enhanced tick surveillance and subsequent prevention and control programs for ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle in Bhutan.

Dermacentor reticulatus , the ornate cow tick, is second only to Ixodes ricinus as the most important reservoir and vector of infectious diseases in Europe. In recent years, the distribution of D. reticulatus ticks has expanded into new territories, including increased population densities in areas of their previous occurrence. Our investigations around this consisted of two stages. In the first stage, we monitored the seasonal activity of D. reticulatus ticks in Polesie National Park in 2014-2019. The second stage, which was carried out in 2019 at the peak of the spring (March) and autumn (October) activity of this species, included assessment of the density of D. reticulatus ticks in the entire province. To this end, the study area was divided into 101 equal plots that were surveyed for ticks. The seasonal activity of D. reticulatus in Polesie National Park showed peaks of activity in autumn in 2014-2018 and in spring in 2019. A total of 19,559 adult D. reticulatus specimens were collected, with a mean of 96.8 specimens/100 m 2 in Lublin Province. The area of Lublin Province is characterized by a high density of the ornate cow tick. An increase in the surface area of meadows and fallow land has contributed to a rise in the number of local populations of D. reticulatus ticks.

In the late 20th century, elk ( Cervus canadensis) were reintroduced into southeastern Kentucky, US. This population has since been used as a stock population for additional elk reintroductions in other eastern states. Although reintroduction and translocation practices are effective, they can disseminate vectors and pathogens. Therefore, we surveyed tick species residing on elk hosts a decade after elk reintroduction in Kentucky by examining 263 captured individuals (female=86; male=177) from 2011 to 2013. A total of 1,617 ticks were collected from 255 elk. We found five tick species: American dog ( Dermacentor variabilis), Gulf Coast ( Amblyomma maculatum), winter ( Dermacentor albipictus), deer ( Ixodes scapularis), and Lone Star ( Amblyomma americanum). The most prevalent ticks were winter tick (52.3%) and American dog tick (42.1%). We found no difference between female and male elk in mean intensity of American dog tick (mean=2.6, 95% confidence limits: -2.6, 2.7; P=0.701) or winter tick (mean=3.28, 95% confidence limits: -2.21, 2.07; P=0.274). Our findings demonstrated that the elk population acts as host to a diversity of tick species, suggested a broader distribution of tick species than previously reported in Kentucky, and highlighted the potential for inadvertent spread of ticks through translocation and reintroduction efforts, even on a local scale.

Since its detection in Canada in the early 1990s, Ixodes scapularis , the primary tick vector of Lyme disease in eastern North America, has continued to expand northward. Estimates of the tick's broad-scale distribution are useful for tracking the extent of the Lyme disease risk zone; however, tick distribution may vary widely within this zone. Here, we investigated I. scapularis nymph distribution at three spatial scales across the Lyme disease emergence zone in southern Quebec, Canada. We collected ticks and compared the nymph densities among different woodlands and different plots and transects within the same woodland. Hot spot analysis highlighted significant nymph clustering at each spatial scale. In regression models, nymph abundance was associated with litter depth, humidity, and elevation, which contribute to a suitable habitat for ticks, but also with the distance from the trail and the type of trail, which could be linked to host distribution and human disturbance. Accounting for this heterogeneous nymph distribution at a fine spatial scale could help improve Lyme disease management strategies but also help people to understand the risk variation around them and to adopt appropriate behaviors, such as staying on the trail in infested parks to limit their exposure to the vector and associated pathogens., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Knowledge about the distribution and abundance of the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls, in Utah is limited. Recent concerns over tick-borne diseases in Utah, primarily Lyme disease, have reinvigorated the need to understand the distribution and habitats favored by this tick species. We surveyed 157 sites throughout Utah to examine the distribution, abundance, and habitat of I. pacificus. In total, 343 adult ticks were collected from 2011 to 2013. Specifically, 119 I. pacificus, 217 Dermacentor andersoni Stiles, six D. albipictus Packard, and one D. hunteri Bishopp were collected. Overall, tick abundance was relatively low in the areas evaluated in Utah. I. pacificus collections were limited to sites above 1700 m. Ninety-two percent of I. pacificus were captured in the Sheeprock Mountains in Tooele County. I. pacificus positive collection sites were characterized by Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nuttall), juniper (Juniperus spp. L.), big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nuttall) and black sagebrush (A. nova Nelson), and mixed grass habitat. All I. pacificus ticks were tested for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi (Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner, sensu stricto) using real-time PCR. All ticks tested negative for B. burgdorferi. The likelihood of encountering I. pacificus and acquiring Lyme disease in the areas evaluated in Utah is considerably low due to low tick abundance and limited distribution, as well as low prevalence (or absence) of B. burgdorferi in Utah., (© The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)