The emergence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the USA.

2021 ◽  
pp. 477-485
Author(s):  
Charles Hart ◽  
Saravanan Thangamani
Keyword(s):  
Expert Opinion ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Clinical Disease ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Direct Threat

Abstract Ticks are the primary source of vector-borne pathogens in the USA. The native tick species of the USA are adapted for a number of distinct ecosystems and mammalian hosts. As such, several overlapping sylvatic cycles exist within the tick populations. These occur in nature without human involvement. The incursion of humans into these environments can result in sylvatic spillover of these pathogens to humans, causing clinical disease. As tick populations shift, the risk of exposure to emerging, newly introduced and re-emerging pathogens increases, posing a direct threat to human and animal health. Several genera are the source of most tick-borne pathogens in the USA. These include Dermacentor, Amblyomma and Ixodes, with a lesser role for Ornithodoros soft ticks. This expert opinion focuses on the influence of the changing landscape of ticks in the USA and its impact on the emergence of tick-borne pathogens that occurs as a result.

Comparative Genomics Analysis between frog Virus 3-like Ranavirus from the First Canadian Reptile Mortality Event and Similar Viruses from Amphibians

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Lung ◽  
Ayooluwa J. Bolaji ◽  
Michelle Nebroski ◽  
Mat Fisher ◽  
Cody Buchanan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Genome Structure ◽  
Leopard Frog ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Frog Virus 3 ◽  
Frog Virus ◽  
Usage Patterns ◽  
The Usa ◽  
World Organization

Abstract Ranaviruses are emerging pathogens that threaten the biodiversity of wild and captive cold-blooded vertebrates. Reports of ranavirus-induced mortality events are increasing and ranavirus disease is reportable to the World Organization for Animal Health. Previous studies have suggested interclass transmission of ranaviruses and Frog virus 3 (FV3)-like viruses are of particular interest. This study presents the whole-genome assembly of a 106 kb FV3-like genome obtained from the liver tissue of a reptile (wild Chelydra serpentina, common snapping turtle) that died of ranavirus disease in Canada. The FV3-like ON turtle/2018 strain shares the highest genome-wide nucleotide identity (99.71%) with the wild-type FV3 virus detected in the USA from a Northern leopard frog and an FV3-like strain identified from a wood frog in 2017 in Alberta, Canada. The novel genome contains all 26 Iridoviridae core genes, 11 FV3-like genes, and 9 unique truncations, three of which are core Iridoviridae ORFs. Additionally, the two most closely related FV3-like strains from amphibians, were compared to a non-FV3-like amphibian infecting and a fish infecting ranavirus species that showed similar codon usage patterns. G/C-ending codons were the preferred codons for all five strains. Investigation of putative recombination events identified four potential recombination events in the FV3-like ON turtle/2018 genome consistent with this FV3-like reptile infecting strain originating from an amphibian infecting FV3-like ranavirus. Altogether, this study provides insights into the genome structure and the differences in the novel FV3-like genome compared to other ranavirus genomes.

Human behaviour trumps entomological risk.

2021 ◽  
pp. 276-282
Author(s):  
Sam Telford
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Expert Opinion ◽  
Global Climate Change ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Human Aspects ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
The Many

Abstract This expert opinion argues that human aspects of risk are poorly studied and need to be considered in any discussion of the role of global climate change on risk for vector-borne infections, particularly for those transmitted by ticks. It also covers the many models that are used predict the future distribution of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections in the USA and elsewhere, based on anticipated changes in weather.

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of climate change on vector-borne viruses in the EU through the elicitation of expert opinion

2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. GALE ◽  
A. BROUWER ◽  
V. RAMNIAL ◽  
L. KELLY ◽  
R. KOSMIDER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Expert Opinion ◽  
Rift Valley Fever Virus ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Fever Virus ◽  
Management Options ◽  
The World ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

SUMMARYExpert opinion was elicited to undertake a qualitative risk assessment to estimate the current and future risks to the European Union (EU) from five vector-borne viruses listed by the World Organization for Animal Health. It was predicted that climate change will increase the risk of incursions of African horse sickness virus (AHSV), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) into the EU from other parts of the world, with African swine fever virus (ASFV) and West Nile virus (WNV) being less affected. Currently the predicted risks of incursion were lowest for RVFV and highest for ASFV. Risks of incursion were considered for six routes of entry (namely vectors, livestock, meat products, wildlife, pets and people). Climate change was predicted to increase the risk of incursion from entry of vectors for all five viruses to some degree, the strongest effects being predicted for AHSV, CCHFV and WNV. This work will facilitate identification of appropriate risk management options in relation to adaptations to climate change.

scholarly journals Tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from dogs, Latvia, 2011–2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agne Namina ◽  
Valentina Capligina ◽  
Maija Seleznova ◽  
Rudolfs Krumins ◽  
Darja Aleinikova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Ixodes Persulcatus ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Additional Risk ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
The Difference

Abstract Background Different tick species are able to transmit different pathogens, and tick-borne diseases are of substantial concern worldwide for both humans and animals. Environmental changes and changes in the range of tick species, including Dermacentor reticulatus in Europe, can affect the spread of zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from dogs in Latvia, and to explore possible changes between years 2011 and 2016. Results In 2011, only Ixodes ticks (221 Ixodes ricinus and 22 Ixodes persulcatus) were collected from dogs, while in 2016 tick samples belonged to Ixodes ricinus (360), Ixodes persulcatus (2) and Dermacentor reticulatus (27) species. In total, 35.8 and 40.0% of adult ticks were pathogen-positive in 2011 and 2016, respectively; the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The molecular analysis indicated the presence of 13 tick-borne microorganisms; the most prevalent pathogen was Rickettsia, followed by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group spirochetes, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia species. Borrelia miyamotoi was also present. A co-infection with two and three tick-borne pathogens was detected in 7.9 and 7.4% of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus, respectively. The results of this study confirmed that the spread of novel vectors could bring additional risk of exposure to novel emerging pathogens to pets and their owners, as both Babesia canis and Rickettsia raoultii were shown to be highly associated with Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in Latvia. Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential danger from the inadvertent introduction of novel disease pathogens and vectors. Awareness of co-infections and Dermacentor reticulatus-related pathogens needs to be increased.

scholarly journals Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Cuba, Half a Century of Scientific Research

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dasiel Obregón Alvarez ◽  
Belkis Corona-González ◽  
Alina Rodríguez-Mallón ◽  
Islay Rodríguez Gonzalez ◽  
Pastor Alfonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Tick Control ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Tropical Island ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Biotechnology Research ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
The Caribbean

Ticks and the vast array of pathogens they transmit, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths, constitute a growing burden for human and animal health worldwide. In Cuba, the major tropical island in the Caribbean, ticks are an important cause of vector-borne diseases affecting livestock production, pet animal health and, to a lesser extent, human health. The higher number of tick species in the country belong to the Argasidae family and, probably less known, is the presence of an autochthonous tick species in the island, Ixodes capromydis. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) affecting animal and human health in Cuba. The review covers research results including ecophysiology of ticks, the epidemiology of TBPs, and the diagnostic tools used currently in the country for the surveillance of TBPs. We also introduce the programs implemented in the country for tick control and the biotechnology research applied to the development of anti-tick vaccines.

scholarly journals Importation of Ticks on Companion Animals and the Risk of Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases to Non-Endemic Regions in Europe

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Alicja Buczek ◽  
Weronika Buczek
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Human Mobility ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Geographic Regions

Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.

Iceberg diseases in uk goats

Livestock ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-50
Author(s):  
David Harwood
Keyword(s):  
Economic Impact ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Clinical Disease ◽  
Individual Animal ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Ruminant Species

Iceberg diseases are recognised across ruminant species, and their impact on individual animal health and welfare, and their economic impact at herd or flock level should not be underestimated. This group of diseases are characterised by the variety of stages of infection present when disease is established from clinically obvious cases (the ‘tip’ of the iceberg) through differing stages of early clinical disease to those infected yet clinically healthy. This article will explore iceberg diseases that can be identified in goats whether kept for profit, hobby, or pleasure.

scholarly journals First occurrence of Amblyomma ovale in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Gracielle Torres Ferreira ◽  
Ana Carla Diógenes Suassuna Bezerra ◽  
Otávio Valério de Carvalho ◽  
Márcia Rogéria de Almeida ◽  
Claudio Mafra
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
The State ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Wild Carnivores ◽  
Amblyomma Ovale ◽  
First Occurrence

This study aims to report the occurrence of parasitism byAmblyomma ovale (Koch, 1844) in dogs in the municipality of Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Specimens were identified as being one female and two males of A. ovale, besides; the animal was infested by five females of Rhipicephalus(Boophilus) microplus and seven females and three males of R. sanguineus. The finding ofA. ovale confirms results in the literature that these ticks, reported in several species of wild carnivores, can also infect dogs in Brazil. The distribution of this tick species in several Brazilian states has already been confirmed, but this is the first report in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. This finding highlights the risk of the carrying of emerging and re-emerging pathogens to peridomestic hosts are as, either because of the frequency of these ticks in wild environments or the presence of infected wild animals near peridomestic environments, exposing domestic dogs to parasitism byA. ovale ticks and, therefore, to agents potentially carried by this ectoparasite.

The Genome Size of Some Species of Hyalomma Ticks from Turkish Thrace 

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadim Yılmazer
Keyword(s):  
Genome Size ◽  
X Chromosome ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Chromosome Size ◽  
Diploid Genome ◽  
Flow Cytometric ◽  
Determination System ◽  
Sex Determination System ◽  
First Time

Hyalomma scupense, H. excavatum and H. marginatum are globally important tick species, as well as in Turkey, both in terms of human and animal health. The genome sizes of these tick species were determined in this study for the first time. From flow cytometric measurements, diploid genome sizes of female and male H. scupense were found to be 2.13 pg and 1.75 pg, respectively, while H. excavatum were 2.21 pg and 1.94 pg, and H. marginatum were 2.48 pg and 1.98 pg, respectively. Differences in diploid genome size indicate X chromosome size of females and males in these ticks because they have an XX:XO sex determination system. Thus, it was estimated that the X chromosome of H. scupense, H. excavatum, and H. marginatum may be composed of as much as 0.38 pg, 0.27 pg, and 0.50 pg of DNA, respectively. These findings indicate suitability of these three species for genome sequencing due to the relatively small size of their genomes compared with other tick species.

scholarly journals Climate Change and Zoonoses: A Review of Concepts, Definitions, and Bibliometrics

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 893
Author(s):  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
Linda Ternova ◽  
Sanika Arun Parasnis ◽  
Marina Kovaleva ◽  
Gustavo J. Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Disease Ecology ◽  
One Health ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Author Keywords ◽  
The Uk

Climate change can have a complex impact that also influences human and animal health. For example, climate change alters the conditions for pathogens and vectors of zoonotic diseases. Signs of this are the increasing spread of the West Nile and Usutu viruses and the establishment of new vector species, such as specific mosquito and tick species, in Europe and other parts of the world. With these changes come new challenges for maintaining human and animal health. This paper reports on an analysis of the literature focused on a bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database and VOSviewer software for creating visualization maps which identifies the zoonotic health risks for humans and animals caused by climate change. The sources retained for the analysis totaled 428 and different thresholds (N) were established for each item varying from N 5 to 10. The main findings are as follows: First, published documents increased in 2009–2015 peaking in 2020. Second, the primary sources have changed since 2018, partly attributable to the increase in human health concerns due to human-to-human transmission. Third, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Italy, and Germany perform most zoonosis research. For instance, sixty documents and only 17 countries analyzed for co-authorship analysis met the threshold led by the USA; the top four author keywords were “climate change”, “zoonosis”, “epidemiology”, and “one health;” the USA, the UK, Germany, and Spain led the link strength (inter-collaboration); the author keywords showed that 37 out of the 1023 keywords met the threshold, and the authors’ keyword’s largest node of the bibliometric map contains the following: infectious diseases, emerging diseases, disease ecology, one health, surveillance, transmission, and wildlife. Finally, zoonotic diseases, which were documented in the literature in the past, have evolved, especially during the years 2010–2015, as evidenced by the sharp augmentation of publications addressing ad-hoc events and peaking in 2020 with the COVID-19 outbreak.

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