Exotic ticks and tick-borne diseases: the need to remain vigilant
Abstract
Ticks are notorious vectors of numerous infectious (bacterial, protozoal and viral) diseases to animals and humans. Many of the tick-borne diseases (TBDs) can cause significant economic consequences and are challenging to control. Research advances in parasitology and recent changes in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) have changed views of how exotic tick species and TBDs can be introduced and established in the UK. However, the impact of the PETS tick treatment rule change is still unclear and requires intensive research. In the meantime, veterinary practitioners must remain vigilant and prepared. Public awareness campaigns have already been implemented, however, these need to be expanded to educating the public about the potential risks of exotic TBDs and pre-emptive measures to mitigate these risks. Pet owners' education and fostering the concept of ‘one health’ are of prime importance. Tick treatment of companion animals entering the UK, although not obligatory, is still necessary to protect travelling and resident pets.
Ticks are acarids (phylum Arthropoda), which have a major veterinary and public health impact. Ticks have been known as source of disease for more than a century. Ticks are found in most parts of the world, and more than 900 species have been identified. The geographic distribution of these many tick species varies, with some species more prevalent than others. Since the new Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) rule on tick treatment came into effect on 1st January 2012, there has been increasing focus on ticks and the diseases a tick bite can cause, and there are growing expectations that some exotic tick species may become established in parts of the UK, and affect resident dogs and humans (Abbott et al, 2011; cGarry and Fisher, 2011; Morgan and Smith, 2012).
Ticks in Europe pose an additonal disease threat to animals and humans, besides existing risks caused by the native tick species. The European tick, Dermacentor reticulatus, has been seen in parts of the UK, along with the establishment of an even more important species, which is very common in Europe, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Both species are very efficient vectors of many diseases (Dantes-Torres, 2008). R. sanguineus can infest kennels and human households, as a result, this exotic tick species can survive easily in the UK's climate because they can live, breed and re-infest the same or other pets and people within a household.
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