An integrative framework for tick management: The need to connect wildlife science, one health, and interdisciplinary perspectives

Authors: MACHTINGER, ERIKA - Pennsylvania State University; Poh, Karen; PESAPANE, RISA - The Ohio State University; TUFTS, DANIELLA - University Of Pittsburgh

Submitted to: Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/12/2023
Publication Date: 10/23/2023
Citation: Machtinger, E.T., Poh, K.C., Pesapane, R., Tufts, D.M. 2023. An integrative framework for tick management: The need to connect wildlife science, one health, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Insect Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2023.101131.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2023.101131

Interpretive Summary: Tick-borne diseases are a significant threat to human and animal health. Anthropogenic land-use changes and climate change has and will continue to increase the incidence of vector-borne diseases. Tick research needs to incorporate an interdisciplinary approach that represents different scientific fields. Host-targeted tick control methods rely on the host ecology and behavior, which can guide the development of more effective interventions. Comprehensive evaluations of wildlife hosts in peridomestic and sylvatic systems should be prioritized to better understand the role of wildlife on tick development and distribution and the impact on tick-borne disease epidemiology.

Technical Abstract: Vector-borne diseases pose a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide. Their emergence is influenced by various factors such as environmental changes, host characteristics, and human behavior. The One Health approach is necessary to thoroughly investigate tick-borne diseases and understand the complex interactions between environmental, animal, and human health. Anthropogenic changes have impacted predators, leading to cascading effects on wildlife prey species and the emergence of vector-borne diseases. The increase in global trade and travel has led to the introduction of several invasive vector species, increasing the risk of zoonotic pathogen spillover. Tick and tick-borne disease research requires an interdisciplinary approach to address challenges in a One Health paradigm.