Management Options for Ixodes ricinus -Associated Pathogens: A Review of Prevention Strategies

Jiří Černý, Geoffrey Lynn, Johana Hrnková, Maryna Golovchenko, Natalia Rudenko and Libor Grubhoffer
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Jiří Černý: Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague 165 00, Czech Republic
Geoffrey Lynn: Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06420, USA
Johana Hrnková: Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague 165 00, Czech Republic
Maryna Golovchenko: Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
Natalia Rudenko: Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
Libor Grubhoffer: Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-18

Abstract: Ticks are important human and animal parasites and vectors of many infectious disease agents. Control of tick activity is an effective tool to reduce the risk of contracting tick-transmitted diseases. The castor bean tick ( Ixodes ricinus ) is the most common tick species in Europe. It is also a vector of the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis, which are two of the most important arthropod-borne diseases in Europe. In recent years, increases in tick activity and incidence of tick-borne diseases have been observed in many European countries. These increases are linked to many ecological and anthropogenic factors such as landscape management, climate change, animal migration, and increased popularity of outdoor activities or changes in land usage. Tick activity is driven by many biotic and abiotic factors, some of which can be effectively managed to decrease risk of tick bites. In the USA, recommendations for landscape management, tick host control, and tick chemical control are well-defined for the applied purpose of reducing tick presence on private property. In Europe, where fewer studies have assessed tick management strategies, the similarity in ecological factors influencing vector presence suggests that approaches that work in USA may also be applicable. In this article we review key factors driving the tick exposure risk in Europe to select those most conducive to management for decreased tick-associated risk.

Keywords: tick management; tick; Ixodes ricinus; tick-borne diseases (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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