Espí, A.; del Cerro, A.; Peón-Torre, P.; González-Escudero, J.V.; Somoano, A. Ticks and Tick-Borne Zoonotic Pathogens from Wild Birds in Northwestern Coastal Spain. Zoonotic Dis.2023, 3, 316-333.
Espí, A.; del Cerro, A.; Peón-Torre, P.; González-Escudero, J.V.; Somoano, A. Ticks and Tick-Borne Zoonotic Pathogens from Wild Birds in Northwestern Coastal Spain. Zoonotic Dis. 2023, 3, 316-333.
Espí, A.; del Cerro, A.; Peón-Torre, P.; González-Escudero, J.V.; Somoano, A. Ticks and Tick-Borne Zoonotic Pathogens from Wild Birds in Northwestern Coastal Spain. Zoonotic Dis.2023, 3, 316-333.
Espí, A.; del Cerro, A.; Peón-Torre, P.; González-Escudero, J.V.; Somoano, A. Ticks and Tick-Borne Zoonotic Pathogens from Wild Birds in Northwestern Coastal Spain. Zoonotic Dis. 2023, 3, 316-333.
Abstract
Migratory and local birds may disperse ticks and their associated pathogens. The aim of this study was to provide information regarding tick infesting birds in Asturias, region that accounts for most of the Lyme disease hospitalizations in Spain. From September 2021 and April 2023 trained and experienced bird- banders collected ticks from birds in six estuary and forest locations. A total of 1,698 birds (52 species, 38 genera and 26 families) were captured. A total 51 ticks (28 larvae, 20 nymphs and 3 females) were collected from 43 birds, belonging to three species: Ixodes ricinus (31), I. frontalis (18) and Haemaphysalis concinna (1). The average prevalence of tick infestation was 2.5% and the average tick burden was 1.2 ticks per host. The bird species Turdus merula, Parus major, Luscinia svecica and Anthus pratensis were among the most infested. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected from one Turdus merula. We have not detected B. burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii or piroplasmids in any of the 51 analyzed ticks. The results of the study suggest low infestation rate in migratory/estuary birds and a higher rate in forest/sedentary ones. Despite this, the detection of pathogens, although with low prevalence, can pose a risk to public health.
Biology and Life Sciences, Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology
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