Tick threat and control methods.

Abstract

Ticks are a complex group of ectoparasites, which are considered the most important vector of pathogens in the Northern Hemisphere. Control of ticks in companion animals (dogs and cats) is essential, not only to maintain the health and welfare of the animal, but also to protect the people from tick infestation and the potential transmission of serious zoonotic infections. A large number of effective acaricides are already available, however optimal management of ticks is a task that has been always difficult to accomplish. This is due to many variables including the large number and ecological complexity of tick-borne pathogens, the geographic expansion of the tick vectors, the broad range of reservoir hosts, and limitations associated with diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne pathogens. Integrated interventions tailored to each animal and engaging pet owner to enhance drug compliance are the way forward if we are to achieve effective tick control. Also, knowledge of the indications and safety of available acaricide drugs is crucial when choosing the appropriate treatment for the individual animal. In this article, the clinical impact of tick infestation is discussed and information regarding the control of ticks is provided.

The full original article can be accessed at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tick-threat-and-control-methods/

Full text

6/1/2017 Tickthreatandcontrolmethods|VetTimes
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrolmethods/ 1/9
vet times
(https://www.vettimes.co.uk/)
Some information is required in your profile. Please click here (/user-profile/) to provide this information,
as it is compulsory for uninterrupted usage of website content.
Tick threat and control methods
 27 mins to read
VT47.21
Hany Elsheikha (/items/author-name/hany-elsheikha)
May 29, 2017
Hany Elsheikha▼
(https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vettimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Ftickthreatandcontrol
methods%2F) 26
(https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?
token&isFramed=false&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vettimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Ftickthreatandcontrolmethods%2F)
(https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?
MID=168529&plid=619931&setID=213795&channelID=0&CID=178405&banID=519461876&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&mt=1496325624779827&hc=36238a2ac8de60a66d14fc70d70e05fc93eba39b&location=)
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Read our policy ('.get_site_url().'/cookie-
policy/) Accept cookies

6/1/2017 Tickthreatandcontrolmethods|VetTimes
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrolmethods/ 2/9
(/article/tick-threat-and-control-methods/?format=pdf)  Save for later
ABSTRACT
Ticks are a complex group of ectoparasites considered the most important vector of pathogens in
the northern hemisphere. Control of ticks in companion animals (dogs and cats) is essential – not
only to maintain the health and welfare of the animal, but also to protect people from tick
infestation and the potential transmission of serious zoonotic infections. A large number of
effective acaricides are already available; however, optimal management of ticks is a task that
has always been difficult to accomplish. This is due to many variables, including the large number
and ecological complexity of tick-borne pathogens, the geographic expansion of the tick vectors,
the broad range of reservoir hosts, and limitations associated with diagnosis and treatment of
tick-borne pathogens.
Integrated interventions tailored to each animal and engaging pet owner to enhance drug
compliance are the way forward if we are to achieve effective tick control. Also, knowledge of the
indications and safety of available acaricide drugs is crucial when choosing the appropriate
treatment for the individual animal. In this article, the clinical impact of tick infestation is
discussed and information regarding the control of ticks is provided.
Ticks are arthropods belonging to the class Arachnida. To date, more than 900 tick species exist
worldwide and they are classified as hard ticks (Ixodidae) or soft ticks (Argasidae).
Ticks can cause physical damage to their victims and, in some instances, death. Indeed, companion
animals have always suffered from a broad range of tick infestations. Irritation, allergic reactions and
fatal illnesses can occur in infested animals.
Ticks are efficient blood suckers and among the most dangerous haematophagous ectoparasites. All
stages of ticks feed on blood of their hosts. Therefore, they can transmit many tick-borne pathogens to
animals and humans. Ticks vector a broad range of disease-causing pathogens and are second only to
mosquitoes in their capacity to transmit disease agents of importance to human and animal health.
(https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?
via=vettimesuk&text=Tick+threat+and+control+methods&url=https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrol
methods/)
(https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vettimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Ftickthreatandcontrol
methods%2F)
(mailto:?subject=Tickthreatandcontrolmethods&body=https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrol
methods/)


By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Read our policy ('.get_site_url().'/cookie-
policy/) Accept cookies

6/1/2017 Tickthreatandcontrolmethods|VetTimes
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrolmethods/ 3/9
(https://www.vettimes.co.uk/app/uploads/2017/05/VT4721_Elsheikha_Figure-
1_Ticks.jpg)
Figure 1. Adult females of the common tick species
of dogs and cats in the UK. (A)
Ixodes ricinus
(the
sheep tick, wood tick, deer tick or castor bean tick),
(B)
Ixodes hexagonus
(the hedgehog tick), (C)
Ixodes
canisuga
(the British dog tick), (D)
Dermacentor
reticulatus
(the ornate cow tick or the marsh tick),
(E)
Haemaphysalis punctate
(the red sheep tick) and
(F)
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
(the brown dog tick or
kennel tick). Figures A to D show the dorsal view of
the tick and Figures E and F show the ventral aspect
of the tick. Scale bar = 1mm. IMAGE: University of
Bristol tick ID online
(http://bristoltickid.blogs.ilrt.org) with permission of
Richard Wall.
Therefore, better understanding of the tick epidemiology and available approach to control tick
infestation is more important than ever.
Health impacts of tick infestation
Tick infestation can seriously compromise the health of the affected animal through multiple ways.
Firstly, severe anaemia or immunosuppression can result from blood-feeding and engorgement of many
adult female ticks (Figure 1).
Secondly, bacterial infection of bite sites can lead to dermal pathologies or pyogenic lesions. Thirdly,
toxins secreted in the saliva of certain ticks can cause tick paralysis.
More importantly, ticks can transmit many pathogens, which can cause diseases more serious than the
damage caused by ticks themselves (Elsheikha, 2016). For example, canine ehrlichiosis due to
Ehrlichia
canis
and canine babesiosis due to
Babesia gibsoni
and
Babesia canis
can significantly cause ill health of
dogs.
Infections may progress to a chronic disease, resulting in immunosuppression and pancytopenia in cases
of ehrlichiosis or haemolysis, and shock due to multi-organ ischaemia during babesiosis. Fortunately,
babesiosis is rare in British dogs – most cases are acquired abroad. However, the detection of a cluster of
dogs with babesiosis in Harlow in the year 2016, and bearing in mind some of the affected dogs have not
travelled abroad, has raised concerns babesiosis might become endemic in the UK.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Read our policy ('.get_site_url().'/cookie-
policy/) Accept cookies

6/1/2017 Tickthreatandcontrolmethods|VetTimes
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrolmethods/ 4/9
In nature, risk of exposure to ticks is high. Dogs can be infested with hundreds of ticks and infestation
may involve different tick species. Dogs with heavy tick exposure can be infected at a high rate with
multiple tick-borne pathogens. Indeed, clear evidence exists for simultaneous acquisition and
transmission of various pathogenic species and strains in dogs following tick bites (Diniz et al, 2007;
Breitschwerdt et al, 2014).
Ticks are also responsible for the spread of zoonotic diseases to humans. During the past two decades, a
dramatic increase has occurred in human infection with tick-borne pathogens such as
Borrelia
,
Anaplasma
,
Ehrlichia
and
Rickettsia
.
Tick control methods
Given the complexity and diversity of ticks and their life cycles, it is sensible to expect tick control to
require an integrated approach combining off-host and on-host treatment.
Chemotherapeutic treatment and prevention
A number of anti-tick (acaricide) products can be used to reduce the risk of exposure of pets to ticks.
However, the selection of acaricide-resistant ticks and environmental impacts due to chemical residues
are the only two limitations of using chemical acaricides (Eiden et al, 2015). This was the reason for the
increased interest in exploring plant extracts as eco-friendly acaricides or repellents against ticks (Benelli
et al, 2016). Regardless, acaricides remain the mainstay to achieve effective tick control.
Choice of acaricide product should be based on animal lifestyle factors, geographical location, previous
tick exposure, travel to an endemic region/country, owner affordability, and preference and any other
drug needs for the pet. Some products contain pyrethroids, which have a tick-repellent (prevent tick from
taking a blood meal), as well as insecticide and acaricide effects. Besides ticks and tick-borne diseases,
many other diseases are transmitted by other arthropod vectors. Those should be also take into account
when devising chemical control strategy for pets.
It is important to know cats can develop toxicity if a canine permethrin product is applied inappropriately
or via secondary contact with a dog treated with a spot-on product containing permethrin. So, it is best
to avoid the use of permethrin-containing products on a dog that shares a home with a cat. Cat collars
that contain small amounts of permethrin may be appropriate for use on cats. For more information on
ectoparasiticides,
Veterinary Prescriber
created the parasiticides database to guide practitioners on the
available products (www.veterinaryprescriber.org/subscribers-content/2014/7/10/ecto
(www.veterinaryprescriber.org/subscribers-content/2014/7/10/ecto)). A tutorial also exists on how to use
the parasiticides guide (www.veterinaryprescriber.org/free-articles/2015/4/16/how-to-use-the-
ectoparasiticide-guide (www.veterinaryprescriber.org/free-articles/2015/4/16/how-to-use-the-
ectoparasiticide-guide)).
Protective measures and tick removal
Tick control can be effective without the adoption of some protective measures. These include avoidance
of tick habitat, avoiding heavily wooded and grassy areas, using repellents, and frequent tick checks (at
least one check per day) to pick up and remove ticks, with a tick removal device or fine pointed tweezers,
before they can transmit disease.
Although the transmission time for
Borrelia
(agent of Lyme disease) and
Babesia
is one to two days,
transmission can occur in less than 16 hours and the minimum attachment time for transmission of
infection is still unclear. It is also possible
Rickettsia
and
Ehrlichia
can be transmitted quickly (within three
to four hours). In general, transmission is correlated to duration of tick attachment, hence it is advisable
to use products that kill or repel ticks as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Read our policy ('.get_site_url().'/cookie-
policy/) Accept cookies

6/1/2017 Tickthreatandcontrolmethods|VetTimes
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrolmethods/ 5/9
Ticks can be collected directly from the animals by hand-picking. This method involves manual search for
ticks on the body and fur of animals. Pet owners should be advised to check pets for ticks after walks. If a
tick is found on the body, it should be removed completely. The body of the tick should be grasped gently
and vertical traction applied, using blunt, medium-tipped, angled forceps, until it displaces. Commercially
available devices (known as tick twisters) especially designed for tick removal using “twist and pull”
action can also be used.
Some tick removal methods should be avoided, such as applying a hot match to the tick body, covering
the tick with petroleum jelly, nail polish, alcohol, or gasoline, using lidocaine and passing a needle
through the tick. If any of these improper techniques is applied, parts of the mouth may remain in the
skin, which can lead to infection or elicit inflammation.
Vaccination has been shown to be a feasible tick control method in cattle and offers a cost-effective,
environmentally friendly alternative to chemical control (Jonsson et al, 2000). However, identification of
tick-protective antigens remains the limiting step in vaccine development. Tick antigens exposed
naturally to the host during tick feeding and those concealed have both shown promise as candidate
vaccine antigens.
Development of effective vaccines against multiple tick species infesting dogs and cats may be possible
using highly conserved tick-protective antigens that exhibit immune cross-reaction to different tick
species or using a combination of key protective antigens.
What to do with collected ticks?
Ticks removed from animals or humans should be effectively disposed of (www.gov.uk/guidance/tick-
surveillance-scheme (www.gov.uk/guidance/tick-surveillance-scheme)) to prevent contamination of the
environment.
The collected ticks should be preserved in glass vials containing 70% ethanol with a few drops of
glycerine to maintain the natural colour and prevent them from hardening. Ticks should then be
identified using phenotypic identification keys for local tick species (http://bristoltickid.blogs.ilrt.org
(http://bristoltickid.blogs.ilrt.org)). Also, animal owners and vet professionals can send ticks to Public
Health England’s Tick Recording Scheme or the Big Tick Project (www.bigtickproject.co.uk
(www.bigtickproject.co.uk)) for proper identification of the species.
Morphological identification can be difficult in damaged or immature specimens, and because it requires
entomological expertise. However, it is still worthwhile because it is important to understand the
geographic pattern of tick distribution and for early identification of exotic tick species.
Importantly, revealing the pathogens transmitted by these ticks is essential for obtaining a better
understanding of how pathogens emerge and compete under natural vector-borne transmission
conditions.
Travelling animals
Veterinary staff often encounter clients preparing to travel to potentially tick-endemic or tick-borne,
disease-endemic regions. The risk of acquisition of tick-borne diseases is based mainly on geographic
location and travel season. Hence, an individual risk assessment should be performed for every traveller,
taking into account the travel destination and the season of travel. Also, travellers to tick-endemic areas
should be advised to use proper prophylactic medication before travel and continue its use after return.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Read our policy ('.get_site_url().'/cookie-
policy/) Accept cookies

6/1/2017 Tickthreatandcontrolmethods|VetTimes
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrolmethods/ 6/9
The advent of new, safe and long-lasting acaracide products that can repel and kill ticks makes the
prevention of tick-borne diseases an important priority for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
Veterinary staff should provide travellers with resources (for example, www.esccap.org/travelling-pets-
advice/ (www.esccap.org/travelling-pets-advice/)) that provide advice and discuss risk factors for tick-
borne infection transmission (http://bit.ly/2pOybf5 (http://bit.ly/2pOybf5)).
Tick treatment of pets entering the UK is not obligatory, but compelling evidence still exists for the need
for treating dogs before entering the UK to protect travelling and resident pets. It is important to treat
pets for ticks while abroad and continue treatment on return, as some tick-borne diseases are already
endemic in the UK. A Lyme disease vaccine is also available and can be discussed with pet owners based
on the individual risk of the animal.
Minimising zoonotic transmission
Veterinary professionals routinely deal with diagnostic biological samples that may contain tick-borne
pathogens, such as
Bartonella
organisms, that have been isolated from dog, cat or human blood and
body fluids. Any contact with infected body fluids constitutes potential zoonotic risks.
Hence, staff should be aware of proper use of personal protective equipment, regularly wash their hands
and avoid cuts and needle sticks.
Veterinary staff can also be at risk of tick bites while handling infested animals.
Ixodes ricinus
, for
example, can transmit a large number of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, including
Borrelia burgdorferi
(causative agent of Lyme borreliosis), tick-borne encephalitis virus,
Anaplasma
phagocytophilum
(causative agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis),
Francisella tularensis
(causative
agent of tularaemia),
Rickettsia helvetica
and
Rickettsia monacensis
, and
Babesia divergens
and
Babesia
microti
(causative agent of babesiosis), and louping ill virus, among other pathogens.
Bearing in mind these concerns, it is essential veterinary staff exercise increased precautions to avoid not
only direct contact with body fluids from animals infested with ticks, but also to avoid tick bites, animal
bites or scratches (Maggi et al, 2013; Breitschwerdt et al, 2014).
Conclusions
Tick distribution and abundance is growing in the UK. Ticks are not only a nuisance, but can also be a
significant source of diseases and a substantial public health challenge. In particular, ticks of the genus
Ixodes
can transmit numerous pathogens that affect human and animal health.
Chemical acaricides and tick repellents are the main tools to control ticks. The author also imagines the
future of tick control as one that continues to rely heavily on chemotherapeutic drugs. However,
prevention of tick and tick-borne diseases should also consider increasing the awareness of vets,
physicians and the public to the risks imposed by these diseases.
The potential for the development of new acaricides has yet to be fully realised, but it will require more
and better understanding of the tick biology and its interaction with hosts.
Bearing in mind the considerable effort and cost of developing new acaricides and the potential side
effects of some of these drugs, perhaps now is the time to consider complementary and more supportive
strategies. As future biotechnology tools and novel approaches for vaccine formulation and delivery are
knocking on our doors, the prospect for research directed toward development of tick vaccines is
exciting. We have to be ready to welcome them to maintain animal health and safety.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Read our policy ('.get_site_url().'/cookie-
policy/) Accept cookies

6/1/2017 Tickthreatandcontrolmethods|VetTimes
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrolmethods/ 7/9
(/article/tick-threat-and-control-methods/?format=pdf) Track as CPD 
 Save for later
View your activity > (/your-activity/)
The author declares this article was written in the absence of any commercial or financial
relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
References
Benelli G, Pavela R, Canale A and Mehlhorn H (2016). Tick repellents and acaricides of botanical
origin: a green roadmap to control tick-borne diseases?
Parasitol Res
115(7): 2,545-2,560.
Breitschwerdt EB, Hegarty BC, Qurollo BA et al (2014). Intravascular persistence of
Anaplasma
platys
,
Ehrlichia chaffeensis
, and
Ehrlichia ewingii
DNA in the blood of a dog and two family
members,
Parasit Vectors
7: 298.
Diniz PPVP, Maggi RG, Schwartz DS et al (2007). Canine bartonellosis: serological and molecular
prevalence in Brazil and evidence of co-infection with
Bartonella henselae
and
Bartonella vinsonii
subspecies
berkhoffii, Vet Res
38(5): 697–710.
Eiden AL, Kaufman PE, Oi FM et al (2015). Detection of permethrin resistance and fipronil tolerance
in
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
(Acari:Ixodidae (Acari:Ixodidae)) in the United States,
J Med Entomol
52(3): 429–436.
Elsheikha H (2016). Tick-borne diseases in dogs,
The Veterinary Nurse
7(8): 440-449.
Jonsson NN, Matschoss AL, Pepper P et al (2000). Evaluation of tickGARD(PLUS), a novel vaccine
against
Boophilus microplus
, in lactating Holstein-Friesian cows,
Vet Parasitol
88(3-4): 275– 285.
Maggi RG, Compton SM, Trull CL et al (2013). Infection with hemotropic
Mycoplasma
species in
people with and without extensive arthropod and animal contact,
J Clin Microbiol
51(10): 3,237–
3,241.
(https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vettimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Ftickthreatandcontrol
methods%2F) 26
(https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?
token&isFramed=false&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vettimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Ftickthreatandcontrolmethods%2F)
(https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?
via=vettimesuk&text=Tick+threat+and+control+methods&url=https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrol
methods/)
(https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vettimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Ftickthreatandcontrol
methods%2F)
(mailto:?subject=Tickthreatandcontrolmethods&body=https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrol
methods/)


By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Read our policy ('.get_site_url().'/cookie-
policy/) Accept cookies

6/1/2017 Tickthreatandcontrolmethods|VetTimes
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrolmethods/ 8/9
End Date: 29/06/17
End Date: 29/06/17
End Date: 28/06/17
(https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?
MID=168529&plid=612359&setID=213039&channelID=0&CID=175989&banID=519456000&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&mt=1496325624471068&hc=ce1ce7379290d6dcb8a487204391a4edc9210a39&location=)
Jobs from vet times jobs
Veterinary Nurse - Oakham, Rutland
(https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42767/veterinary-nurse-
oakham-rutland/?TrackID=11130)
Oakham, Rutland | A generous salary and benefits package is offered | Oakham Veterinary Hospital
We would like to hear from RVNs with at least 2 years’ nursing experience who are keen to contribute to and
share in our success.
view details (https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42767/veterinary-nurse-oakham-rutland/?
TrackID=11130)
Veterinary Surgeon - Oakham, Rutland
(https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42765/veterinary-
surgeon-oakham-rutland/?TrackID=11130)
Oakham, Rutland | Competitive salary and benefits packages are offered | Oakham Veterinary Hospital
Exceptional and ambitious vets required.
view details (https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42765/veterinary-surgeon-oakham-rutland/?
TrackID=11130)
Experienced Veterinary Surgeon - Leicester
(https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42750/experienced-
veterinary-surgeon-leicester/?TrackID=11130)
Leicestershire | Salary Depending On Experience | Liberty Vets Ltd
We are seeking a self-motivated and passionate vet surgeon with drive and ambition to work for a fast growing
practice in Leicestershire. The team ...
view details (https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42750/experienced-veterinary-surgeon-leicester/?
TrackID=11130)
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Read our policy ('.get_site_url().'/cookie-
policy/) Accept cookies

6/1/2017 Tickthreatandcontrolmethods|VetTimes
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/tickthreatandcontrolmethods/ 9/9
End Date: 28/06/17
End Date: 27/06/17
(https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/searchjobs/?
Keywords=&radialtown=&LocationId=&RadialLocation=5&NearFacetsShown=true&CountryCode=&Sector=100&Sector=6)
Veterinary Surgeon - Lincolnshire
(https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42728/veterinary-
surgeon-lincolnshire/?TrackID=11130)
Lincolnshire | Competitive Salary | Sutterton Veterinary Hospital
We are currently recruiting for an experienced full-time vet to join our friendly, professional team.
view details (https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42728/veterinary-surgeon-lincolnshire/?
TrackID=11130)
Veterinary Territory Manager - East Midlands - 21146
(https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42714/veterinary-
territory-manager-east-midlands-21146/?
TrackID=11130)
East Midlands Region | Excellent Salary | Noble Futures
Our client, a premier pharmaceutical company, is seeking to appoint a companion animal territory manager
covering the Central East region.
view details (https://jobs.vettimes.co.uk/job/42714/veterinary-territory-manager-east-midlands-
21146/?TrackID=11130)
related content
(/news/cat-only-twin-room-operating-theatre-hits-
road/)
Cat-only twin-room operating
theatre hits road (/news/cat-only-
(/article/eye-on-ebvm-finding-veterinary-
information/)
Eye on EBVM: finding veterinary information
(/article/eye-on-ebvm-finding-veterinary-
information/)
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Read our policy ('.get_site_url().'/cookie-
policy/) Accept cookies