One Health Approach to Identify Research Needs on Rhipicephalus microplus Ticks in the Americas.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Ecology
• Parasitology

Background:

• The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, is a major ectoparasite of livestock in the Neotropics, causing significant economic losses.
• Understanding the factors influencing its survival and spread is critical for effective control strategies.
• Current control methods often fail to account for the complex ecological interactions driving tick populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a harmonized view of factors affecting Rhipicephalus microplus survival and spread in the Neotropics.
• To integrate biological, ecological, distribution, and control facets of the tick's life cycle.
• To propose emerging research areas for sustainable tick management.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on Rhipicephalus microplus biology, ecology, and distribution.
• Analysis of interactions between environmental niche, landscape fragmentation, and host abundance.
• Integration of climate trends, host community composition, and landscape features.

Main Results:

• Rhipicephalus microplus spread is driven by complex, interrelated factors including climate, landscape, and host availability.
• Environmental and biotic factors synergistically influence tick population dynamics and seasonal activity.
• Climate change and landscape alteration can facilitate tick range expansion into new areas.

Conclusions:

• A holistic, ecologically-grounded approach is necessary for sustainable control of Rhipicephalus microplus.
• Integrating a One Health perspective is vital for managing tick-borne diseases in livestock and wildlife.
• Future research should focus on interdisciplinary strategies addressing the complex drivers of tick infestations.