Tick-wildlife host-pathogen network interactions in Northern Africa.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Ticks are critical vectors of zoonotic pathogens, impacting public health and wildlife conservation, particularly in Northern Africa.
• Understanding tick-host-pathogen dynamics is crucial, influenced by tick distribution, abundance, host availability, and environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the seasonal tick-host interaction network between questing ticks and wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and addax (Addax nasomaculatus) in Maamora Forest, Morocco.
• To analyze density-dependent and environmental effects on questing and on-rabbit ticks.
• To identify tick-borne pathogens in questing and on-addax ticks.

Main Methods:

• Field study in Maamora Forest, Morocco, focusing on seasonal tick sampling and host infestation.
• Analysis of spatial and seasonal distribution patterns of questing and host-associated ticks.
• Molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens (Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia aeschlimannii) using PCR.

Main Results:

• Significant spatial and seasonal variations were observed in questing and on-rabbit ticks (Hyalomma lusitanicum, Rhipicephalus pusillus, H. aegyptium).
• Questing tick abundance peaked in summer, while rabbit infestations were higher in spring; high tick loads occurred in areas of rabbit-ungulate contact.
• Coxiella burnetii was detected in 17-27% of questing and on-addax ticks, and Rickettsia aeschlimannii in 4% of questing Hyalomma lusitanicum.

Conclusions:

• Tick populations and their interactions with wildlife hosts exhibit distinct seasonal and spatial patterns in Northwest Morocco.
• Ticks pose a significant challenge to human and animal health, as well as ecosystem integrity in Northern Africa.
• Long-term monitoring of tick-host interactions and associated pathogens is essential for effective management and conservation strategies.