Epidemiological study on ticks and tick-borne pathogens in cape hare (Lepus capensis) in Algeria

The Cape hare (L. capensis) is one of the most common game species in Algeria, although its populations have declined in recent years. This wild lagomorph may host ticks, which act as vectors for a range of zoonotic pathogens. The purpose of this study is to fill the gaps in current knowledge regarding the presence of ticks in Algerian cape hare species and better understand the potential implications for public health.

During the 2023-2024 hunting seasons in the High Plateaus of Algeria, a total of 47 lagomorphs (44 Cape hares and 3 wild rabbits) were collected from 20 sites and examined for tick infestation. Ticks were identified using both morphological and molecular approaches. The presence of bacterial pathogens (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Coxiella spp., Ehrlichia spp.) and viral agents (Tick Borne Encephalites Virus, Crimean Congo Haemorragic Fever, West Nile Virus, Usutu virus, and phleboviruses) was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR on 56 ticks pools.

Twenty-two hares (50%) but no rabbits were infested with ticks. A total of 165 ticks were collected, predominantly Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (94.5%), followed by Ixodes hexagonus (5.5%). Adult ticks were the most abundant life stage, followed by nymphs, while larvae were rarely observed. Seasonal analysis showed a peak infestation in September (100% prevalence, mean intensity 11.57 ± 22.37 ticks/animal), followed by a decline in October (40.9%, 2.27 ± 3.77 ticks/animal) and November (46.2%, 1.82 ± 3.52 ticks/animal). No ticks were detected in December. Molecular screening revealed seven zoonotic Rickettsia species in R. sanguineus, with R. aeschlimannii being most prevalent (19.6%). Additionally, Borrelia afzelii (3.6%) and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (1.8%) were detected, with a total prevalence of 0.7% (4 positive pools). All ticks were negative for Anaplasma spp., Coxiella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and screened viruses.

R. sanguineus is the predominant tick species infesting Cape hares in Algeria. The detection of multiple zoonotic pathogens highlights the potential role of this host in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases and underscores the need for expanded surveillance in wild lagomorph populations within a One Health framework.