How are ixodid ticks dangerous to animals? - briefly
Ixodid ticks cause blood loss, anemia, and skin lesions while serving as vectors for pathogens such as Babesia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia that can produce serious disease in livestock and companion animals. Heavy infestations may further reduce weight gain and overall productivity.
How are ixodid ticks dangerous to animals? - in detail
Ixodid ticks pose several direct threats to animal health. Their mouthparts pierce the skin to obtain blood, causing measurable loss that can lead to anemia, especially in young or heavily infested individuals. Repeated feeding may reduce weight gain and impair growth rates.
Pathogen transmission is the principal hazard. Ticks serve as vectors for a wide spectrum of microorganisms, including:
- Bacterial agents – Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), Ehrlichia spp. (ehrlichiosis), and Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever). Infection manifests as fever, joint inflammation, and organ dysfunction.
- Protozoan parasites – Babesia spp. (babesiosis) and Theileria spp. (theileriosis). These agents cause hemolytic anemia, fever, and, in severe cases, death.
- Viral agents – Tick‑borne encephalitis virus and African swine fever virus, which can produce neurological signs or fatal hemorrhagic disease.
Some ixodid species inject neurotoxins while feeding, resulting in tick‑induced paralysis. The toxin blocks neuromuscular transmission, leading to progressive weakness, ataxia, and respiratory failure if untreated. Symptoms typically appear 2–7 days after attachment and reverse after tick removal.
Allergic reactions to tick saliva may cause localized dermatitis, swelling, and systemic hypersensitivity. In predisposed animals, hypersensitivity can trigger anaphylaxis, requiring immediate veterinary intervention.
Secondary bacterial infection of the bite wound is common. Tissue damage and prolonged exposure create an entry point for opportunistic microbes, leading to cellulitis, abscess formation, or septicemia.
Economic consequences stem from reduced productivity, increased veterinary costs, and trade restrictions. Control measures—regular inspection, acaricide application, and pasture management—are essential to limit infestations and associated disease outbreaks.