Why are ticks dangerous to animals? - briefly
Ticks transmit bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that cause diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis, and their feeding can lead to significant blood loss, anemia, and secondary infections. These effects compromise animal health, reduce productivity, and can be fatal if untreated.
Why are ticks dangerous to animals? - in detail
Ticks transmit a wide range of pathogens that can cause acute and chronic illnesses in domestic and wild animals. Blood‑feeding introduces bacteria, protozoa, and viruses directly into the host’s circulatory system, bypassing many natural barriers. The resulting infections often lead to fever, anemia, organ dysfunction, and, in severe cases, death.
Key health threats include:
- Bacterial diseases: Borrelia spp. (Lyme disease), Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp. cause joint inflammation, immune suppression, and renal failure.
- Protozoal infections: Babesia spp. trigger hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly.
- Viral conditions: Tick‑borne encephalitis virus and Crimean‑Congo hemorrhagic fever virus can produce neurological signs and hemorrhagic syndromes.
- Secondary complications: Local skin irritation, inflammation, and secondary bacterial infections develop at attachment sites, leading to tissue damage and reduced productivity.
Beyond pathogen transmission, ticks exert mechanical stress. Prolonged attachment drains blood, producing iron deficiency and weight loss, especially in young or debilitated animals. Repeated infestations increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions, manifesting as chronic dermatitis and reduced feed intake.
Control measures must target all life stages of the parasite. Effective strategies combine environmental management—such as pasture rotation and habitat reduction—with regular application of acaricides and regular health monitoring. Early detection of tick‑borne illnesses through laboratory testing allows timely treatment, minimizing morbidity and mortality.