The control of < i > Hyalomma < /i > ticks, vectors of the Crimean –Congo hemorrhagic fever virus: Where are we now and where are we going?

by Sarah I. Bonnet, Gwena ël Vourc’h, Alice Raffetin, Alessandra Falchi, Julie Figoni, Johanna Fite, Thierry Hoch, Sara Moutailler, Elsa Quillery At a time of major global, societal, and environmental changes, the shifting distribution of pathogen vectors represents a real danger in certain regions of the world as generating opportunities for emergency. For example, the recent arrival of theHyalomma marginatum ticks in southern France and the concurrent appearance of cases of Crimean –Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF)—a disease vectored by this tick species—in neighboring Spain raises many concerns about the associated risks for the European continent. This context has created an urgent need for effective methods for control, surveillance, and risk assessment for ticks and ti ck-borne diseases with a particular concern regardingHyalomma sp. Here, we then review the current body of knowledge on different methods of tick control —including chemical, biological, genetical, immunological, and ecological methods—and the latest developments in the field, with a focus on those that have been tested against ticks from the genusHyalomma. In the absence of a fully and unique efficient approach, we demonstrated that integrated pest management combining several approaches adapted to the local context and species is currently the best strategy for tick control together with a rational use of acaricide. Continued efforts are needed to develop and implement new and innovative met...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research