Introduction
Rapid environmental changes caused by human activities are driving a critical decline in biodiversity, with migratory birds facing increasing ecological pressures. Their high mobility makes them key agents in the long-distance dispersal of ticks—important vectors of zoonotic pathogens such as Borrelia species. This research, conducted in collaboration with the Faunistic Observatory of Asinara National Park (2021–2023), explores how migratory birds contribute to the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, providing important insights into the environmental and public health implications of these interactions.
Migratory Birds as Ecological Dispersal Agents
Migratory birds traverse vast geographic ranges, creating opportunities for the widespread transport of ectoparasites such as ticks. Their stopover behavior, roosting habits, and seasonal movement paths position them as efficient dispersal agents for vector populations. Understanding the ecological mechanisms by which birds carry ticks across continents is essential for predicting patterns of pathogen emergence and identifying high-risk regions along migratory flyways.
Seasonal Variations in Tick Infestation Patterns
Data collected during the pre-breeding (spring) and post-breeding (autumn) seasons revealed distinct seasonal differences in tick species composition on migratory birds. Ixodes ricinus dominated in the autumn months (99%), while Hyalomma species were far more prevalent during spring migrations (78%). These findings highlight how host-parasite interactions shift with environmental conditions, bird phenology, and broader climatic factors influencing tick life cycles.
Molecular Detection of Borrelia spp. in Avian-Associated Ticks
Molecular screening using real-time and conventional PCR identified Borrelia species DNA in 26.1% of collected ticks. Among these, Borrelia garinii emerged as the most common pathogen, reinforcing its known association with avian hosts. The detection of pathogenic Borrelia strains in bird-borne ticks underscores the importance of migratory birds as carriers of infectious agents with public health relevance.
Epidemiological Implications of Avian-Mediated Pathogen Spread
The movement of infected ticks across distant ecological zones by migratory birds has significant consequences for disease transmission dynamics. As birds traverse continents, they may introduce new tick species and pathogens into naïve environments, influencing local infection risk and altering disease ecology. Understanding these processes is crucial for improving surveillance programs, anticipating emerging threats, and shaping effective vector-borne disease prevention strategies.
Need for Continued Surveillance and Future Research
Although this study highlights the important role of migratory birds in the dispersal of ticks and Borrelia spp., further research is needed to clarify the extent to which birds directly contribute to pathogen transmission cycles. Long-term monitoring, expanded sampling across flyways, and improved genomic tools will enhance understanding of host–vector–pathogen interactions. Strengthening global surveillance systems will be vital for public health preparedness as biodiversity shifts and climate change continue to reshape vector ecology.
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Hashtags
#MigratoryBirds, #TickDispersal, #BorreliaResearch, #ZoonoticPathogens, #VectorEcology, #AvianEcology, #DiseaseTransmission, #IxodesRicinus, #HyalommaTicks, #LymeDiseaseRisk, #WildlifeHealth, #EcoEpidemiology, #MolecularDiagnostics, #PCRAnalysis, #BiodiversityLoss, #ClimateImpact, #PublicHealthSurveillance, #OneHealthApproach, #TickBorneDiseases, #AsinaraNationalPark,
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