Zoonotic Pathogens in Ticks from Migratory Birds, Italy

Abstract

Migratory birds can transport infected ticks across continents. We evaluated pathogens in ticks collected from migratory birds in Italy. We found DNA from Rickettsia aeschlimannii, R. africae, and R. raoultii bacteria, all of which can cause disease in humans. Bird migrations might facilitate the spread of these pathogens into new areas.

Keywords

• migratory birds
• zoonoses
• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
• Rickettsia
• ticks
• vector-borne infections