One Health Perspectives on Tick-borne Zoonotic Pathogens: Ecology, Epidemiology, and Control

The field of zoonotic infectious diseases, particularly those involving tick-borne pathogens, has taken center stage in global health due to the rapid increase in emerging and re-emerging threats. Recent studies show that over 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin, and more than 70% emanate from wildlife reservoirs. These epidemiological patterns highlight the intricate relationships among wildlife, domestic animals, humans, and vector populations—especially ticks—at the human-animal-environment interface. Ongoing debates surround how best to track pathogen spillover events across species and the mechanisms enabling pathogens to adapt and persist within complex ecological networks. While significant research has characterized the diversity of tick species and the pathogens they transmit, persistent gaps remain regarding the precise ecological and epidemiological factors driving emergence and maintenance of tick-borne zoonoses under changing environmental conditions. The adoption of a One Health perspective is increasingly regarded as essential for addressing these knowledge gaps and for coordinating surveillance and response efforts across disciplines.This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens by mobilizing new research into the identification of key reservoirs and vectors, the ecological processes behind pathogen transmission, and innovative surveillance and control strategies. The goal is to unravel the multifaceted interactions that underpin zoonotic emergence, with a particular focus on characterizing the dynamics between humans, domestic animals, wildlife, and the environment through integrated, transdisciplinary approaches. Key research questions include identifying critical transmission cycles, clarifying the epidemiological roles of different host species, and evaluating intervention measures to mitigate risks posed by tick-borne zoonoses.To gather further insights at the intersection of wildlife, human, animal, and environmental health, this Research Topic welcomes studies with a primary emphasis on tick-borne pathogens in the context of One Health.Article submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:- Epidemiology and molecular diversity of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens- Identification and characterization of reservoirs and vectors in transmission cycles- The role of wildlife in the emergence, persistence, and dissemination of tick-borne pathogens- Ecological and epidemiological determinants of spillover events at the human-animal-environment interface- Development and assessment of novel surveillance, prevention, and control strategies for tick-borne zoonoses- Integration of One Health approaches into risk assessment and policy frameworks Topic editors: Alberto Moraga-Fernández, Marinela Contreras Rojo, Paul Kasaija Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77292/one-health-perspectives-on-tick-borne-zoonotic-pathogens-ecology-epidemiology-and-control