Climate Change Allows Ticks to Spread Across Wider Areas through Bird Migrations

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology has revealed that climate change is allowing ticks, notorious disease vectors, to spread across wider areas through bird migrations. The arachnids can carry serious pathogens such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus infection.

According to the research, rising temperatures due to global warming are making it easier for some tick species to establish themselves in new regions, taking advantage of conditions that were previously unfavorable. This rapid increase in geographic distribution is a result of warmer climates combining with the presence of suitable vertebrate hosts for all life stages of the ticks.

"Geographic distribution is changing very rapidly in many tick species," said Lorenza Beati, co-author and Georgia Southern University biologist. "For some migrating exotic ticks, global warming may create conditions at their northern destination that are similar to their usual range."

The study investigated tick dispersal through migrating birds using six locations along the northern Gulf of Mexico. The team set up nets to catch birds, fitted them with identification bands, measured them, and scoured for ticks. Analyzing 421 ticks collected from 164 birds revealed that 18 different species were identified, but four species accounted for 81 percent of the ticks.

The bacteria carried by these ticks, including Francisella, Rickettsia, and Cutibacterium, can cause a range of diseases, including tularemia and spotted fevers. The research also suggests that some Rickettsia species might have a symbiotic relationship with ticks, helping them cope with the energy loss during travel.

"More research is needed to understand how large the impact of bird-assisted tick dispersal is," said Shahid Karim, co-author and University of Southern Mississippi biologist. "Future studies could explore if birds act as reservoirs by carrying tick-borne diseases when they're not hosting ticks."

As temperatures continue to rise, the potential risks of these arachnids become more significant. The team emphasizes that protecting yourself from tick bites is crucial in preventing tick-borne illnesses. According to Karim, "The best ways to protect yourself are wearing long sleeves, using good bug repellants, and doing tick checks after being outside or spending time in tick-infested areas."

Climate change has brought these microscopic disease vectors closer to human settlements, making it essential for communities to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses.