One Health approach to identify research needs in bovine and human babesioses: workshop report

Abstract

BackgroundBabesia are emerging health threats to humans and animals in the United States. A collaborative effort of multiple disciplines to attain optimal health for people, animals and our environment, otherwise known as the One Health concept, was taken during a research workshop held in April 2009 to identify gaps in scientific knowledge regarding babesioses. The impetus for this analysis was the increased risk for outbreaks of bovine babesiosis, also known as Texas cattle fever, associated with the re-infestation of the U.S. by cattle fever ticks.ResultsThe involvement of wildlife in the ecology of cattle fever ticks jeopardizes the ability of state and federal agencies to keep the national herd free of Texas cattle fever. Similarly, there has been a progressive increase in the number of cases of human babesiosis over the past 25 years due to an increase in the white-tailed deer population. Human babesiosis due to cattle-associated Babesia divergens and Babesia divergens-like organisms have begun to appear in residents of the United States. Research needs for human and bovine babesioses were identified and are presented herein.ConclusionsThe translation of this research is expected to provide veterinary and public health systems with the tools to mitigate the impact of bovine and human babesioses. However, economic, political, and social commitments are urgently required, including increased national funding for animal and human Babesia research, to prevent the re-establishment of cattle fever ticks and the increasing problem of human babesiosis in the United States.

Molecular detection of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Tom Green County in central Texas

“…The role of white-tailed deer and other ungulates in the epidemiology of bovine babesiosis is a critical consideration as the U.S. deals with the increased incidence of vector tick outbreaks in south Texas, especially in areas outside of the permanent Fever Tick quarantine buffer zone (Hillman, 2008;Perez de Leon et al, 2010). Outbreaks of babesiosis have not been associated with recent Fever Tick (Rhipicephalus Boophilus spp.)…”

Geographic distribution of the invasive cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus, a country-wide survey in Benin

“…On each of the 106 farms visited, ticks were collected from at least two domestic bovine hosts (ICTTD, 2007;Pérez De Leán et al, 2010). The full body was sampled using forceps, with the exception of the flank lying on the ground.…”

A Novel Ex Vivo Bioassay Suggests DEET is an Effective Repellent of Rhipicephalus Sanguineus1

“…The concept of developing and using anti-tick vaccines in fever tick programs has also received attention Perez de Leon et al (2010). The anti-tick vaccine Gavac®, is produced in Cuba and has been used in many countries including Mexico.…”

“…This approach was used to model this economic analysis. Other products are needed as reviewed and suggested by Perez de Leon et al (2010) and some elements are in various stages of testing. For example, Dectomax®, a formulation of Doramectin, applied by injection, appears to eliminate fever ticks for up to 28 days and is under review for use in the eradication program.…”

“…Given the cost differences detailed above, incentives to keep cattle on the property could be extensive. The realities of evolving interactions of cattle fever ticks with cattle, wildlife and different landscapes bring complexities requiring integration of numerous tactics for the strategy of eradication to be successful (Perez de Leon et al 2010).…”