Study maps Hyalomma ticks and pathogens in camels in Chad

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A new study in Veterinary Sciences mapped Hyalomma ticks collected from dromedary camels in Bol, Chad, and found four species among 780 specimens, led by Hyalomma dromedarii at 49.0%, followed by H. rufipes (22.6%), H. impeltatum (19.1%), and H. truncatum (9.4%). The researchers also screened the ticks for tick-borne pathogens and reported circulation of organisms with veterinary and zoonotic relevance, including Coxiella burnetii, the agent associated with Q fever. The authors said the findings support stronger integrated surveillance of camel ticks and their microbial cargo in Chad. (mdpi.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the paper adds field data from an underreported region where camels, ticks, livestock movement, and human exposure intersect. That matters because Hyalomma ticks are important vectors in arid production systems and are the principal vector genus for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, while C. burnetii remains a recognized zoonotic concern in animal health. In practice, the study reinforces the need to include camel-associated ectoparasites in herd health planning, biosecurity, tick control, and One Health surveillance, especially where veterinary teams, herders, abattoir workers, and pet parents may all be part of the exposure chain. (who.int)

What to watch: Watch for follow-up surveillance in other camel-producing areas, and for any work linking tick findings to clinical disease, livestock losses, or human case detection in Chad and neighboring regions. (mdpi.com)