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Page No. : 39-47

ABSTRACT

Tick-borne zoonoses are a growing public health concern in India due to the close interface and interactions between humans, animals, and vectors in rural and forested regions. Diseases such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), Ganjam virus, and Bhanja virus have been reported in various states, primarily transmitted by ticks like Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis and Dermacentor. These zoonoses pose a significant threat to human health, particularly among agricultural workers, forest dwellers, and livestock handlers. The ecological diversity of India provides a conducive environment for the maintenance and transmission of tick-borne pathogens, with livestock and wildlife serving as critical reservoirs. Symptoms range from mild febrile illness to severe hemorrhagic fevers with high morbidity and mortality, as seen in CCHF and KFD. The economic burden is compounded by the loss of productivity, healthcare costs, and impacts on livestock health. Public health measures such as surveillance, early diagnosis, and vector control are critical for reducing the disease burden. Preventive strategies include the use of personal protective equipment, tick repellents, and vaccination programs, such as the KFD vaccine in endemic areas. Public awareness campaigns and capacity building among healthcare professionals are essential for timely recognition and management. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including limited diagnostic facilities, underreporting, and a lack of comprehensive data on the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne zoonoses. Interdisciplinary approaches integrating human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health framework are urgently needed to address these challenges. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance, improving tick management, and fostering community participation are vital to mitigate the public health impact of tick-borne zoonoses in India.

Keywords: Tick-borne, zoonoses, disease, one health