Tick and tick-borne disease management requires an integrated One Health approach

Authors: Poh, Karen; OWEN, JEB - Washington State University; WILLIAMS, LAURA - Washington State University; CLAUDE, RILEY - Washington State University; ELEFTHERIOU, ANDREAS - Washington State University

Submitted to: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/28/2026
Publication Date: 5/13/2026
Citation: Poh, K.C., Owen, J., Williams, L., Claude, R., Eleftheriou, A. 2026. Tick and tick-borne disease management requires an integrated One Health approach. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 264(S1):.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.26.02.0153

Interpretive Summary: Tick-borne diseases are increasing across the United States, affecting both people and animals. This review explains which tick species are most important, their biologies, and the pathogens they carry. We also summarize the epidemiology and distributions of major tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, spotted fever rickettsioses, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis/ehrlichiosis. Finally, the review provides practical evidence-based guidance for diagnosing, treating, and preventing tick-borne diseases. By combining human, animal, and environmental health perspectives, this article aims to support integrative One Health approaches to tick-related health risks.

Technical Abstract: Endemic and emerging tick-borne diseases in humans and animals in the United States are becoming more frequent and are likely driven by several socioecological factors. Although numerous hard and soft ticks are of medical and veterinary significance, this review focuses on species that are most relevant for the One Health practitioner. This article presents key aspects on significant tick species and tick-borne diseases in the United States. Tick biology and ecology of several ticks are discussed, including blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), western black legged ticks (I. pacificus), American dog ticks (D. variabilis), Rocky Mountain wood tick (D. andersoni), lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum), brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), and the recent invader, Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis). In addition, the epidemiology of several diseases are also discussed, such as Lyme disease, spotted fever rickettsioses, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis/ehrlichiosis. Finally, management recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are provided. By integrating knowledge of key tick species, associated pathogens, and evidence-based management recommendations, this review adopts a One Health perspective to inform coordinated veterinary and human health responses to tick-borne diseases in the United States.