Ticks have long been recognized as vectors of various infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. These blood-feeding arthropods are responsible for transmitting a range of bacterial, viral, and protozoal pathogens, posing significant public health and veterinary concerns. While ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are ancient problems, recent global changes have introduced new challenges in their control and management. Several known tick-borne diseases caused by bacteria, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis continue to spread in many parts of the world, together with the increasing incidence of viral diseases, such as Powassan virus, Heartland virus, and tick-borne encephalitis, raising new concerns.

This Research Topic aims to spotlight the efforts to combat TBDs that have been intensified in recent years regarding: a) enhanced tick surveillance programs for population tracking trends and predict disease outbreaks; b) ongoing research on vaccines for Lyme disease and other TBDs; c) approaches such as genetic modification, biological control using natural predators, and targeted acaricides are being explored to reduce tick populations; d) education campaigns on proper tick removal, use of repellents, and landscape modifications are helping reduce human-tick interactions.

The goal of this research topic is to highlight the factors contributing to the increased risk of TBD and the effects on tick population and disease spread and transmission rates including:

- rising global temperatures and altered precipitation patterns have expanded the geographic range of many tick species, leading to increased human exposure

- deforestation, reforestation, and increased human encroachment into wildlife habitats have facilitated the interaction between ticks, their hosts, and humans

- increased movement of people, animals, and goods

- changes in the populations of key tick hosts, such as deer and rodents

- resistance of TBD-causing pathogens to standard treatments.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases remain persistent public health threats, and new challenges require adaptive and innovative solutions. As climate change, urbanization, and global travel continue to influence the epidemiology of TBDs, a multi-disciplinary approach involving scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers is essential to mitigate risks and protect public health. Future research and proactive strategies will be crucial in managing this evolving threat. We encourage everyone engaged in research on ticks and tick-borne diseases to publish papers on this topic.

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Ticks and tick-borne diseases - an old problem and new challenges