In Morocco, tick-borne infections (TBIs) such as theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis are responsible for serious illnesses and important production losses. They are also the cause of several human diseases such as lyme disase and anaplasmosis. The type of farming in the country, i.e., (semi)-extensive, with multiple animal species within the same farm, the absence of farmers’ awareness about the severe outcomes of TBIs, and the absence of systematic ectoparasite prevention in both cattle and dogs within these farms, explains the heavy infection burden of TBIs. In addition, only few acaricides are currently commercialized, without any regulation or information on their proper use.
The project will generate knowledge of the ecology and epidemiology of the major tick species infecting cattle and dogs in Northwest Morocco and their socio-economic impact will be assessed. The project will further focus on tick control by evaluating the resistance of the major tick species to the preventive molecules available in Morocco in both cattle and dogs and will propose and pilot alternative measures for the control of tick infestation.