A Review: An Insight into the Potential of Biological Control of Ticks in Domestic and Wild Animals

Ticks are hematophagous arthropods that transmit pathogens to humans, animals and poultry birds, mostly in tropical and subtropical regions globally, causing considerable economic and health losses by serving infectious vectors. In endemic locations of the world, tick-borne diseases have become a public health issue. Ticks biting causes anemia in animals and also impair their hide quality. Therefore, the current review article focused on the biological control of ticks. Ticks, like any other creature, are susceptible to various infectious agents (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia bigemina, B. gibsoni, Hepatozoon canis, H. americanum, Theileria annulate, T. taurotragi etc). Ticks can become infected with rickettsia, spirochetes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Some protozoans and worms infiltrate ticks and reproduce inside them, killing them. Fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticiliium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana), bacteria (Bacillus), nematodes (Steinernema glaseri, S. carpocapsae), and parasitoids (Ixodiphagus species.) have proved effective biological agents to control ticks. Insects are also a type of natural tick enemy. Ticks that are engorged with blood and while moulting are the most vulnerable to insect predation and eaten by spiders, ants, beetles, dragonflies, and wasps (Ixodiphagus). Ticks are also preyed upon by amphibians and reptiles. Birds such as yellow-billed oxpecker (Buphagus africanus), helmeted guineafowl and Galliformes are good predators of ticks. Biological agents affect only target pests (ticks), do not destroy beneficial natural enemies and are safer for the ecosystem and humans. By keeping in view, the significance of biological agents, we highly recommend them in integrated tick management program that could minimize the tick population