# Cattle Zoonotic and Non-Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Europe—A Retrospective Analysis of the Past 15 Years

## TL;DR

This study reviews tick-borne diseases in European cattle over 15 years, showing rising infections and the need for better monitoring and a One Health approach.

## Contribution

A comprehensive retrospective analysis of zoonotic and non-zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in European cattle over the past 15 years.

## Key findings

- Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis punctata are the most prevalent tick vectors spreading pathogens in cattle.
- Pathogens like Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi show increasing prevalence.
- PCR, ELISA, and genetic sequence analysis are the most common diagnostic methods used in Europe.

## Abstract

The study highlights the growing challenge posed by vector-borne diseases, especially ticks, in cattle populations across Europe. The primarily identified vectors are Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis punctata, which spread pathogens such as Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. The occurrence of these infections is on the rise, influenced by factors like environmental shifts and the movement of livestock. Diagnostic methods such as polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and genetic sequence analysis are commonly used to detect these diseases. The findings underscore the need for improved monitoring protocols on farms and in areas with increased vector-related activity, promoting a unified “One Health” strategy to address the interconnected risks regarding animal, human, and environmental health.

Vector-borne diseases play a significant role in veterinary health, impacting both wild and domestic animals and posing a major constraint on the development of animal husbandry worldwide. The current study aimed to highlight some of the factors involved in the appearance and dissemination of these emerging and re-emerging diseases, as well as the prevalence rate of certain species of pathogens, in cattle throughout Europe. Considering the complexity of vector–host systems, ticks can be mentioned as the first and most common vector involved in the transmission of pathogens in cattle. The highest prevalence was reported for two vector species: Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis punctata. Another factor that contributes to the rapid identification of these diseases is the employed diagnostic method; thus, the most frequently employed techniques in Europe are: PCR, ELISA, and phylogenetic analysis of sequences. The prevalence of tick-borne infections in cattle is continuously increasing. The most frequent associations are Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. Overall, this study highlights a rising occurrence and prevalence of vector-borne diseases in European cattle, underscoring the need for thorough monitoring of farms and vector hotspots—ideally within a “One Health” framework.