8.11 Investigations on prevalence of soft ticks
Distribution of argasid or soft ticks can be found throughout the world
except for places with extreme climatic conditions (Estrada-Pena et al.,
2012; Manzano-Roman et al., 2012). However, the distribution of specific
species of soft tick is more limited or may be very extensive, depending
on factors such as the adaptability of each particular species to new
ecological environments, the dissemination of immature phases by
migratory birds and the ability of adult specimens to infest different
host species (Manzano-Roman et al., 2012). Considering the involvement
of Ornithodoros ticks as a biological vector of ASF it is also possible
that species that have never been identified in India may be imported
from other continents contributing to a geographic distribution of
particular species in constant to evolution. Therefore, an extensive
investigation on the prevalence of Ornithodoros species is important to
know the status of their distribution throughout the country and should
be included in control strategies.
Along with the critical preventive and control measures mentioned for
ASF, public-awareness and education campaigns are important integral
elements of the disease control strategies. Disease awareness campaigns
should be targeted in pig rearing areas in India because rural farmers
lack knowledge on animal diseases, clinical symptoms and biosecurity
measures. Exotic diseases like ASF should be given equal importance as
human diseases when it comes to the socio-economic status of developing
nations like India since a majority of the population depends on
agriculture and livestock farming for food security and livelihood.