author(s)
Renuka Patel, Ranvijay Singh, Bhavana Gupta, Ajay Rai, Shreya Dubey, Braj Mohan Singh Dhakad and Divya Soni

abstract
Ticks are the important arthropod vectors for transmission of numerous infectious agents and are responsible for causing human and animal diseases. Among the world’s tick fauna, 80% are hard ticks and remaining 20% are soft ticks. However, only 10% of the total hard and soft tick species are known to be involved in disease transmission to domestic animals and humans. The global loss due to ticks and tickborne diseases (TTBDs) was estimated to be between US$ 21.38- 28.76 billion annually, while in India the cost of controlling TTBDs has been estimated as US$ 498.7 million/annum. A number of tick species have been recognised since long as vectors of lethal pathogens, viz. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), Nairobi sheep disease virus, Tick borne encephalitis virus etc. and the damages caused by them are well-recognised. Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Haemaphysalis spinigera are the two important species of ticks present in India, which are responsible for causing CCHF and KFD respectively. There are about 400-500 cases of KFD, 10000-15000 cases of CCHF with 500 deaths are reported annually. Generally tick-borne viral diseases manifest three different clinical conditions: encephalitis, haemorrhagic fevers and acute febrile illness. The diagnosis of TBDs is challenging and information exchange from physician to veterinarians and vice versa is beneficial for both sides but mainly for patients. There is a need for improved diagnostic facilities and laboratories.