Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed the world’s first laboratory-based feeding system for bush ticks, revolutionizing the study of these significant disease carriers. This innovative, host-free platform minimizes the reliance on animal testing, paving the way for more ethical and reproducible research on ticks and the diseases they transmit.
Ticks are recognized as major vectors for infectious diseases globally, transmitting various viruses, bacteria, and protozoa to both animals and humans. As climate change, land-use alterations, and trade continue to impact tick distribution, understanding their biology and behavior has become increasingly critical.
The research, spearheaded by Dr. Abdul Ghafar and Professor Abdul Jabbar from the Melbourne Veterinary School, in collaboration with Professor Ard Nijhof from Freie Universität Berlin, was published in The Veterinary Journal. The study highlights that this new platform can successfully support the feeding and complete reproduction of the Asian longhorned tick, known scientifically as Haemaphysalis longicornis, without the use of animal hosts.
In Australia, the Asian longhorned tick is prevalent and economically significant. It is the primary vector for the parasite Theileria orientalis, which is responsible for considerable production losses in cattle. Furthermore, emerging research indicates that bites from H. longicornis may contribute to alpha-gal syndrome in humans, a red-meat allergy associated with a carbohydrate found in tick saliva.
Traditionally, tick research has relied heavily on live animal models, a method that is not only labor-intensive and costly but also raises ethical concerns. Professor Nijhof emphasized the drawbacks of this conventional approach, stating, “It risks introducing substantial variability due to host immune responses, grooming behavior, and individual differences in tick attachment and feeding success.”
With the introduction of this new laboratory platform, the need for animal hosts has been eliminated. Professor Jabbar elaborated on the system’s mechanics, explaining, “The platform uses a thin silicone membrane and cattle blood with the clotting protein fibrin removed, effectively mimicking key features of natural feeding.”
This cutting-edge platform facilitates controlled studies on tick physiology, microbiome dynamics, and pathogen acquisition and transmission. It also allows for high-throughput screening of new pesticides and anti-tick vaccines under standardized laboratory conditions.
Dr. Ghafar noted that optimizing the membrane thickness and feeding conditions enabled the research team to address anatomical constraints of H. longicornis, which has short mouthparts and limited mobility. “As climate change, land-use change, and global trade continue to reshape the distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Australia, this host-free feeding system can support integrated research on disease-carrying animals like ticks that are crucial to animal and human health,” he stated.
The development of this platform not only enhances the understanding of tick-borne diseases but also contributes significantly to public health and agricultural productivity. The research was supported by the Melbourne Postdoctoral Fellowship, highlighting the ongoing commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and ethical research practices.
