The ecology of tick-borne pathogens in wildlife and livestock of Shimba Hills: Using the Shimba Hills National Reserve as a model to study the ecology & diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Kenya and evaluate their role in pathogen transmission

The aim of this project is to provide a baseline to evaluate the role of arthropod transmitted disease among declining wildlife populations and livestock in Kwale County, this projects surveyed ticks and tick-borne pathogen (viral, bacterial and protozoan) diversity in the Shimba Hills National Reserve of Kenya. We sampled wildlife and livestock host blood and ticks from these hosts and grasslands. Because of the close proximity of many livestock herds to the Reserve, we have identified ticks and tick-transmitted pathogens that are likely to contribute to livestock morbidity in the region.

Collaborator

• Kenya Wildlife Services