Forecasting habitat suitability for ticks and prevention of tick-borne diseases

Abstract

Climate and vegetation are the major factors affecting the distribution of ticks. Consequently, spatial distributions can be analysed by statistical methods that look for correlations between abiotic factors and known data about tick presence/absence. Remote sensing features can be obtained from a wide database of sensors with different characteristics, then applied to the problem of mapping prediction of tick distribution. Some studies had demonstrated that the use of these abiotic variables from satellite imagery has biological significance, therefore statistical accuracy of these distribution models can be interpreted under an ecological framework. Furthermore, models can be linked to these predictive maps, enabling the forecast of spatial and temporal dynamics of ticks, looking for seasonal patterns of activity and accurate use of acaricide treatments.