| Anti-Tick Vaccines for Cattle: Advances, Challenges and Opportunities for Implementation in Iran |
| Paper ID : 1058-IPCA5 (R1) |
| Authors |
|
amirhossein khorshid sokhangouy *, marzieh kefayat Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch |
| Abstract |
| Hard ticks (Ixodidae) are primary vectors of several protozoal diseases, such as babesiosis, theileriosis, and anaplasmosis. Considering the annual global livestock industry losses for tick-borne diseases, which are estimated at $7–18 billion based on the 2022 Exp Parasitol study by Singh et al., this review summarizes recent advances in anti-tick vaccine development, focusing on key antigens (e.g., Bm86, Subolesin, vitelline, and GP80), novel technologies (mRNA vaccines, nanoparticles, viral vectors), and implementation challenges. Current knowledge indicates that vaccination of cattle based on Bm86 (60–76% reduction in tick burden) and Subolesin (67–93% efficacy), alongside emerging technologies such as mRNA platforms and nanoparticle delivery systems can serve as sustainable alternatives to chemical-compounds-based tick control strategies. However, challenges such as tick genetic diversity, still high production costs (ca. $20/dose), and antigenic resistance remain to be resolved. Some suggestions for future research, such as AI-driven epitope design and multi-antigen vaccines, are discussed in this presentation. Despite global advancements, there is a notable gap in the application and development of anti-tick vaccines in Iran, where tick-borne diseases also pose a significant threat to the livestock industry. This presentation discusses how Iran can contribute to and benefit from ongoing research by prioritizing local epidemiological studies, investing in cost-effective antigen production, and exploring AI-based epitope design tailored to regional tick species. Promoting multi-antigen vaccines and establishing collaborative research initiatives can help integrate Iran into the global effort to develop sustainable tick control strategies. Anti-Tick Vaccines for Cattle: Advances, Challenges and Opportunities for Implementation in Iran Amirhossein Khorshid Sokhangouy, Marzieh Kefayat Department of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Iran amirho3einkhs@gmail.com , marziehkefayat@yahoo.com |
| Keywords |
| Anti-tick vaccine, Bm86, Hard ticks, mRNA vaccine, Nanoparticle technology, Protozoan diseases, Subolesin |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |
