Vector-Borne Diseases of Animals

Is your animal getting bug bites?
Do you need help identifying a tick or mite?
Are you curious what diseases an insect will spread?

While many insects and other arthropods, like ticks and mites, are harmless or helpful, some are harmful to people and animals. Vectors can be parasites, which are organisms that live on or in a person or animal, causing harm directly to their host. Vectors can also spread pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, or parasites) from one person or animal to another.

The resources on this website will explain:

Important vectors and parasites affecting animals and signs of infestation
How to submit unfamiliar vectors and parasites for identification
Pest management practices for controlling vectors and parasites

The information provided has been developed for veterinary personnel, animal health professionals, producers, and anyone who interacts with animals on a regular basis. For simplicity purposes with terminology, parasites are not differentiated from vectors throughout these resources. However, please appreciate their distinction when seeking additional information.

Do you know how vectors affect animals?

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Know What to Watch For

Select the vectors below to learn more about where they live, how to detect them, and how to control vectors and prevent the pathogens they may spread.

Ticks

Mites

Flies

Mosquitoes

Fleas

Lice

Kissing Bugs

Send in Unusual Vectors for Identification

See an unusual bug? Submitting vectors to a diagnostic laboratory for identification helps experts know where vectors are living, what diseases may occur in an area, and which treatment and control measures will be most effective. In addition, prompt detection and response of foreign vectors may help limit or slow their spread. For tips, visit How to Submit Vectors for Identification.

Control and Prevent Vector-Borne Diseases

Elimination of vectors is not always possible, but various control measures can lower disease risks for people and animals. Vector control requires a combination of methods to protect animals, humans, and the environment. For effective and sustainable approaches, visit Considerations When Managing Vectors. Targeted methods can be found in each of the vector sections above.

Learn More

CFSPH: Vector-borne Exposure Routes – Handouts on controlling biting midges, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks
CFSPH: Vector-borne Disease Factsheets – Resources on specific vector-borne diseases
CDC: Vector-Borne Diseases – Handouts on controlling biting midges, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks
PennState Extension: Pests of Veterinary Importance – Resources on ectoparasites affecting livestock, horses, and wildlife
Texas A&M University: Livestock Veterinary Entomology – In-depth information about ectoparasites of livestock and pesticides
University of Florida: Featured Creatures – In-depth profiles and management of insects, arachnids, and other organisms
USDA: Ticks and Flies that Carry Animal Diseases – Distribution, prevention, and control of important exotic ticks and flies
Veterinary Entomology – Pest management resources and a searchable database for registered pesticides
ZODIAC: Training Videos – Video series on identification, collection, sorting, and storage of arthropod vectors

Acknowledgements

These resources were developed by the Center for Food Security and Public Health with funding from USDA APHIS through the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP).