Dr. Dharmesh R. Patel1 and Dr. Binal Prajapati2
1 Department of Veterinary Microbiology
College of Veterinary Science and A. H., Kamdhenu University (KU), NAU campus,
Navsari – 396450, Gujarat State
Email : drpatel@kamdhenuuni.edu.in
2 Senior Research Fellow
Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology,
College of Veterinary science and Animal husbandry,
Kamdhenu University,
Anand, Gujarat-388001
Email- prajapati.binalr@gmail.com
Global warming has been worsened by anthropogenic activities, especially burning fossil fuels, which have increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. This has various effects, such as prolonged droughts, more intense monsoons, increasing sea levels, a shortage of fresh water, and disturbances to agriculture. A major worldwide concern, climate change has a substantial effect on ecosystems, human health, and animal welfare. This article focuses on the growing danger of animal diseases that are spread by vectors. It explores the complex interrelationship between vector ecology and climate change, describing the precise effects on animal populations and suggesting possible mitigating techniques to address this growing concern.
Introduction
Climate change refers to long-term changes in the Earth’s climate caused by natural factors and human activities. Key impacts include rising global temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and intensified weather events. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have increased greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, amplifying the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming. These changes lead to effects such as prolonged droughts, severe monsoons, rising sea levels, reduced freshwater availability, and disruptions to agriculture (Nimma et al., 2025).
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global issues, significantly affecting ecosystems, human health, and animal welfare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an additional 250,000 deaths per year will occur in the next decades as a result of malnutrition, heat stress, and vector-borne diseases (WHO, 2023). Among its many consequences, the impact of vector-borne diseases on animals has become a critical area of concern. Vector-borne diseases, transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods like mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, impact both humans and domestic or wild animals, with the greatest burden on public health observed in tropical and subtropical regions. Since these vectors are ectothermic, changes in climate and weather—such as shifts in temperature, rainfall, and humidity—can influence their survival, reproduction, geographic distribution, and capacity to spread pathogens. These environmental changes directly affect the distribution, abundance, and activity of vectors, thereby altering disease dynamics in animals (De Souza & Weaver, 2024).
Climate Change and Vector Ecology
1. Temperature Rise:
Increased global temperatures enable vectors to thrive in previously inhospitable regions. For instance:
– Mosquitoes carrying diseases like Rift Valley fever or heartworm are now observed in temperate zones.
– Ticks transmitting Lyme disease have expanded their range into northern regions due to milder winters.
2. Rainfall Patterns:
– Increased rainfall creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to a rise in diseases like West Nile virus and Bluetongue.
– Conversely, drought conditions may drive vectors to seek water sources near livestock and wildlife, increasing disease transmission.
3. Humidity and Vector Survival:
– High humidity enhances vector survival and activity, sustaining transmission cycles for diseases such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis in cattle( Baril et al.,2023).
Impacts on Animals (CDC, 2025)
1. Livestock:
– Diseases like Rift Valley fever, African horse sickness, and Bluetongue are on the rise, affecting livestock productivity, fertility, and mortality rates.
– Economic losses due to treatment costs and reduced meat, milk, and wool production are significant.
2. Companion Animals:
– Pets are increasingly exposed to diseases like heartworm and tick-borne illnesses, such as Ehrlichiosis, in regions where they were previously uncommon.
3. Wildlife:
– Wildlife populations face heightened vulnerability to vector-borne diseases, disrupting ecosystems and increasing the risk of spillover to domestic animals and humans.
One Health Perspective
Climate change’s impact on vector-borne diseases demonstrates the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. A One Health approach is essential to address these challenges, emphasizing collaboration among veterinarians, public health professionals, and environmental scientists.
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
1. Surveillance and Monitoring:
– Establishing robust disease monitoring systems to detect outbreaks early and predict vector population changes.
2. Vector Control:
– Implementing integrated pest management strategies, including the use of insecticides, biological control agents, and habitat modification.
3. Vaccination and Treatment:
– Developing vaccines and therapeutic measures for vector-borne diseases to protect animals effectively (Kitsou and Pal, 2022)
4. Policy and Awareness:
– Promoting policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change.
– Educating farmers and animal owners about preventive measures ( Sami et al., 2016).
Conclusion Climate change is significantly altering the dynamics of vector-borne diseases in animals, posing threats to animal health, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach that integrates climate science, veterinary epidemiology, and public health. Strengthening surveillance, improving vector control measures, and fostering global collaboration are critical to mitigating the impacts of climate change on animal health and ensuring sustainable livestock and wildlife management.