Ticks Carried by Migratory Birds Investigated in Scientific Study
Molecular analyses on ticks carried by migratory birds track the movement of diseases between continents, aiming to establish an early warning system against potential epidemic risks.
Conducted under the coordination of Koç University KUISCID, a scientific study is investigating the intercontinental movement of disease agents by examining ticks carried by migratory birds, with the aim of establishing an early warning system against potential epidemic risks.
Objective and Coordination of the Project
Carried out under the coordination of the Koç University İş Bankası Center for Infectious Diseases Research, the study brings together researchers from UCLA, Koç University, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Marmara University, and Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University.
Field Studies and Sample Collection
Within the scope of the study, which began in 2025, birds along migration routes are caught and ringed at the Avcılar Bird Ringing Station in Istanbul, and the ticks on them are collected before the birds are released back into nature.
Laboratory Examinations and Analyses
The ticks, delivered alive to Marmara University, are separated by species under a microscope and subjected to DNA and RNA analyses in KUISCID laboratories to screen for viral and bacterial agents.
Findings and Species Discovered
Last year, approximately 10,000 birds were ringed and 8,000 ticks were collected; furthermore, findings indicating that the species Haemaphysalis longicornis has become established in Istanbul were published in a scientific journal.
Early Warning System Goal
Scientists state that this project, conducted with the One Health approach addressing human, animal, and environmental health together, enables the anticipation of epidemic risks through comprehensive screenings.