Carrapato

Carrapato is the common name for ticks, small arachnids in the order Ixodida. They are obligate ectoparasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds and reptiles, and are well known as vectors of several diseases.

Ticks are divided into hard ticks (Ixodidae) and soft ticks (Argasidae). They have eight legs as adults. The life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Depending on species, ticks may require one, two or three hosts to complete a life cycle. Three-host ticks feed on a sequence of hosts during each instar.

Geographic distribution is worldwide, with higher densities in temperate and tropical regions. Ticks commonly infest livestock, pets and wildlife, and can bite humans when opportunities arise.

As disease vectors, ticks transmit bacteria, protozoa and viruses, causing Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, tick-borne relapsing fever, and tick-borne encephalitis in various regions. Public health and veterinary concerns are significant in many countries.

Prevention and control include avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing long clothing, using EPA-registered repellents, performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activity, safe removal with fine-tipped tweezers, and treating pets and premises with approved acaricides. Landscape management and pasture rotation reduce tick habitats.