Abstract:
Background:
Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), is one of the most prevalent tick-borne zoonotic diseases in Europe. Effective prevention and control require integrated surveillance of humans, animals, and the environment, in accordance with the One Health concept. Since 2022, the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine has severely disrupted public health systems, veterinary services, environmental management, and epidemiological surveillance, particularly in northeastern border regions. These disruptions create favorable conditions for changes in tick ecology, increased human–animal–environment contact, and underestimation of zoonotic disease burden.
Methods:
A One Health–oriented surveillance framework was implemented in the Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv regions of northeastern Ukraine during 2022–2025. Ixodid ticks were collected from natural habitats, peri-domestic environments, and domestic dogs through field sampling, veterinary clinics, and household examinations. Tick species were identified morphologically (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus, and Dermacentor reticulatus). Human LB data were obtained from official public health surveillance reports, while canine exposure was assessed using veterinary clinical records and serological testing (ELISA). Spatial, temporal, and seasonal analyses were conducted to identify local transmission foci and periods of increased risk.
Results:
Persistent natural foci of Lyme borreliosis were identified across the study area despite wartime disruption. The study confirmed the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection in ixodid ticks, indicating active circulation of the pathogen in natural and peri-domestic habitats. Dogs demonstrated serological evidence of exposure, supporting their role as sentinel animals and potential zoo-reservoirs reflecting shared human exposure. Human LB incidence increased in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions during 2023–2025, with clear seasonal peaks from April to July corresponding to tick activity. Most human infections were associated with household plots, dacha areas, and forest-edge environments. War-related factors—including abandoned agricultural land, reduced use of acaricides, population displacement, and limited access to healthcare—likely contributed to sustained tick activity and ongoing transmission.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the critical importance of One Health–based surveillance in conflict-affected settings. Integrating entomological, veterinary, and human epidemiological data provides essential insight into zoonotic risks where conventional surveillance systems are compromised. Strengthening intersectoral collaboration, expanding veterinary sentinel monitoring, and enhancing public awareness are key priorities for mitigating Lyme borreliosis and other vector-borne zoonoses during armed conflict and post-war recovery.
Biography:
Dr. Hanna Fotina is a Professor and Doctor of Veterinary Sciences at Sumy National Agrarian University, Ukraine. She is a veterinary scientist and One Health specialist with over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, biosafety, food safety, and zoonotic disease research. Her work focuses on integrated One Health surveillance, tick-borne and zoonotic infections, and food safety of animal-derived products. Dr. Fotina has extensive experience in research supervision, international collaboration, and scientific communication, particularly in conflict-affected settings.
