Call for papers - Epidemiology and management of ectoparasites in wildlife

Guest Editors

Ashutosh Fular, PhD, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, India
Vikrant Sudan, PhD, MVSc, BVSc, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), India

Submission Status: Open | Submission Deadline: 1 December 2025

BMC Veterinary Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Epidemiology and management of ectoparasites in wildlife.

This Collection aims to enhance the understanding of ectoparasites in wildlife to boost conservation efforts and reduce public health risks from vector-borne diseases. During an ectoparasitic infection, external parasites like ticks, fleas, mites, or lice attach to the host animal's skin or fur. These parasites feed on the host's blood or skin cells, which can lead to the spread of diseases and impact the health of the animal and their ecosystem. Addressing the challenges posed by ectoparasites is vital for the conservation of wildlife and the prevention of zoonotic diseases.

New Content Item This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being.

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Meet the Guest Editors

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Ashutosh Fular, PhD, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, India

Dr Ashutosh Fular is a scientist specializing in Veterinary Parasitology with a strong focus on vector-borne diseases. His research encompasses tick diversity studies, acaricide resistance management, phytoformulation development, and tick microbiome studies. His expertise also includes molecular docking to explore the effects of phytoextracts on ticks. Dr Fular is associated with ICAR-IVRI in Mukteswar, India, and remains committed to advancing parasite control strategies in livestock.

Vikrant Sudan, PhD, MVSc, BVSc, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), India

Dr Vikrant Sudan is an expert in Veterinary Parasitology. His areas of work include parasite phylogenetics, host-parasite interactions, and the use of molecular diagnostics for the epidemiology of parasitic diseases. He has worked exclusively on coccidian and hemoprotozoan parasites.

About the Collection

BMC Veterinary Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Epidemiology and management of ectoparasites in wildlife.

Ectoparasites, such as ticks, fleas, mites, and other arthropods, pose significant threats to wildlife health and biodiversity. These organisms can vector various pathogens, leading to diseases that affect not only animal populations but also ecosystems and human health. Understanding the epidemiology of ectoparasites in wildlife is crucial, as it encompasses their life cycles, host interactions, and ecological roles. Research in this area can help illuminate the dynamics of these parasites and inform effective management strategies for wildlife populations.

Advances in veterinary entomology and molecular diagnostics have improved our ability to monitor and identify ectoparasite infestations in various wildlife species. Furthermore, increased awareness of insecticide resistance and its implications on ectoparasite control is sparking new approaches to integrated pest management. The interplay between climate change, habitat loss, and ectoparasite populations also necessitates further study to develop adaptive management strategies. We invite submissions of original research articles, that explores topics including, but not limited to:

Relationships between ectoparasites and the transmission of pathogens that affect both wildlife and human health
Mechanisms of resistance in ectoparasite populations and its implications for management practices
Effectiveness of new and integrated approaches to control ectoparasite populations in various wildlife species
Consequences of ectoparasites in wildlife ecosystems and their effects on host health and population dynamics

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Epidemiology and management of ectoparasites in wildlife" from the dropdown menu.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.