Project Leader	Tanaka Tetsuya（Kagoshima University, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine）
Collaborators	Yamazaki Wataru (Kyoto University, Center for Southeast Asian Studies) Galay Remil Linggatong (University of the Philippines, Los Baños College of Veterinary Medicine) Talactac Melborune Rio (Cavite State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science)
Research Project	Establishment of convenient and rapid diagnosis method for tick-borne animal diseases
Countries of Study	Philippines

Outline of Research

Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines, has experienced remarkable economic growth in recent years, and exports of agricultural and livestock products to Japan have rapidly increased. However, various infectious diseases in the region are the most critical factors preventing improvements in livestock productivity. Damage caused by tick-borne infectious diseases is considered particularly serious, and clarification of the actual situation is urgently required. This study assesses tick-borne infectious disease outbreaks in the Philippines. This country actively trades with Japan, and thus, the study will contribute to strengthening Japan’s import quarantine system, as well as the improvement and dissemination of diagnostic techniques in the Philippines.

Purpose of Research, Its Significance and Expected Results, etc

This study assesses the prevalence of tick-borne animal infectious diseases in the Philippines, which is geographically close to Japan. We will investigate the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens such as piroplasmosis. Particularly, Babesia is a parasite transmitted by ticks that can cause fatal blood infections in cattle. To date, such diseases are not a major concern in Japan. However, because ticks that can transmit these parasites have been confirmed in Japan, the likelihood of their spread is high, making control even more difficult. By focusing on the prevalence of tick-borne animal infectious diseases in the Philippines, this study aims to contribute to 1) the improvement of diagnostic and preventive measures in the Philippines and 2) strengthen Japan’s import quarantine system.

Principal Investigators have made numerous research achievements in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ticks and tick-borne infectious diseases in animals. This project is significant in that 1) the Principal Investigators will conduct epidemiological studies using the experimental techniques and original diagnostic methods they have established for ticks and tick-borne animal infectious diseases, and 2) we will have a strong network of local partners, mainly doctoral graduates in this field and other research collaborators.