Tick external parasite known for disease transmission in some regions

• A. Tick
• B. Flea
• C. Mite
• D. Louse

Answer: (A)

Ticks are external parasites that are well known for transmitting a variety of diseases to animals and humans in many regions. They attach to the host and feed on blood for extended periods, often several days. During this feeding, pathogens carried in the tick’s saliva can be transmitted into the host’s bloodstream, making ticks effective disease vectors. The risk of transmission can depend on regional pathogen prevalence and the tick's life stage; for example, nymphal ticks, though small and easy to miss, are a common source of infections because they feed quietly and can be present in many environments. Because of their role in spreading illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and other regional pathogens, ticks are the classic external parasite associated with disease transmission in different areas. Prompt removal of ticks reduces but does not always eliminate the risk, since some pathogens can be transmitted soon after attachment.