Just under a decade ago, the seminal paper by Jongejan & Uilenberg (2005) published in Parasitology considered the global importance of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Today, with better molecular methods to detect infections and renewed efforts in disease control both in humans and animals, it is timely to reconsider their current and future global impact.

In recognition of this important role that ticks continue to play as ectoparasites alongside their wider role as vectors of several parasitic diseases, Parasitology is therefore opening up a Special Issue entitled “The biology of ticks and associated epidemiology of tick-borne parasitic diseases” for research and review submissions.

Its remit is broad, and our Guest Editor Prof Ala Tabor, University of Queensland, will consider all aspects of tick biology, from basic taxonomy through to functional genomics, alongside their tick-borne parasitic diseases, from vector incrimination to development of novel control strategies, including vaccinology. This Special Issue is co-ordinated by Prof John Ellis, Deputy and Special Issues Editor, welcomes submissions that consider impacts of climate change as well as One Health approaches.

From 1st September 2023 until 31st May 2024, Parasitology will consider open and commissioned manuscripts that address this theme. We particularly encourage submissions from Early Career Researcher as well as joint submissions originating from (in)formal collaborative research networks on ticks and tick-borne disease.

Authors who need further guidance before submission, please contact Prof John Ellis (john.ellis@uts.edu.au) directly. Accepted manuscripts will be posted online prior to production of the Special Issue during the summer.