Spain-Mexico tick-borne disease programs

In early July, health authorities in Mexico announced an intensified focus on preventing tick bites, noting that Spain was also expanding its tick surveillance activities. By the end of the month, the programmes had taken concrete form.

In Spain’s Asturias region, the regional health council in Oviedo launched a systematic effort to collect and analyse environmental ticks. The initiative aims to curb Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever by improving surveillance, encouraging protective measures such as repellents and appropriate clothing, and facilitating early treatment.

In Mexico’s Coahuila state, officials in Candela combined an anti‑rabies vaccination drive with a free tick‑treatment service for dogs and cats, extending it to the rural ejido Huizachal. Local leaders highlighted the importance of controlling zoonotic risks from both ticks and rabies for people and companion animals.

Together, these steps illustrate a shift from broad announcements of heightened attention to the rollout of specific, region‑based interventions to mitigate tick‑borne diseases in both countries.