High diversity and distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Sudan emphasizes the need for implementing cost-effective community One Health strategy.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) represent a growing challenge to both animal and human health in Sudan. However, the absence of consolidated nationwide data limits accurate characterization of tick fauna, monitoring of shifts in species distribution, and detection of invasive species. This knowledge gap not only constrains understanding of vector ecology but also weakens efforts to link tick distribution with disease occurrence, thereby undermining targeted control strategies. Livestock TBDs, including theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and lumpy skin disease, cause substantial economic losses by reducing productivity, threatening food security, and hindering national development. In parallel, zoonotic infections such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Q fever, borreliosis, ehrlichiosis, rickettsioses, and potentially tularemia pose underrecognized public health risks. These infections are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked due to limited diagnostic capacity and the predominance of malaria in the differential diagnosis of febrile illness. The persistence and spread of TBDs in Sudan are driven by interconnected factors, including high livestock mobility, widespread presence of competent vectors, weak veterinary and public health infrastructure, and inadequate surveillance systems. Addressing this multifaceted burden requires integrated approaches that combine improved vector control, expanded diagnostic capacity and surveillance, vaccination where available, and strengthened regional cross-border collaboration. This review synthesizes current knowledge on ticks and TBDs in Sudan, highlights critical gaps, and emphasizes the need for One Health strategies to reduce TBD transmission, protect livelihoods, and safeguard public health.