Long-term ecological surveillance of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and SFTSV in Dangjin, South Korea (2018–2024)

Although SFTSV was not detected in the screened stratified subset, the persistently high abundance and broad ecological distribution of Haemaphysalis species indicate that Dangjin-si (City) maintains environmental conditions that may support pathogen introduction or amplification. These long-term data provide an ecological baseline for early warning and support targeted surveillance in nearby areas with higher incidence. Integrating ecological, climatic, and epidemiological data, together with multi-pathogen molecular screening, will strengthen One Health-based risk assessment in low-prevalence settings.