In a bid to safeguard public health amid growing environmental risks, Singapore has allocated $2.4 million to fund research into ticks and the potentially deadly diseases they carry. This initiative, part of a broader $15 million biosurveillance programme, aims to deepen understanding of tick populations and their interactions with humans and animals in the city-state, where urban expansion and nature conservation increasingly intersect.
A Hidden Threat in Nature’s Corridors
Ticks, tiny bead-sized parasites that feed on blood, are more than just a nuisance. Lurking in leaf litter near wildlife corridors, they pose a significant threat to hikers, cyclists, and pet owners who frequent Singapore’s lush green spaces. A recent study revealed that native ticks capable of biting humans can carry disease-causing microbes, or pathogens, turning them into potential “time-bombs” for zoonotic diseases—illnesses that jump from animals to humans.
While tick bites are not currently reportable by doctors in Singapore, the urgency to address this issue is clear. The National Parks Board (NParks), which oversees the city’s extensive network of parks and nature reserves, is spearheading the research. According to Chua Tze Hoong, NParks’ group director of veterinary health, these studies are crucial for early detection and intervention to prevent outbreaks of zoonotic diseases. “As ticks are known to be present in the local environment, pet owners are encouraged to protect their pets through tick prevention products and regular checks after outdoor activities,” Dr Chua told The Straits Times. 
Climate Change and Urbanisation Fuel Risks
The rising threat of tick-borne diseases is linked to broader environmental and societal shifts. Climate change, urbanisation of natural habitats, and increased travel and trade in disease-carrying animals have heightened the risk of zoonotic outbreaks globally. In Singapore, where the government aims to ensure every household is within a 10-minute walk of a park by 2030, the likelihood of human-tick encounters is growing as more people engage in recreational activities in nature areas.
The $2.4 million funding will support research into the population structure of local tick species and their interactions with hosts, according to a grant document published on the NParks website in January. This work builds on existing biosurveillance efforts by NParks’ Animal and Veterinary Service, which has already identified tick-borne blood parasites in stray dogs, shelter dogs, and their environments. Researchers hope to uncover critical insights into how these parasites spread and how they can be contained.
A Call for Vigilance and Monitoring
The recent study on ticks in Singapore has proposed several measures to mitigate risks. Among them is a recommendation that tick bites and seven specific tick-borne diseases be tracked by authorities to enable swift responses to emerging pathogens. Regular monitoring of forest areas to assess the seasonal abundance of ticks and detect invasive species is also advised. Additionally, the study suggests installing warning signs in high-risk areas and creating exclusion barriers to prevent tick hosts—such as wild pigs and sambar deer—from bringing parasites into parklands.
The stakes are high. While no fatalities from tick-borne diseases have been reported in Singapore, global examples serve as a stark warning. In 2023, an elderly woman in Japan died after contracting the Oz virus from a tick bite, marking what is believed to be the first human death caused by this virus. Japan also recorded the first known human-to-human transmission of a tick-related viral infection in 2024, underscoring the potential for these diseases to spread beyond isolated incidents.
Balancing Nature and Public Safety
Singapore’s ambitious plans to expand its network of parks and park connectors are a cornerstone of its vision to be a “City in Nature.” However, as more green spaces are integrated into urban life, the challenge of managing zoonotic risks becomes more pressing. The research initiative funded by NParks is a proactive step towards striking a balance between promoting outdoor recreation and protecting public health.
For pet owners, the advice is clear: prevention is key. Dr Chua recommends consulting veterinarians about tick preventative measures and staying vigilant during outings in nature areas. “Owners should seek veterinary advice if they are concerned about tick-borne diseases in their pets,” he added.
A Global Concern with Local Implications
The issue of tick-borne diseases is not unique to Singapore but reflects a global challenge as human activity increasingly encroaches on natural ecosystems. By investing in research and biosurveillance, Singapore is positioning itself as a leader in addressing zoonotic threats in urban environments. The findings from this initiative could offer valuable lessons for other densely populated cities grappling with similar risks.
As the city-state continues to weave nature into the fabric of daily life, the $2.4 million research programme serves as a reminder that even the smallest creatures can pose significant challenges. For now, authorities, researchers, and the public must work together to ensure that Singapore’s green spaces remain safe havens rather than hidden hazards.
