Vector-borne diseases remain a major global health concern, accounting for more than 700,000 deaths annually. In Portugal the Mediterranean climate, extensive rural landscapes, and human exposure to outdoor activities provide ideal conditions for the circulation of rickettsiae, a tick-borne bacterium. Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, an emerging spotted fever group rickettsia was recently identified in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from Garrano horses in Portugal. Though its pathogenicity is still unknown, its detection in human-biting ticks raises concerns about its zoonotic potential. This project aims to address critical knowledge gaps in the eco-epidemiology of Rickettsia spp. in Portugal through a One Health approach. This project will clarify the role of livestock-associated ticks in rickettsiae transmission by integrating genomic and ecological data, supporting targeted surveillance and improved control of tick-borne zoonoses.