Distribution of Tick Species Spread in Kütahya Vicinity

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the tick species infested to the cattle and small ruminants in Kütahya Province and their seasonal activity and prevalence. Examination was performed in terms of infestation in 2402 farm animals and their shelters in 10 villages between October 2010 and October 2011. The infestation rate of animals was detected as 9.55%. A total of 657 adult ticks were collected. A total of 11 tick species consisting of Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma marginatum, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis punctata, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus turanicus were determined. Seasonal fluctuations of tick species were also determined. Ixodes ricinus and R. (Boophilus) annulatus species were encountered mostly during fall and winter months. Dermacentor marginatus was usually found in winter time. Hyalomma marginatum, was found between April and July. Haemaphysalis parva was found in October, November and March. Haemaphysalis sulcata was found in November and March. Haemaphysalis punctata was found only in March and November. Rhipicephalus species were generally found in late spring and summer. Finally, these results will be helpful for the determination of control methods of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases in the region.