Abstract
Ticks are representatives of the order Ixodida, which constitute a large group of arthropods of major medical and veterinary importance. They are obligate blood feeders and some species act as vectors of various viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths to many animal species, including humans. Out of over 50,000 named species of Acari, approximately ~ 970 are tick species. The order Ixodida is presently subdivided into four families: Ixodidae (~750spp.), Argasidae (~218spp.), Nuttalliellidae (monotypic) and Deinocrotonidae (monotypic, but extinct). Tick species of medical and veterinary importance are included in the families Argasidae (soft ticks) and Ixodidae (hard ticks), which are the principal focus of the current chapter. Ticks diverged from other acarines millions of years ago and presently occupy every single biogeographical region on this planet. In this chapter, current aspects of tick origin, taxonomy, systematics and identification will be touched upon. General information on the medical and veterinary importance, biology, ecology, prevention and control of ticks are also discoursed.
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