Spatial and temporal distributions of the Spinose Ear Tick,Otobius megnini, within animal shelters at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Abstract

Spinose ear ticks, Otobius megnini, are monoxenous parasites that feed within the ear of ungulates, subjecting them to debilitating conditions. Little is known about the spatial dispersion of spinose ticks in animal shelters or the temporal variation in their abundance. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the temporal distribution of spinose ear tick abundance within animal shelters, 2) determine the spatial distribution of larvae and adults within animal shelters, and 3) examine the effects of climatic variables on tick abundance. No temporal trend was identified for larval or adult ticks. Larval abundance was highest in quadrats located against the shelter wall while no spatial difference was found in adult abundance. Mean larval tick abundance was significantly correlated with mean temperature while mean adult tick abundance was significantly correlated with mean relative humidity.