Hard Tick Species Research Articles

On the haem auxotrophy of the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata

Genomes of ticks display reductions, to various extents, in genetic coding for enzymes of the haem biosynthetic pathway. Here, we mined available transcriptomes of soft tick species and identified transcripts encoding only half of the enzymes involved in haem biosynthesis. Transcripts identified across most species examined were those coding for porphobilinogen synthase, coproporphyrinogen oxidase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase, and ferrochelatase. Genomic retention of porphobilinogen synthase seems to be soft tick-restricted as no such homologue has been identified in any hard tick species. Bioinformatic mining is thus strongly indicative of the lack of biochemical capacity for de novo haem biosynthesis, suggesting a requirement for dietary haem. In the hard tick Ixodes ricinus, depletion of dietary haem, i.e. serum feeding, leads to oviposition of haem-free eggs, with no apparent embryogenesis and larvae formation. In this work, we show that serum-fed Ornithodoros moubata females, unlike those of I. ricinus, laid haem-containing eggs similarly to blood-fed controls, but only by a small proportion of the serum-fed females. To enhance the effect of dietary haem depletion, O. moubata ticks were serum-fed consecutively as last nymphal instars and females. These females laid eggs with profoundly reduced haem deposits, confirming the host origin of the haem. These data confirm the ability of soft ticks to take up and allocate host haem to their eggs in order to drive reproduction of the ticks.

Influence of two species of Ticks and Lice on some hematological parameters in black goats during spring and summer seasons in Sulaimani Governorate - Kurdistan region.

This study was carried out in Sulaimani province Kurdistan region-Iraq during the spring and summer seasons from April to September 2015 on 400 head of black goat Capra aegagrus were infected with ticks and lice, have been selected from different herds and regions were elonging to the districts and sub-districts of Sulaimani province, to identified and effect of their parasites on some blood values in the local goats. It has been diagnosed two species of hard ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus: R. sanguinaus and R. turanicus, its percentage 82.30% and 17.70% respectively, also have been diagnosed two species of lice: Biting lice is Damalinia capriae and other species Sucking lice was Linognathus stenopsis, its percentage 71.44% and 28.56% respectively. The results showed a significant difference P ˂ 0.01 in the infection rate between the spring and summer seasons where the total infection rate during the spring and summer seasons for ticks and lice: 32.25%, 19.75% respectively. As for ticks were more infections in the spring season and the least in the summer season, which were 44%, 20.5% respectively, whereas the infection rate of lice was more during the summer season and less during the spring season, which was 25.5% and 14% respectively. The study results showed presence of a significant decrease according to Chi-Square Test in the total number of red blood corpuscles RBC , the amount of hemoglobin Hb , packed cell volume PCV and the average weight of mean corpuscular hemoglobin MCH in the goats that infected with the lice and ticks, that anemia in the goats that infected with the ticks was Microcytic - Hyperchromic anemia type , while in the goats that infected with lice , anemia was of the the type Normocytic - Hyperchromic anemia. Also identified a significant increase P ˂ 0.05 in the total number of white blood cells WBC in the goats that infected with lice and goats because of the significant increase in the number of Lymphocyte and Neutrophils while the the ratio of Eosinophil, Basophil and Monocyte was decreased in all infections as compared with the control samples.

First detection of Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Ixodes ricinus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from multiple locations in Hungary

The parasitoid wasp, Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), is the natural enemy of a wide range of hard and soft tick species. While these encyrtid wasps are supposed to be distributed worldwide, only a few studies report on their actual distribution around the globe. Within a shotgun sequencing-based metagenome analysis, the occurrence of I. hookeri was screened at multiple Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) tick sampling points in Hungary to contribute to the assessment of the distribution patterns of the parasitoid wasps in Central Europe. To our knowledge, the first report of the species in Hungary and the description of the southernmost I. hookeri associated geoposition in Central Europe took place within our study. I. hookeri infested I. ricinus nymphs were detected at five sampling points in Hungary. The results show that the exact distribution range of I. hookeri is still barely studied. At the same time, unprecedented public health issues being brought about by climate change might require steps toward the exploitation of the tick biocontrol potential and as an ecological bioindicator role of the parasitoid wasp in the future.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: A Refresher and Update for the SOF Provider.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is the most widespread tickborne virus causing human disease. CCHF wields a mortality rate up to 30% and was responsible for the death of a US Soldier in 2009. The virus is spread by the Hyalomma species of hard tick found across Central Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia south of the 50° parallel. Infection typically consists of a 1-7-day non-specific viral prodrome, followed by onset of hemorrhagic disease on days 7-10. Severe disease may cause thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, petechial hemorrhage, hematemesis, and death typically by day 10 of illness. Education and insect control are paramount to disease prevention. Treatment is predominantly supportive care, though evidence suggests a benefit of early ribavirin administration. CCHF has caused multiple nosocomial outbreaks, and therefore consideration should be given to safe transport and evacuation of infected and exposed patients. Given the wide area of distribution, transmissibility, innocuous arthropod vectors, and high mortality rate, it is imperative that Special Operations Forces (SOF) providers be aware of CCHF and the existing countermeasures.

Description of three new bat-associated species of hard ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) from Japan.

In Eurasia, the geographically most widespread ixodid tick species of the bat families Rhinolophidae Gray, Vespertilionidae Gray, and Miniopteridae Dobson were considered to belong to four species, Ixodesvespertilionis Koch, I.collaris Hornok, I.ariadnae Hornok, and I.simplex Neumann. Previous data attest that bat-associated tick species from Eastern Asia show remarkable genetic difference from the above four tick species, but in the absence of detailed morphological comparison these were regarded as conspecific. In this study we compensate for this lack of data on three bat-associated tick species, reporting their morphological comparison, as well as molecular and phylogenetic relationships. According to the results we describe the females of three tick species new to science, i.e., I.nipponrhinolophi Hornok & Takano, sp. nov., I.fuliginosus Hornok & Takano, sp. nov., and I.fujitai Hornok & Takano, sp. nov. In case of all three new tick species the cytochrome c oxidase subunit (coxI) gene showed remarkably high sequence differences from the species that they previously were thought to belong to, well exceeding the average limit delineating ixodid tick species. This, as well as observed morphological differences fully justify their taxonomical status as new species.

Prevalence and Species Identification of Ixodid Ticks of Small Ruminants in Benadir Region, Somalia.

Ixodid ticks are one of the major health constraints on small ruminant productivity and contribute to significant economic losses in Somalia. An across-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 through December 2020 to identify hard tick species and determine the prevalence of tick infestation in small ruminants in the Benadir region, Somalia. Ticks were identified at the genera and species level by using morphological identification keys under a stereomicroscope. During the study period, a total of 384 small ruminants were examined for the presence of ticks through purposive sampling. All visible individual adult ticks were collected from the bodies of 230 goats and 154 sheep. A total of 651 Ixodid adult ticks were collected, of which 393 were male and 258 were female. The overall prevalence of tick infestation in the study area was 66.15% (254/384). The prevalence of tick infestation in goats and sheep was found to be 76.1% (175/230) and 51.3% (79/154), respectively. In the present study, nine species of hard ticks, which were grouped into three genera, were identified. The most abundant species found in this study were Rhipichephalus pulchellus (64.97%), Rhipichephalus everstieversti (8.45%), Rhipichephalus pravus (5.53%), Rhipichephalus lunulatus (5.38%), Amblyomma lepidum (5.22%), Amblyomma gemma (3.38%), and Hyalomma truncatum (2.62%) according to predominance. Rhipichephalus bursa (2.46%) and Rhipichephalus turanicus (1.99%) were the minor species observed in both species in the study area. The difference in the prevalence of tick infestation was found to be a statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) between species groups but not sex groups. In all cases, male ticks dominated female ticks. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that ticks were the most prevalent ectoparasites of small ruminants in the study areas. Therefore, the increasing threat of ticks and tick-borne pathogens of small ruminants warrants the urgent strategic application of acaricides and the creation of awareness among livestock owners to prevent and control tick infestations of sheep and goats in the study area.

Molecular Investigation of Coxiella Burnetii in Hard Ticks Collected From Some Livestock in the Sistan Region

Background and Objectives Coxiella burnetii (causative agent of Q fever) is an important zoonotic disease with a universal occurrence. Ticks are natural and potential reservoirs of this bacterium and play an effective role in the transmission of Q fever. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in hard ticks isolated from livestock in Sistan. Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in five counties of the Sistan region. The genus and species of hard ticks were identified after collection from some domestic animals. The nested- PCR technique was used to identify the bacterial genome. Results Of all examined ticks, two genera, including 354 Hyalomma (59.399%) and 242 Rhipicephalus (40.6%) were identified. The hard ticks are in three types of species as follows: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (40.1%), Rhipicephalus nymph (0.5%), Hyalomma anatolicum (47.5%), Hyalomma sp. (1.5%), Hyalomma nymph (10.4%), and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (0.16%). No infected specimen with Coxiella burnetii was observed in the Sistan region. Conclusion According to the results of previous studies in Sistan and Baluchestan province and neighboring provinces that reported a high prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in collected ticks, it seems that more extensive research, with a larger sample size and host range, is necessary to clarify the situation of this pathogen.

A survey on ectoparasites and endoparasites of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) in urban and suburban areas of Morogoro municipal, Tanzania

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites and endoparasites of the African pygmy hedgehogs in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. A total of 20 African pygmy hedgehogs were captured during the study period, among the captured individuals twelve were females and eight were males. The ectoparasites and endoparasite prevalence was found to be 60% (12/20) and 45% (9/20) respectively. Ectoparasites found from the infested hedgehogs were exclusively hard ticks, composing the three species of hard ticks namely Haemaphysalis leachi, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) sp. and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. The endoparasite identified were helminthes from one genus of nematodes namely Aspiculuris and Stongyle nematode egg and a trematode egg. The results of the present study will contribute to the general knowledge of the parasites of African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) in Tanzania.

Taxonomy and Prevalence of Hard Tick Species on Small Ruminants (Goats and Sheep) in Pakistan

Ticks are very dangerous ectoparasites of large and small domestic and wild animals throughout the globe. Tick infestation is the most serious threat to animal health, resulting in significant economic losses in many countries. The current research work was planned to collect, and identify the tick species found on goats and sheep. Four tick species i.e. Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma dromedarii, Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis punctata were identified. Prevalence rate wise data showed Hyalomma anatolicum (60.50%) followed by Hy. dromedarii (15.50%), Dermacentor marginatus (13.00%) and Haemaphysalis punctata (11.00%). Sex wise data showed that female hosts were more loaded with ticks than male, and young carried more ticks than old. Highest infestation was recorded on goats than sheep. The current study concluded that Hyalomma spp. are widely distributed and need to control them in the whole country especially study area.

Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with birds in Europe: Review of literature data.

Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are considered the most important transmitters of pathogens in the temperate zone that covers most of Europe. In the era of climate change tick-borne diseases are predicted to undergo geographical range expansion toward the north through regions that are connected to southern areas of the continent by bird migration. This alone would justify the importance of synthesized knowledge on the association of tick species with avian hosts, yet birds also represent the most taxonomically and ecologically diverse part of urban vertebrate fauna. Birds frequently occur in gardens and near animal keeping facilities, thus playing a significant role in the dispersal of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in synanthropic environments. The primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive reference source (baseline data) for future studies, particularly in the context of discovering new tick-host associations after comparison with already published data. The records on the ixodid tick infestations of birds were assessed from nearly 200 papers published since 1952. In this period, 37 hard tick species were reported from 16 orders of avian hosts in Europe. Here we compile a list of these tick species, followed by the English and Latin name of all reported infested bird species, as well as the tick developmental stage and country of origin whenever this information was available. These data allowed a first-hand analysis of general trends regarding how and at which developmental stage of ticks tend to infest avian hosts. Five tick species that were frequently reported from birds and show a broad geographical distribution in the Western Palearctic (Ixodes arboricola, I. frontalis, I. ricinus, Haemaphysalis concinna and Hyalomma marginatum) were also selected for statistical comparisons. Differences were demonstrated between these tick species regarding their association with bird species that typically feed from the ground and those that rarely occur at the soil level. The ecology of these five bird-infesting tick species is also illustrated here according to avian orders, taking into account the ecology (habitat type) and activity (circadian rhythm and feeding level) of most bird species that represent a certain order.

Molecular detection of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus in hard ticks from South Khorasan, east of Iran.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a deadly viral infection reported from more than 30 countries. It is considered a zoonosis↱ and tick bites are the main route of transmission in nature. So far, the virus has been identified in 31 species of hard (Ixodidae) and soft (Argasidae) ticks. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of CCHF virus infection in hard ticks from South-Khorasan province, east of Iran. In this study, 684 livestock including 302 sheep, 344 goats, 16 cows and 22 camels were sampled from Birjand, Qaen, Khusf, Darmian and Sarbisheh counties. Genus and species of the ticks were diagnosed under stereomicroscope according to valid morphological keys. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was used to detect the CCHF virus genome based on S segment in 100 ticks. RT-PCR detected CCHF virus genome in 7 out of 100 ticks. Positive ticks belonged to Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus genera. CCHF virus infected species were Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Hyalomma detritium and Hyalomma asiaticum. All the infected ticks were isolated from goat and sheep and were from Birjand county. Our results suggest that Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus may be the main vectors of CCHF virus in the study area.

Comparative mitogenomics elucidates the population genetic structure of Amblyomma testudinarium in Japan and a closely related Amblyomma species in Myanmar.

Ticks are the second most important vector capable of transmitting diseases affecting the health of both humans and animals. Amblyomma testudinarium Koch 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae), is a hard tick species having a wide geographic distribution in Asia. In this study, we analyzed the composition of A. testudinarium whole mitogenomes from various geographical regions in Japan and investigated the population structure, demographic patterns, and phylogeographic relationship with other ixodid species. In addition, we characterized a potentially novel tick species closely related to A. testudinarium from Myanmar. Phylogeographic inference and evolutionary dynamics based on the 15 mitochondrial coding genes supported that A. testudinarium population in Japan is resolved into a star‐like haplogroup and suggested a distinct population structure of A. testudinarium from Amami island in Kyushu region. Correlation analysis using Mantel test statistics showed that no significant correlation was observed between the genetic and geographic distances calculated between the A. testudinarium population from different localities in Japan. Finally, demographic analyses, including mismatch analysis and Tajima’s D test, suggested a possibility of recent population expansion occurred within Japanese haplogroup after a bottleneck event. Although A. testudinarium has been considered widespread and common in East and Southeast Asia, the current study suggested that potentially several cryptic Amblyomma spp. closely related to A. testudinarium are present in Asia.

Morphological and molecular characterization of ticks infesting cattle and buffaloes in different agro-climatic zones in Andhra Pradesh, India, and factors associated with high tick prevalence

ABSTRACT A study was carried out to characterize the hard tick species and risk factors associated with tick prevalence in bovines in Andhra Pradesh, India on 3720 animals (1942 cattle and 1778 water buffaloes) in 344 livestock farms covering the tropical wet and dry zone and the tropical semi-arid zone . Overall, 10,371 ticks were collected from 947 animals reared on 216 farms. Analysis of morphology, 16S r RNA, andCOI gene sequences identified four tick species, namely Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (clade C), Hyalomma anatolicum, and Hyalomma isaaci. Haemaphysalis bispinosa was the predominant species in two zones, and the occurrence of Hy. anatolicum was restricted to the semi-arid zone. The overall prevalence of tick infestation was 25.5% and was 25.8% and 25.0% in cattle and buffaloes, respectively. The prevalence of tick infestation did not vary (P>0.05) between the two zones. The overall median tick burden per animal differed (P<0.01) between the two zones; but not among cattle and buffaloes. Age, sex, and breed (P<0.001) the overall prevalence of tick infestation. The conventional housing system, absence of rural poultry, soft floor, presence of a boundary wall, and rearing multiple ruminant species were observed to be potential risk factors associated with higher tick prevalence in livestock farms.

Updated checklist of the hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of Egypt, with notes of livestock host and tick-borne pathogens

The checklist of hard ticks in Egypt was updated with 44 tick species. Hosts, geographical distribution, and pathogens of the hard ticks collected from domestic animals were also reviewed based on our investigation and published data from 1915 to 2021. Lower Nile Valley (including the Delta) had the largest number of hard tick species from domestic animals with 20 different species. Cattle and dromedary camels were infested by 19 hard tick species. Nineteen described species from livestock in Egypt were confirmed to transmit one or more pathogens. Hyalomma dromedarii, Hy. excavatum and Rhipicephalus annulatus carried the highest number of pathogens with 23, 20, and 19 pathogens, respectively. This review recommends further surveillance programs for hard ticks and tick-borne pathogens of domestic animals in the country.

DNA barcoding of hard ticks (Ixodidae), notes on distribution of vector species and new faunal record for Croatia

Molecular methods are increasingly being utilized for accurate identification of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), especially in cases of morphologically highly similar species. In this study, we performed molecular research of the tick fauna in Croatia using DNA barcoding method. Ticks were sampled in three biogeographical regions and thirteen species were recorded: Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma marginatum, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes kaiseri, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Rhipicephalus turanicus. Ixodes kaiseri is for the first time recorded in the fauna of Croatia. Of the thirteen hard tick species analyzed in this study, pathogens from different groups (bacteria, protozoa and viruses) have been detected in eight species in Croatia so far. For the important vector species R. sanguineus s.s., new distributional data for Croatia are given. The standard COI barcoding region was amplified, and the sequences were analyzed by species delimitation methods together with the sequences of conspecific and congeneric species from the public BOLD database. Our specimens of H. punctata represent a new, genetically distinct MOTU. A brief overview of the available public DNA barcoding data for Ixodidae is presented, highlighting the need for an integrative approach for the clarification of the taxonomic status of problematic Ixodid taxa. The results provide a basis for the establishment of a molecular data platform for the Ixodidae of the Croatian fauna.

Repellency and toxicity of a CO2-derived cedarwood oil on hard tick species (Ixodidae)

The repellency and toxicity of a CO2-derived cedarwood oil (CWO) was evaluated against actively questing unfed nymphs of four species of hard ticks: Amblyomma americanum (L.), Dermacentor variabilis (Say), Ixodes scapularis Say, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille). Using a vertical climb bioassay for repellency, nymphs of these species avoided a CWO-treated filter paper in proportional responses to treatment concentrations. At 60 min of exposure, I. scapularis nymphs were most sensitive with 50% repellency concentration (RC50) of 19.8 µg cm−2, compared with RC50 of 30.8, 83.8 and 89.6 µg cm−2 for R. sanguineus, D. variabilis and A. americanum, respectively. Bioassays determined the lethal concentration for 50% (LC50) and 90% (LC90) mortality of nymphs exposed to CWO in treated vials after 24- and 48-h exposure. After 24 h exposure, the LC50 values were 1.25, 3.45 and 1.42 µg cm−2 and LC90 values were 2.39, 7.59 and 4.14 µg cm−2 for D. variabilis, I. scapularis and R. sanguineus, respectively, but had minimal effect on A. americanum. After 48 h exposure, the LC50 values were 4.14, 0.78, 0.79 and 0.52 µg cm−2, and LC90 values were 8.06, 1.48, 1.54 and 1.22 µg cm−2 for A. americanum, D. variabilis, I. scapularis and R. sanguineus, respectively. The repellency of CWO on tick species decreased with time. The repellency and toxicity bioassays demonstrated concentration-dependent responses of tick nymphs to the oil, indicating the potential of the CO2-derived cedarwood oil be developed as an eco-friendly repellent and/or acaricide.

Prevalence and Distribution of Hard Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Domestic Animals from Solapur District, Maharashtra, India

In the present study, species diversity, prevalence and distribution of hard ticks was conducted along six substations; Barshi city, Gadegaon, Khandavi, Soundare, Ridhore and Wadshinge from Barshi and Madha Taluka of Solapur District, Maharashtra, India. Hard ticks were collected from domestic animals (canines, cattle and cats) monthly from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 450 domestic animals were inspected, of which 233 animals comprising 103 canine, 108 cattle and 22 cats were infested with ticks. 2 species of hard ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus microplus) were recorded from the study area. Recorded ticks revealed higher density and a serious infestation in studied domestic animals. In dogs, maximum density of ticks was recorded in and around ear and the neck, compared to appendages, abdomen, back and perianal region. While in cattle, abundance of ticks was found around the neck region (crest and dewlap), ear, and from the tail, head to the udder region. Cats revealed higher density of tick infestation to the ear only. This could be attributed to the abiotic factors like hot and arid climate of the study area for which the ticks show highest adaptation. Regular monitoring of the health, vaccination against bacterial and viral pathogens and to maintain health and hygiene of the domestic animals is recommended. Plant-based acaricidal compounds should be used for prevention and control of hard ticks. Study suggests practice of integrated approaches to manage the hard ticks in a sustainable manner.

Morphological and molecular studies on tick species in Ismailia Governorate in Egypt and Al Gabal Al Akhdar in Libya.

Ticks are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites of vertebrates that have an impact on both domestic and wild animals, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. The objective of this study is to compare the prevalence and the tick species in both Al Gabal Al Akhder regions in northeastern Libya and Ismailia, Egypt. Tick specimens collected from predilection sites on the hosts were identified by morphological (light microscopy) and molecular methods. In Ismailia, Egypt, 23.9% of the 230 (examined cattle and buffaloes) were infested with one species of hard ticks, Rhipicephalus annulatus. In the Libyan province of Al Gabal Al Akhdar, the prevalence of tick infestation in cattle, sheep, and goats, was 47% and 59%, respectively. R. annulatus is the identified tick species for cattle, Hyalomma marginatum, and Rhipicephalus bursa, are the identified tick species of the infested sheep and goats. The 16S rDNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of sample species from Egypt and Libya proved instrumental in overcoming the difficulties associated with morphological identification techniques.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing migrating and local breeding birds in Finland

Ticks are globally renowned vectors for numerous zoonoses, and birds have been identified as important hosts for several species of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne pathogens. Many European bird species overwinter in Africa and Western Asia, consequently migrating back to breeding grounds in Europe in the spring. During these spring migrations, birds may transport exotic tick species (and associated pathogens) to areas outside their typical distribution ranges. In Finland, very few studies have been conducted regarding ticks parasitizing migrating or local birds, and existing data are outdated, likely not reflecting the current situation. Consequently, in 2018, we asked volunteer bird ringers to collect ticks from migrating and local birds, to update current knowledge on ticks found parasitizing birds in Finland. In total 430 ticks were collected from 193 birds belonging to 32 species, caught for ringing between 2018 and 2020. Furthermore, four Ixodes uriae were collected from two roosting islets of sea birds in 2016 and 2020. Ticks collected on birds consisted of: Ixodes ricinus (n = 421), Ixodes arboricola (4), Ixodes lividus (2) and Hyalomma marginatum (3). Ixodes ricinus loads (nymphs and larvae) were highest on thrushes (Passeriformes: Turdidae) and European robins (Erithacus rubecula). The only clearly imported exotic tick species was H. marginatum. This study forms the second report of both I. uriae and I. arboricola from Finland, and possibly the northernmost observation of I. arboricola from Europe. The importation of exotic tick species by migrating birds seems a rare occurrence, as over 97% of all ticks collected from birds arriving in Finland during their spring migrations were I. ricinus, a species native to and abundant in Finland.

Biodiversity Indices and Medically Importance of Ticks in North Khorasan Province, Northeast of Iran.

Background:Ticks are considered as the main vectors for the transmission of various pathogens such as relapsing fever and CCHF to humans. This study was investigated the biodiversity indices and medically importance of ticks in North Khorasan Province, Northeast of Iran during 2015–2019.Methods:Specimens were captured from infested ruminants including cows, sheep, and goats. Additionally, tick collections also were performed on non-domesticated creatures such as turtles, rodents, and hedgehogs. Specimens were identified using valid identification keys. Species diversity, species richness and evenness indices have been calculated to estimate species biodiversity of ticks.Results:A total of 1478 adult ticks were collected. The specimens were from two families: Ixodidae (90.05%) and Argasidae (9.95%), 6 genera and 17 species including: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (55.9%), Rhipicephalus bursa (13.4%), Hyalomma marginatum (9.5%), Hyalomma anatolicum (9.5%), Hyalomma asiaticum (0.2%), Hyalomma aegyptium (0.5%), Hyalomma scupense (1.3%), Hyalomma sp (1.2%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (0.7%), Haemaphysalis erinacea (0.1%), Haemaphysalis inermis (0.1%), Haemaphysalis punctata (0.2%), Haemaphysalis concinna (0.1% Boophilus annulatus (1.2), and Dermacentor marginatus (6.1%) among hard ticks as well as Argas persicus (91.8%) and Argas reflexus (8.2%) amongst soft ticks. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rh. Bursa, Hy. marginatum and Hy. anatolicum were known as the most frequent species of hard ticks. Tick’s species richness, Shannon diversity index and Simpson index in this area were S= 17, H’= 1.69, D= 0.294 respectively.Conclusion:Based on tick distribution veterinary authority, public health organizations and other officials should act for implementation of disease prevention.