Predominant Tick Species Research Articles

Initial study and phylogenetic analysis of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Nantong, China along the route of avian migration.

The growing concern about migratory birds potentially spreading ticks due to global warming has become a significant issue. The city of Nantong in this study is situated along the East Asia-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), with numerous wetlands serving as roosting sites for migratory birds. We conducted an investigation of hard ticks and determined the phylogenetic characteristics of tick species in this city. We utilized three different genes for our study: the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene, the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2), and the mitochondrial small subunit rRNA (12S rRNA) gene. The predominant tick species were Haemaphysalis flava (H. flava) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (H. longicornis). Additionally, specimens of Haemaphysalis campanulata (H. campanulata) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (R. sanguineus) were collected. The H. flava specimens in this study showed a close genetic relationship with those from inland provinces of China, as well as South Korea and Japan. Furthermore, samples of H. longicornis exhibited a close genetic relationship with those from South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the USA, as well as specific provinces in China. Furthermore, R. sanguineus specimens captured in Nantong showed genetic similarities with specimens from Egypt, Nigeria, and Argentina.

The Vector Competence of Asian Longhorned Ticks in Langat Virus Transmission.

Haemaphysalis longicornis (the longhorned tick), the predominant tick species in China, serves as a vector for a variety of pathogens, and is capable of transmitting the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), the causative agent of tick-borne encephalitis. However, it is unclear how these ticks transmit TBEV. Langat virus (LGTV), which has a reduced pathogenicity in humans, has been used as a surrogate for TBEV. In this study, we aimed to investigate the vector competence of H. longicornis to transmit LGTV and demonstrate the efficient acquisition and transmission of LGTV between this tick species and mice. LGTV localization was detected in several tick tissues, such as the midgut, salivary glands, and synganglion, using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining with a polyclonal antibody targeting the LGTV envelope protein. We demonstrated the horizontal transmission of LGTV to different developmental stages within the same generation but did not see evidence of vertical transmission. It was interesting to note that we observed mice acting as a bridge, facilitating the transmission of LGTV to neighboring naïve ticks during blood feeding. In conclusion, the virus-vector-host model employed in this study provides valuable insights into the replication and transmission of LGTV throughout its life cycle.

Histopathological effects of the fruit extract of Citrullus colocynthis on the ovary of the tick Hyalomma dromedarii

Hyalomma dromedarii is the predominant tick species parasitizing camels in Egypt which leads to mortalities in young animals that result in economic losses. It can transmit a lot of pathogens to animals and humans, such as the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, the Dhori virus, Kadam virus, Theileria annulata and spotted fever rickettsia. The continuous use of chemical acaricides has negative impact on the environment and almost led to acaricidal resistance, and hence the plant extracts represent alternative methods for controlling ticks. The present study was carried out to assess the histopathological effects on the ovary of fed female Hyalomma dromedarii following immersion in the ethanolic extract of fruits of Citrullus colocynthis (100 mg/mL). Light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy observations provided evidence that Citrullus colocynthis caused extensive damage to oocytes. Destruction of the internal organelles of oocytes, along with delay and/or inhibition of vitellogenesis were demonstrated. This is the first histological study that points to damage in H. dromedarii ovaries following treatment with the ethanolic extract of fruits of C. colocynthis. The data presented suggest that the plant extract affects the ovary either directly by entering the oocytes and/or indirectly by damaging the gut cells and digestion of blood that interfere with the development of oocytes, so it can be used as a promising agent for tick control.

Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of Tick Infestations in Kassena-Nankana Livestock.

The ability of ticks to adapt to different ecological zones, coupled with the spread of infectious pathogens negatively affects livestock production and thus, there is a need for better control strategies. However, control measures within a geographical region can only be effective if there is available information on tick population dynamics and ecology. This study focused on ticks infesting livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The ticks were morphologically identified, variables such as season, animal host, and predilection sites were recorded, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 13. Out of 448 livestock examined, tick infestation in cattle was (78.60%), followed by sheep (25%) and goats (5.88%). A total of 1,550 ticks including nymphs (303) and adults (1,247) were collected. Adult ticks were found to be significantly associated with season (p < 0.001), with a high burden in the wet season. The nymph burden and body parts of livestock hosts were significantly associated with more nymphs collected from male animals than females (p < 0.001). Three genera of ticks, Amblyomma (62.97%), Hyalomma (18.71%), and Rhipicephalus (18.32%) were morphologically identified with the most predominant tick species recorded as Amblyomma variegatum (62.97%). Matured A. variegatum was sampled primarily in the wet season with their predilection site as the udder/scrotum (p < 0.001). However, adult Hyalomma truncatum was observed to have a significant association with the anal region (p < 0.001). Findings from this study are essential for formulating tick control measures to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens.

Evidence on the prevalence of emerging and re-emerging tick- and flea-borne rickettsial agents in acute encephalitis syndrome endemic areas of northeast Uttar Pradesh, India.

Outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) with unknown aetiology are reported every year in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India, and Orientia tsutsugamushi, the rickettsial pathogen, responsible for scrub typhus has been attributed as the primary cause of AES problem. However, information on the prevalence of other rickettsial infections is lacking. Hence, this study was carried out to assess any occurrence of tick- and flea-borne rickettsial agents in villages reporting AES cases in this district. In total, 825 peridomestic small mammals were trapped, by setting 9254 Sherman traps in four villages with a trap success rate of 8.9%. The Asian house shrew, Suncus murinus, constituted the predominant animal species (56.2%) and contributed to the maximum number (87.37%) of ectoparasites. In total, 1552 ectoparasites comprising two species of ticks and one species each of flea and louse were retrieved from the trapped rodents/shrews. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, was the predominant species retrieved from the trapped rodents/shrews, and the overall infestation rate was 1.75 per animal. In total, 4428 ectoparasites comprising five tick species, three louse species and one flea species were collected from 1798 domestic animals screened. Rhipicephalus microplus was the predominant tick species collected from the domestic animals. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, constituted 1.5% of the total ectoparasites. Of all the ectoparasite samples (5980) from domestic animals and rodents, tested as 1211 pools through real-time PCR assays, 64 pools were positive for 23S rRNA gene of rickettsial agents. The PCR-positive samples were subjected to multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). In BLAST and phylogenetic analysis, the ectoparasites were found to harbour Rickettsia asembonensis (n = 9), Rickettsia conorii (n = 3), Rickettsia massiliae (n = 29) and Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis (n = 1). A total of 22 pools were detected to have multiple rickettsial agents. The prevalence of fleas and high abundance of tick vectors with natural infections of rickettsial agents indicates the risk of transmission of tick- and flea-borne rickettsial diseases in rural villages of Gorakhpur. Further epidemiological studies are required to confirm the transmission of these agents to humans.

First record of Babesia and Theileria parasites in ticks from Kassena-Nankana, Ghana.

Ticks are efficient vectors for transmitting pathogens that negatively affect livestock production and pose a risk to public health. In this study, Babesia and Theileria species were identified in ticks collected from cattle, sheep and goats from the Kassena-Nankana Districts of Ghana between February and December 2020. A total of 1550 ticks were collected, morphologically identified, pooled and screened for pathogens using primers that amplify a 560 bp fragment of the ssrRNA gene and Sanger sequencing. Amblyomma variegatum (62.98%) was the predominant tick species. From the 491 tick pools screened, 12/15 (2.44%) positive pools were successfully sequenced. The pathogen DNA identified were Theileria ovis in eight (15.38%) pools of Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Theileria velifera in two (0.78%) pools of A. variegatum and Babesia occultans and Babesia sp. Xinjiang in one (1.72%) pool each of Hyalomma truncatum. It was further observed that T. ovis occurred in ticks collected from only sheep (p < 0.001) which were females (p = 0.023) and < =1 year old (p = 0.040). This study reports the first identification of these pathogens in ticks within Kassena-Nankana. With the constant trade of livestock, there is a need for effective tick control measures to prevent infection spread.

Acaricides resistance in Rhipicephalus microplus and expression profile of ABC-transporter genes in the sampled populations

Currently, livestock owners manage tick infestations using chemicals, but the method is increasingly losing effectiveness as resistant tick populations have established in the field conditions. Thus, to develop effective tick management strategies, monitoring of resistance in most predominant tick species, Rhipicephalus microplus was targeted. The ticks were collected from eleven districts of Madhya Pradesh and one district of Punjab and tested against deltamethrin (DLM), cypermethrin (CYP), coumaphos (CMP), ivermectin (IVM) and fipronil (FIP), through adult immersion and larval packet tests. The field isolates were highly resistant to DLM [Resistance factor (RF) = 3.98–38.84]. Against CYP, resistance was observed in BWN (Barwani; RF = 2.81) and MND (Mandsaur; RF = 3.23) isolates. Surprisingly, most of the isolates were susceptible to CMP (0.34–1.58). Emerging level of resistance against IVM (1.05–4.98) and FIP (0.40–2.18) was also observed in all the isolates. Significantly elevated production of esterases (p < 0.01) was 90% correlated with RF of DLM while no positive correlation between production of monooxygenase and Glutathione S-transferase with RF to DLM was noted. Multiple sequence analysis of S4-5 linker region of the sodium channel gene of all the isolates revealed a point mutation at 190th position (C190A) which is associated with DLM resistance. Treatment of resistant LDH (Ludhiana) isolate with IVM resulted in upregulation of RmABCC2 gene and insignificant upregulation of RmABCC1 and RmABCB10 genes indicating the probability of linking IVM resistance with over-expression of RmABCC2 gene. The possible tick management strategies are discussed.

HARD TICKS (ACARI: IXODIDAE) INFESTING ARABIAN CAMELS (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS) IN MEDINA AND QASSIM, SAUDI ARABIA.

Ixodid ticks are hematophagous obligatory ectoparasites that occur worldwide and transmit pathogens to humans and other vertebrates, causing economic livestock losses. The Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius Linnaeus, 1758) is an important livestock animal in Saudi Arabia that is vulnerable to parasitism by ticks. The diversity and intensity of ticks on Arabian camels in certain localities in the Medina and Qassim regions of Saudi Arabia were determined. One hundred forty camels were examined for ticks, and 106 were infested (98 females, 8 males). A total of 452 ixodid ticks (267 males, 185 females) were collected from the infested Arabian camels. The tick infestation prevalence was 83.1% and 36.4% in female and male camels, respectively (female camels harbored significantly more ticks than did male camels). The recorded tick species were Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 (84.5%); Hyalomma truncatum Koch, 1844 (11.1%); Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze and Schlottke, 1929 (4.2%); and Hyalomma scupense Schulze, 1919 (0.22%). Hyalomma dromedarii was the predominant tick species in most regions, with a mean intensity of 2.15 ± 0.29 ticks/camel (2.5 ± 0.53 male ticks/camel, 1.8 ± 0.21 female ticks/camel). The proportion of male ticks was higher than that of female ticks (59.1 vs. 40.9%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey of ixodid ticks on Arabian camels in Medina and Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Occurrence of Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii in ixodid ticks in Kassena-Nankana, Ghana.

Ticks are arthropods of veterinary and medical importance which spread zoonotic pathogens that link animal and human health. In this study, ticks were collected from 448 livestock between February and December 2020 in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of Ghana and screened for the presence of zoonotic pathogens DNA using PCR and sequencing approaches. In total, 1550 ticks were collected and morphologically identified. Three tick genera were identified with Amblyomma variegatum (63%) as the predominant tick species collected. DNA was extracted from 491 tick pools and screened for the presence of DNA of Rickettsia spp. based on the 115bp fragment of the 17kDa surface protein and 639bp of the Outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene and the 295bp fragment of the transposase gene of Coxiella burnetii IS1111a element. From the 491 pools screened, the DNA of Rickettsia spp. and C. burnetii was detected in 56.8 and 3.7%, respectively. Coinfections were identified in 2.4% of the tick pools. Characterization of the Rickettsia spp. in this study based on the ompA gene showed that the DNA of Rickettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschlimannii accounted for 39.7 and 14.7%, respectively, and were 100% similar to sequences in GenBank. Most R. africae and C. burnetii infections occurred in ticks collected in the wet season, whereas R. aeschlimannii occurred mostly in the dry season. These pathogens are potential public health threats, thus there is a need to implement control measures to reduce the risk of infections in vulnerable populations.

Tick Populations and Molecular Analysis of Anaplasma Species in Ticks from the Republic of Korea.

The present study was performed to survey the dominant tick populations and molecularly determine the pathogenic agents of anaplasmosis in ticks from Gyeongsang, Republic of Korea. A total of 3825 questing ticks were collected by the flagging method from 12 sites near animal farms in Gyeongsang from March to October 2021. A molecular genomic study was performed with ticks stored in 70% ethanol to detect Anaplasma genes by the previously described method. The monthly incidence of ticks varied by developmental stages, i.e., nymphs, adults, and larvae, and each of their populations peaked in May, March, and October, respectively. The predominant tick species were Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis sp., Haemaphysalis flava, Ixodes nipponensis, and Amblyomma testudinarium in order. To determine the Anaplasma infection rate, collected ticks were pooled into 395 groups. The minimum infection rate (MIR) of Anaplasma was 0.7% (27 pools). That of A. phagocytophilum was highest (23 pools, MIR 0.6%), followed by A. phagocytophilum-like Anaplasma spp. clade B (2 pools, MIR 0.1%), A. bovis (1 pool, MIR 0.1%), and A. capra (1 pool, MIR 0.1%), respectively. In this study, five species of ticks, including unidentified Haemaphysalis species, were collected in 12 survey sites in Gyeongsang, but their prevalence was somewhat different according to the tick species and survey sites. Further, the incidence rate (6.8%) of 4 Anaplasma spp. was not as high in tick pools. However, the results of this study may offer a basis for future epidemiological research and risk assessment of tick-borne diseases.

Molecular survey of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in livestock ticks from Kassena-Nankana, Ghana; with a first report of Anaplasma capra and Ehrlichia minasensis

Tick-borne pathogens harm livestock production and pose a significant risk to public health. To combat these effects, it is necessary to identify the circulating pathogens to create effective control measures. This study identified Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in ticks collected from livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts between February 2020 and December 2020. A total of 1550 ticks were collected from cattle, sheep and goats. The ticks were morphologically identified, pooled and screened for pathogens using primers that amplify a 345bp fragment of the 16SrRNA gene and Sanger sequencing. The predominant tick species collected was Amblyomma variegatum (62.98%). From the 491 tick pools screened, 34 (6.92%) were positive for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. The pathogens identified were Ehrlichia canis (4.28%), Ehrlichia minasensis (1.63%), Anaplasma capra (0.81%) and Anaplasma marginale (0.20%). This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species in ticks from Ghana. With the association of human infections with the zoonotic pathogen A. capra, livestock owners are at risk of infections, calling for the development of effective control measures.

Epidemiology of Ixodid tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens in small ruminant from Enarje Enawuga, North Western Ethiopia.

Small ruminant playing significant economic development and cultural roles for smallholders and reared in different agroecological systems in Ethiopia. However, ticks and tick-borne haemopathogens are major threats to the health of small ruminants leading to loss of production and productivity in Ethiopia especially in north-western Ethiopia, due to climate and agroecological system favourable to the tick survival in the area. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens, to identify the existing Ixodid tick species and to investigate major risk factors associated with tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens. A cross sectional study was conducted on 396 small ruminants (sheep =198 and goats = 198). Ticks were identified to the species level according to their morphological key structures. Thin blood smear were prepared and laboratoricaly examined to investigate tick-borne haemopathogens. Logistic regression was employed to assess the association between potential risk factors with tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens. The overall prevalence of tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens were 47.22% and 4.29%, respectively. Age, species, body condition, agroecological system and season were found significantly (p < 0.05) associated with tick infestation. Season was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with occurrence of tick-borne haemopathogen. Amblyomma variegatum (18.2%) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (13.4%) were the predominant tick species encountered. Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma marginale and Babesia ovis were prevalent tick-borne haemopathogens. The present study reported that there was higher tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens infections on small ruminants in the study area. Therefore, based on tick epidemiology, a strategic tick control programs were needed in this region. Further detailed studies on the role of Ixodid tick species in causing tick-borne diseases in small ruminants and their economic impact on livelihoods should be conducted.

Prevalence and Distribution of Hard Ticks and Their Associated Risk Factors in Sheep and Goats from Four Agro-Climatic Zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan.

: BackgroundHard ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites infesting all types of domestic ruminants throughout the world and serve as vectors in the dissemination of a wide variety of pathogens. Sheep and goat farming is a vital economic source for resource-poor farming communities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan. Aim: The aim of present study is to study the epidemiological profile of ticks in various agro-climatic zones of KPK. Materials and Methods: A total of 1500 (882 sheep and 618 goats) of all age groups and sexes were examined for the presence of ticks belonging to six districts in four agro-climatic zones of KPK province, Pakistan. Non-probability sampling was undertaken based on animal hosts’ selection, collection of hard ticks, and epidemiological parameters. Ticks collected from sheep and goats were identified phenotypically using standard keys. Results: The results revealed that Rhipicephalus microplus (36.2%) was the predominant tick species followed by Hyalomma anatolicum (25.2%), Hyalomma trancatum (18.1%), Hyalomma aegyptium (11.3%), Hyalomma asiaticum (6.9%), and Haemephysalis bispinosa (2.4%). Different epidemiological parameters showed that weather, humidity, and host age negatively affect (p < 0.05) tick load while temperatures (Minimum and Maximum), sunshine (hrs), and precipitation positively affected (p < 0.05) tick load. Host sex only showed a positive association with tick load (p > 0.05). The highest value of tick diversity index (H) 0.36748 was noted for Hyalomma anatolicum as this tick species was commonly distributed in three agro-climatic zones except in the Suleiman Piedmont zone, while Haemaphysalis bispinosa has the lowest diversity index (0.0334) as it was only found in the Central Valley Plains zone of KPK. The Shannon diversity index of tick diversity was highest at Barikot while the lowest index value was at Kabal (2.407). Similarly, a higher Simpson’s diversity index was at Barikot (0.9554) and the lowest hard index was noted at Takht bai (2.874). The dominance index showed that the tick species were more dominant at Takht bai (0.1251), while the lowest dominance was at Barikot (0.04465). Conclusions: It has been concluded that tick diversity and distribution, abundance, reproduction, development, and survival depend on prevailing climatic conditions. The present study would not only help to identify the tick species but also facilitate in devising effective control measures to minimize the transmission pathogens in sheep and goats being reared in the various agro-climatic zones of KPK province, Pakistan.

Socio-ecological determinants of rickettsial seroprevalence in a rural community of Yucatán, Mexico.

Rickettsial diseases have seen a re-emergence in the Americas in the last few decades, with concerning morbidity, mortality and economic implications that result from loss of productivity, income, curbs in liberal trade agreements, and reduction in agricultural practices. The aim of this study is to determine the socioecological determinants and seroprevalence for Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia rickettsii among residents of Teabo, a rural community of Yucatán, Mexico. Sociodemographic data and serum samples were obtained from 180 consenting participants. Antibody titers for R. typhi and R. rickettsii were determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Participants also submitted tick samples collected from their residential area. We conducted logistic regression models to evaluate the association between exposure variables and seroprevalence. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (37%; n=65), and Amblyomma cajennense Fabricius (17%; n=29) were the predominant tick species in peri-domestic areas. Out of the 180 participants, there was significantly higher seroprevalence of R. typhi (n=77; 46%) compared to R. rickettsii [n=27, 15%, (p<0.05)]. Pearson's chi-square test of independence revealed significant differences in R. rickettsii seroprevalence by gender (X2 [n=175, df=4, (p<0.001)]=180.26), level of education, (X2 [n=180, df=4, (p<0.001)]=44.0), and by tick species found in residential area, (X2 [n=180, df=4, (p=0.050)]=9.48). After adjusting for other variables in a logistic regression model, for each unit increase in the number of dogs present in the residential area, there was a 27% increase in the odds of human seroprevalence for R. typhi IgG (AOR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.01-1.63). Compared to study participants living in residential areas with a 'low' height of vegetation, those living in residential areas with a 'medium' height of vegetation had 2.5 times greater odds of human seroprevalence for R. typhi IgG (AOR=2.51, 95% CI: 1.19-5.40). Potentially modifiable existing factors in the peri-domestic area may constitute a high-risk source of seroprevalence for rickettsial antibodies among residents of the rural community of Teabo, Yucatán, Mexico.

Epidemiological study on Ixodid tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens on cattle in Awi Zone, northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundTick and tick borne haemopathogens are the main challenge of livestock production and productivity in Ethiopia particular in northwest Ethiopia due to favourable climate condition.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study was to determining the prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens on cattle, identifying the existing Ixodid tick species, assessing seasonal variation and major risk factors associated with tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to july 2021 on Ixodid tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens on cattle in the northwest Ethiopia. A toatal of 384 cattle were used for this study. Tick species were identified using morphological identification keys under a stereomicroscope. Thin blood smear examination were conducted to assess tick borne haemopathogens.ResultsThe overall prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens were 45% and 3%, respectively. Babesia bigemina was the only haemoparasite detected in the present survey. Potential risk factors were investigated for their association with tick infestation and B. bigemina using logistic regression and chi‐square test, respectively. Accordingly, age, body condition, agroecological systems and season were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with tick infestation whereas season and body condition were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with B. bigemina infection. A total seven tick species were identified. Amblyomma varigatum (55%) and Boophilus decoloratus (15.7%) were the predominant Ixodid tick species encountered. A total of 128 blood samples were collected from Jawi district and examined using thin blood smear. Of them, 3% were infected by the B. bigemina ConclusionsTick infestation in this study was high and seems to play vital role for the reduction of production, productivity and for the transmission B. bigemina. Therefore, sound and effective tick control and prevention strategies are needed to mitigate the risk factors for tick infestation and B. bigemina infection in Ethiopia.

Identification of tick species infesting livestock in Dera Ismail Khan Pakistan

Ticks are blood-feeding obligate ectoparasites that belong to order Arachnida with three main families (Ixodidae, Argasidae, and Nuttalleillidae). Ticks transmit viral, bacterial, and zoonotic diseases in humans, and animals (wild and domestic). Ticks directly and indirectly affect the livestock industry which plays an important role in the rural economy of Pakistan. These are the main source of income and a source of food for poor people. The current study was conducted to identify the tick species infesting livestock in Dera Ismail Khan Pakistan. For this purpose, different farms were randomly visited and 130 ticks were collected from 200 scanned animals. The collected ticks were identified to species level using morphological keys. In the current study, four tick species were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum, and Dermacentor marginatus were identified. The most dominant species were Hy. anatolicum (35.39%) followed by R. sanguineus (30.00%), Hy. marginatum (23.85%) and D. marginatus (10.77%). Hy. anatolicum was the predominant tick species and accounted for 35.39% of the ticks. Tick infestation was highest in buffaloes followed by cows, sheep, and goats. Tail and ear were the most preferable sites for tick infestation than other body parts.

Active surveillance of ticks in peri-domestic areas of Indiana, Midwest United States.

The incidence of Borreliosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and other tick-borne diseases acquired from private residential/peri-domestic areas has increased over the decades. However, tick activity and proportion of private residential properties with established tick populations remain unknown. The purpose of the current study was to determine the predictors of tick activity in peri-domestic areas. In a cross-sectional study design, we used snowball-sampling with cold-calling techniques to collect free-living ticks, sociodemographic, and microclimatic data from June to November 2018 from a total of 96 private residential areas in south-central Indiana, USA. Thirty-eight percent of peri-domestic areas sampled had tick activity, and of these, 50% had established tick populations. Nymphal ticks were the most abundant life stage. Self-reported TBD diagnosis was 16%. Amblyomma americanum [Linnaeus (lone star tick)] was the most abundant tick species collected. Other tick species identified include: Ixodes scapularis [Say (black-legged/deer tick)] and Dermacentor variabilis [Say (American dog tick)]. Increasing temperature was positively associated with tick activity, while elevation was negatively associated with tick abundance. Our study results reveal that the proportion of peri-domestic areas in Indiana with established tick populations is high. Amblyomma americanum tick is the most predominant tick species in peri-domestic areas of south-central Indiana. Active surveillance of ticks in peri-domestic areas is necessary for informing decisions by households and communities about where to target tick exposure and tick-borne disease prevention efforts.

Species distribution and ecological suitability analysis for potential tick vectors of Kyasanur forest disease in the Western Ghats of Kerala

Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) is a tick-borne zoonotic viral disease with an estimated case fatality rate of 3% to 5% in humans. The KFD virus is transmitted to both humans and animals by infected ticks, primarily the Haemaphysalis species. Our study was undertaken following reports of five confirmed cases and three deaths due to KFD in Malappuram district of Kerala in 2014 to determine the diversity of Ixodidae ticks on vegetation and their possible infection with the KFD virus. Overall, 3502 hard ticks belonging to three genera and eight species were collected from two forest divisions. Haemaphysalis was the predominant tick species (92.72%). Tick positivity for the KFD virus was 4 (5.33%) of 75 pools of ticks tested. Kyasanur forest disease viral RNA was detected from the genera Haemaphysalis and Amblyomma. The KFD virus was detected in 2 of 35 pools (5.71%) of Haemaphysalis spinigera, 1 of 30 pools (3.33%) of Haemaphysalis turturis, and 1 of 3 pools (3.33%) of Amblyomma integrum from the south forest division. The ticks reached their peak density between December and February and then decreased from the end of May. The temperature in the area ranges from 28°C to 30°C, which is suitable for tick survival.

RECORDS OF IXODID TICKS ON WILD BIRDS IN BULGARIA

Background: Ixodid ticks are widely studied due to their epidemiological and epizootic importance. It is of great value to know vertebrate host preferences of ticks in order to understand their ecological relationships and distribution. Earlier studies report birds as important hosts of Ixodid tick and a total of 136 ticks species have been frequently found in birds worldwide. However, only few studies related to host preferences of ticks among wild birds in Bulgaria were conducted till now. Aim: To obtain new data on the host preferences of ixodid ticks among wild birds at three locations in Bulgaria. Material and methods: The study was conducted between 2010 – 2020 in three sites in Bulgaria – Biological Experimental Station Kalimok (Silistra region), near Brodilovo village (Burgas region), and the city of Sofia (city park). The birds were caught by mist nets and inspected for ticks. Ticks found were removed by fine tweezers or a special removal tool for ectoparasites. Tick identification was based on external morphological characteristics. Results: A total of 2419 individual birds belonging to 78 species were examined. Of these, 70 individuals (16 species) carried ticks, thus representing 2.9% infestation rate. A total of 262 ticks were collected and identified as: Ixodes ricinus, Hyalomma marginatum, Haemaphysalis punctata, Hae. concinna, Hae. sulcata and two specimens could only be identified to the genus Haemaphysalis. Ixodes ricinus was the most commonly encountered tick (224/262), predominantly nymphs, followed by Hyalomma marginatum (27/262). The highest prevalence of tick infestation was observed among the Eurasian Blackbird, Turdus merula (28.6%), followed by the common nightingale, Luscinia megarhynchos (12.9%) and the common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs (11.3%). These three bird species harboured the majority of ticks on their heads – some single individuals were infested by 10 up to 25 ticks per bird. Conclusion: Ixodes ricinus was found as the predominant tick species in this study. Nymphs were the most frequently observed stage. Infesting both birds and humans, this tick species has the potential to spread local tick-borne infections.

Surveillance of Host-Seeking Ticks in the Flint Hills Region (USA) and Associations with Environmental Determinants

Diversity and phenology of host-seeking ticks were studied in the Flint Hills region of the USA, which is a prominent region for raising beef cattle. Between a two-year period from 2015–2017, ticks were collected using the dragging method from 9 distant locations, 6 of which were studied seasonally and 3 continuously throughout the study period. Of the 10,055 ticks collected, 76.5% were the Lonestar tick (Amblyomma americanum), 14% were American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and 9.1% were Gulf Coast tick (A. maculatum). The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis were also found, albeit in low numbers. The host-seeking activity of all three predominant tick species peaked once during the late spring, summer months in the region. The phenology of all ticks was positively associated with accumulated temperature and photoperiod. Additionally, the Normalized Vegetation Difference Index (NDVI) was associated with A. americanum, and saturation deficit and relative humidity were negatively associated with D. variabilis and A. maculatum tick phenology, respectively. This finding is useful to predict the times during a year in which cattle are at higher risk for exposure to these ticks and associated pathogens.