scholarly journals Five ixodid tick species including two morphotypes of Rhipicephalus turanicus on nestlings of Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) from south-eastern Bulgaria

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Attila D. Sándor ◽  
Boyan Milchev ◽  
Nóra Takács ◽  
Jenő Kontschán ◽  
Sándor Szekeres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Large Prey ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Bubo Bubo ◽  
Tick Abundance ◽  
South Eastern

Abstract Background Birds are major hosts for many tick species (Acari: Ixodidae, Argasidae), and their role is especially important in transporting ticks over large distances along their seasonal migratory routes. Accordingly, most studies across Europe focus on the importance of avian hosts in tick dispersal, and less emphasis is laid on resident birds and their role in supporting tick life cycles. Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo) exemplify the latter, but all the few studies on their tick infestation were carried out in Western Europe and even those did not involve a large sample size and did not assess infestation prevalence in natural habitats. Methods In this study, 320 ixodid ticks were collected from nestlings of Eurasian eagle owls during the period 2018–2020 in Bulgaria in south-eastern Europe. These ticks were analysed morphologically, and selected specimens molecularly based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. The effects of environmental and habitat-related conditions and of the species of prey eaten by eagle owls on tick infestation were also evaluated. Results The majority of ticks were identified as adults of Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 296). In addition, 15 Hyalomma marginatum (three males, 11 nymphs and a larva), one female of Haemaphysalis erinacei and of Ha. punctata, and a nymph of Ixodes ricinus were found. Among R. turanicus, two distinct morphotypes were observed, but they do not form a monophyletic clade in the phylogenetic tree based on the mitochondrial gene cox1. We found a positive correlation between the total number of ticks on nestlings from a particular nest and the number of medium-sized to large prey mammals brought to the nestling owls. Also, the most important predictor for tick abundance was the effect of the extent of arable land (negative), while forests and grasslands contributed less, with no effect observed in case of urbanized areas and watercourses. Conclusions The intensity of tick infestation can be high on nestling Eurasian eagle owls (mean intensity 16.59 ticks/nestling). In this study, five different tick species were recorded, among which R. turanicus dominated. Two male morphotypes of this tick species were found, but their morphological differences were not reflected by genetic diversity or phylogenetic clustering. The most important factor determining tick abundance was the land-use structure. Graphic Abstract

scholarly journals Baseline survey of Ixodid Ticks Infesting Cattle in Northern State, Sudan

2019 ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
Mohamed Toum Elhaj ◽  
Khalid Mohammed Taha ◽  
Ahmed El Ghali ◽  
Shawgi Mohammed Hassan ◽  
Diaeldin Ahmed Salih ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Tick Control ◽  
The State ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Tropical Theileriosis ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Northern State

Background and objective: Ixodid ticks are serious obstacle to development and utilization of animal resource in tropical countries like Sudan. Over 70 species of tick are prevalent in the Sudan in diverse ecological zones. The aim of this study was to provide a baseline data on tick species infesting cattle in the Northern State, Sudan as a prerequisite to design tick control policy in the state as well as the whole country. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in April 2017 and included seven provinces of the state. Total body tick collection (n=1,098) was carried out from 365 heads of cattle. Tick identification to the genus and species level was carried out as well as statistical analysis using two-way ANOVA. Results: Nine tick species of two genera, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus, were identified. The genus Hyalomma represented 82% of the collected ticks. Hyalomma rufipes was the most common tick species (48.5%) followed by Rhipicephalus praetextatus (14.9%), H. anatolicum (14.4%), H. excavatum (12.8%), H. dromedarii and R. sanguineus (3.4% each), H. impeltatum (2.2%), H. marginatum (0.46%) and the least prevalent tick species was R. evertsi evertsi (0.09%). The prevalence of tick infestation significantly varied within the age groups for H. anatolicum, H. rufipes and H. excavatum. The mean tick infestation was found to be independent on breed and sex of the animals. Conclusion: It is concluded that there were nine ticks species distributed in the State. Among these species is H. anatolicum, which is the vector of two vital diseases, bovine tropical theileriosis and malignant ovine theileriosis. Thus, tick control strategy, and creation of awareness among animal breeders on the problem associated with tick infestation are recommended.

A Survey on Tick Infestation in Domestic Birds Sold at Gwagwalada Market, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (04) ◽  
pp. 4974
Author(s):  
Ayoh Stephen O. ◽  
Olanrewaju Comfort A*
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Control ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Guinea Fowl ◽  
Vector Group ◽  
Arthropod Vector ◽  
Argas Persicus ◽  
Domestic Birds ◽  
Micro Organisms

Ticks transmit a greater variety of pathogenic micro-organisms than any other arthropod vector group, and are among the most important vectors of diseases affecting animals. A survey on the prevalence of tick species infesting domestic birds sold in Gwagwalada main market, Abuja between April and July, 2015. A total of 450 birds were examined by feather separation with fingers and a pair of forceps to expose the skin of the birds for presence of the ticks. An overall prevalence of 25.6% was observed. Out of the 150 domestic fowls examined 62(53.9%) were infested, 44(29.3%) of the 150 Guinea fowl and 9(6.0%) of the 150 Pigeons were infested. Of all the ticks identified, 93(51.4%) were from the Domestic Fowls and 77(42.5%) from the Guinea fowl and 11(6.0%) from Pigeon. Thirty (32.3%) of the ticks from the Domestic fowls were Argas persicus, 25(26.9%) Argas walkerae, 20 (21.5%) Ornithodorus moubata and 18(19.4%) Ornithodorus savignyi. Similarly, 34(44.2%) of the ticks from Guinea fowl were A. walkerae, 20(28.2%) O. moubataand 23(32.4%) O. savignyi. Five (45.5%) of the ticks from Pigeon were A. persicus, 4 (36.4%) were A. walkerae, 2 (18.2%) were O. moubata and no O. savignyi. Observation on the location of tick from the hosts body showed highest prevalence was found under the wings (55.2%) and lowest on the head & neck (5.00%). The result of this research revealed that Gwagwalada market poultry section is endemic of tick infestation. Chemical control with acaricides and improved management and sanitation of the poultry cages in the market should be enforced.

scholarly journals Spiroplasma Infection among Ixodid Ticks Exhibits Species Dependence and Suggests a Vertical Pattern of Transmission

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 333
Author(s):  
Shohei Ogata ◽  
Wessam Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed ◽  
Kodai Kusakisako ◽  
May June Thu ◽  
Yongjin Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rdna ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Frequent Event ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Members of the genus Spiroplasma are Gram-positive bacteria without cell walls. Some Spiroplasma species can cause disease in arthropods such as bees, whereas others provide their host with resistance to pathogens. Ticks also harbour Spiroplasma, but their role has not been elucidated yet. Here, the infection status and genetic diversity of Spiroplasma in ticks were investigated using samples collected from different geographic regions in Japan. A total of 712 ticks were tested for Spiroplasma infection by PCR targeting 16S rDNA, and Spiroplasma species were genetically characterized based on 16S rDNA, ITS, dnaA, and rpoB gene sequences. A total of 109 samples originating from eight tick species were positive for Spiroplasma infection, with infection rates ranging from 0% to 84% depending on the species. A linear mixed model indicated that tick species was the primary factor associated with Spiroplasma infection. Moreover, certain Spiroplasma alleles that are highly adapted to specific tick species may explain the high infection rates in Ixodes ovatus and Haemaphysalis kitaokai. A comparison of the alleles obtained suggests that horizontal transmission between tick species may not be a frequent event. These findings provide clues to understand the transmission cycle of Spiroplasma species in wild tick populations and their roles in host ticks.

scholarly journals Atlas of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) in Germany

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz Rubel ◽  
Katharina Brugger ◽  
Lidia Chitimia-Dobler ◽  
Hans Dautel ◽  
Elisabeth Meyer-Kayser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Federal States ◽  
Ixodes Frontalis ◽  
Argas Reflexus ◽  
The One ◽  
Argasid Tick ◽  
First Time

AbstractAn updated and increased compilation of georeferenced tick locations in Germany is presented here. This data collection extends the dataset published some years ago by another 1448 new tick locations, 900 locations of which were digitized from literature and 548 locations are published here for the first time. This means that a total of 3492 georeferenced tick locations is now available for Germany. The tick fauna of Germany includes two species of Argasidae in the genera Argas and Carios and 19 species of Ixodidae in the genera Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, altogether 21 tick species. In addition, three species of Ixodidae in the genera Hyalomma (each spring imported by migratory birds) and Rhipicephalus (occasionally imported by dogs returning from abroad with their owners) are included in the tick atlas. Of these, the georeferenced locations of 23 tick species are depicted in maps. The occurrence of the one remaining tick species, the recently described Ixodes inopinatus, is given at the level of the federal states. The most common and widespread tick species is Ixodes ricinus, with records in all 16 federal states. With the exception of Hamburg, Dermacentor reticulatus was also found in all federal states. The occurrence of the ixodid ticks Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes hexagonus and I. inopinatus were documented in at least 11 federal states each. The two mentioned argasid tick species were also documented in numerous federal states, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus in 11 and the bat tick Carios vespertilionis in seven federal states. The atlas of ticks in Germany and the underlying digital dataset in the supplement can be used to improve global tick maps or to study the effects of climate change and habitat alteration on the distribution of tick species.

scholarly journals Global Distribution of Babesia Species in Questing Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Published Literature

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 230
Author(s):  
ThankGod E. Onyiche ◽  
Cristian Răileanu ◽  
Susanne Fischer ◽  
Cornelia Silaghi
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Babesia Species ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Questing Ticks ◽  
Veterinary Importance

Babesiosis caused by the Babesia species is a parasitic tick-borne disease. It threatens many mammalian species and is transmitted through infected ixodid ticks. To date, the global occurrence and distribution are poorly understood in questing ticks. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the distribution of the pathogen. A deep search for four electronic databases of the published literature investigating the prevalence of Babesia spp. in questing ticks was undertaken and obtained data analyzed. Our results indicate that in 104 eligible studies dating from 1985 to 2020, altogether 137,364 ticks were screened with 3069 positives with an estimated global pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of 2.10%. In total, 19 different Babesia species of both human and veterinary importance were detected in 23 tick species, with Babesia microti and Ixodesricinus being the most widely reported Babesia and tick species, respectively. Regardless of species, adult ticks with 2.60% had the highest infection rates, while larvae had the least with 0.60%. Similarly, female ticks with 4.90% were infected compared to males with 3.80%. Nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 2.80% had the highest prevalence among the molecular techniques employed. In conclusion, results obtained indicate that Babesia species are present in diverse questing tick species at a low prevalence, of which some are competent vectors.

Growth, Development, and Morphological Differences among Native and Nonnative Prickly Nightshades (Solanum spp.) of the Southeastern United States

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles T. Bryson ◽  
Krishna N. Reddy ◽  
John D. Byrd
Keyword(s):  
Dry Weight ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Solanum Torvum ◽  
Southeastern Us ◽  
Solanum Mammosum ◽  
Weedy Species ◽  
Growth Development ◽  
Average Plant ◽  
Morphological Differences

Prickly nightshades are troublesome weeds of natural habitats, pastures, feedlots, right-of-ways, and croplands. Native and nonnative invasive weedy species of prickly nightshades were compared to determine growth, development, and morphological differences. Six (Solanum bahamense, Solanum capsicoides, Solanum carolinense, Solanum dimidiatum, Solanum donianum, and Solanum pumilum) of the 18 species of prickly nightshades studied are native to the US. Two species, Solanum citrullifolium and Solanum rostratum, are annuals; the others are perennials or are short lived perennials or annuals in northern extremes of their range in North America. Tables were developed from new and existing data to differentiate vegetative and reproductive characteristics among 18 species of prickly nightshade found in the southeastern US. In greenhouse experiments, average plant height ranged from 24 and 26 cm (9.45 and 10.24 inch) for S. carolinense and Solanum jamaicense, respectively, to 100 and 105 cm for Solanum tampicense and Solanum sisymbriifolium, respectively at 10 wk after emergence (WAE). By 10 WAE, the average number of leaves per plant ranged from < 10 for S. carolinense and Solanum torvum to > 40 leaves/plant for S. rostratum and S. dimidiatum. Average number of nodes/plant main stem ranged from 11, 12, and 14 nodes in S. jamaicense, S. torvum, and S. carolinense, respectively, to 54 nodes in S. rostratum. Average plant dry weights were collected at 10 WAE and were greatest for Solanum mammosum and (> 17 g/plant) (0.6001 oz/plant) and least for S. carolinense (1 g/plant). Based on these data, nightshade growth rate and dry weight were variable among some species and variability may be a result of phenology and life cycles, annual or perennial. Plants of S. rostratum, an annual, were relatively tall and produced high number of nodes and leaves and had the shortest period from emergence to flower among the prickly nightshades evaluated.

Identification of tick species infesting livestock in Dera Ismail Khan Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Jamil ◽  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Habibullah ◽  
Muhammad Mubeen ◽  
Ghulam Jelani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Economy ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Hyalomma Anatolicum

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.

scholarly journals Small mammals as hosts of immature ixodid ticks

2005 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
I.G. Horak ◽  
L.J. Fourie ◽  
L.E.O. Braack
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Ixodid Tick ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Free State ◽  
Immature Stages ◽  
Rhabdomys Pumilio ◽  
Haemaphysalis Leachi ◽  
Lepus Capensis ◽  
Multimammate Mice

Two hundred and twenty-five small mammals belonging to 16 species were examined for ticks in Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, South Africa, and 18 ixodid tick species, of which two could only be identified to genus level, were recovered. Scrub hares, Lepus saxatilis, and Cape hares, Lepus capensis, harboured the largest number of tick species. In Free State Province Namaqua rock mice, Aethomys namaquensis, and four-striped grass mice, Rhabdomys pumilio, were good hosts of the immature stages of Haemaphysalis leachi and Rhipicephalus gertrudae, while in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces red veld rats, Aethomys chrysophilus, Namaqua rock mice and Natal multimammate mice, Mastomys natalensis were good hosts of H. leachi and Rhipicephalus simus. Haemaphysalis leachi was the only tick recovered from animals in all three provinces.

scholarly journals Effect of burning on the numbers of questing ticks collected by dragging

2006 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
I.G. Horak ◽  
G.J. Gallivan ◽  
A.M. Spickett ◽  
A.L.F. Potgieter
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
National Park ◽  
Host Preference ◽  
Term Effect ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Experimental Burn ◽  
Major Species ◽  
Questing Ticks

Sixteen experimental burn plot replicates, in groups of four, in four landscape zones of the Kruger National Park, South Africa, and from which wildlife are not excluded, have been subjected to fixed, regular burning regimens since 1954. In 1999, a study to determine the effect of burning on ixodid ticks questing for hosts from the vegetation of the plots was initiated, and six sub-plots, with identical histories, within each of two of the burn plot replicates in Combretum collinum / Combretum zeyheyri woodland on granite, were selected. With few exceptions these 12 sub-plots, as well as unburned vegetation adjacent to each of the replicates, were sampled for ticks at monthly intervals for a period of 39 months by dragging with flannel strips. The existing regimen of burning during August or during October on individual sub-plots was continued during this time. A total of 14 tick species was recovered from the plots of which nine could be considered major species. Sufficient numbers for statistical analysis of only eight species were, however, collected. Burning appeared to have little short-term effect on the number of ticks recovered. In the longer term, the response varied from no change, an increase, or a decrease in the numbers of ticks collected each year after burning. Tick species, life cycle, seasonality, questing strategy, host preference and host utilization of the habitat were important determinants of the effect of burning.

The seasonal activity of adult ixodid ticks on Angora goats in the south western Orange Free State

1991 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 104-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. Fourie ◽  
I. G. Horak
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Ixodid Tick ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Free State ◽  
Seasonal Activity ◽  
The South ◽  
Ixodes Rubicundus ◽  
Angora Goats

Adult ixodid ticks were collected at 2-weekly intervals for a period of 23 consecutive months from 15 to 20 Angora goats on a farm in the south western Orange Free State. A total of 6 ixodid tick species were recovered. Rhipicephalus punctatus was the most abundant and prevalent tick, It was present from spring to late summer. Ixodes rubicundus was the next most abundant tick and was present mainly from March or April to July with peak numbers present in April or May. The onset of this tick's activity appeared to be stimulated by low atmospheric temperatures.

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