scholarly journals Prevalence and monitoring of ixodid ticks in the western region of Ukraine

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 38-45
Author(s):  
Viktoriya Levytska ◽  
Andrii Mushynskyi ◽  
Andrii Berezovskyi
Keyword(s):  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Seasonal Activity ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Wooded Area ◽  
Western Asia ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Two Peaks

Ixodes ricinus is the most common tick in Europe, distributed almost throughout the continent, except the northern regions. Dermacentor reticulatus is a widespread species of tick in Europe and Western Asia. The study included monitoring the distribution density and seasonal activity of ticks D. reticulatus and I. ricinus in the natural environment during 2018-2019. A total of 1592 D. reticulatus ticks and 712 I. ricinus ticks were collected in Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv oblasts. There was a tendency to increasing of the number of ticks of both species in 2019 compared to 2018. The largest number of ticks was collected in autumn 2019, during the autumn peak of activity, which amounted to 710 adult ticks. Thus, the average density of ticks of both species collected in the Ternopil region was 40 ticks/1000 m2, in Ivano-Frankivsk – 32 and 45 in Lviv regions in 2018 and 62, 46 and 63 ticks/1000 m2 in 2019, respectively. In the spring of 2018, almost twice as many adult ticks of D. reticulatus were detected as in the fall in all areas. With regard to I. ricinus ticks, we did not observe a statistically significant difference in seasonal activity. In the spring and autumn, two peaks of ticks’ activity were registered in all regions and the average number of ticks in the spring in the meadows was 20 ticks/1000 m2, and on the wooded area – 39 ticks/1000 m2, and in autumn – 17 and 41 ticks/ 1000 m2 respectively. During both years and in all three oblasts, females prevailed over males during all the period. Although the density of ticks of both species in all areas was quite high, but the ticks were unevenly distributed. The largest number of D. reticulatus ticks was found in the Lviv region in 2019, which ranged from 46 to 119 ticks/1000 m2. Low and medium density of adult ticks D. reticulatus and I. ricinus, from 11 to 77 ticks/1000 m2 was observed in Ivano-Frankivsk region in 2018. Throughout the study period, the seasonal activity of D. reticulatus and I. ricinus ticks was significantly affected by air temperature, which fluctuated during collection of ticks.

The density and peaks of seasonal activity of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in eastern Poland

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zbigniew Zając ◽  
Aneta Woźniak ◽  
Joanna Kulisz
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Tick Population ◽  
Seasonal Activity ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Two Peaks ◽  
Previous Occurrence

Abstract Background: Next to Ixodes ricinus , Dermacentor reticulatus ticks are the most important reservoir and vector of infectious diseases in Europe. In recent years, progressing expansion of D. reticulatus ticks into new territories and an increase in their population size in areas of their previous occurrence have been observed.Methods: The studies on tick population density were conducted in Lublin Province, eastern Poland. The investigated area was divided into 101 equal squares (plots). Additionally, studies on seasonal activity in the preferred habitat of the ornate cow ticks were conducted from 2014 to 2019 in the Polesie National Park.Results: Throughout the study on the tick population density, 19559 adult D. reticulatus specimens were collected. An average density of the ornate cow ticks in Lublin Province was 96.8 specimens/100 m 2 . A significant impact on the tick population density is exerted by meadow areas (Rs=0.281, p=0.0044), while weather conditions have no effect (H=6.08, p=0.1931). The local population of D. reticulatus ticks in the eastern and middle regions of Lublin Province exhibits predominance of spring activity peaks, while autumnal seasonal activity peaks prevail in the rest of the region. Multiannual monitoring of the seasonal activity of D. reticulatus in the Polesie National Park shows the prevalence of autumnal activity peaks in 2014-2019 and spring activity peaks in 2019.Conclusions: The area of Lublin Province is characterized by high density of the ornate cow ticks. Local populations of D. reticulatus show two peaks of seasonal activity. Dynamics of seasonal activity of D. reticulatus is influenced by availability of their hosts. The highest risk of ornate cow tick attacks on animals and humans occurs during spring in the eastern part and in autumn in the western part of Lublin Province.

scholarly journals Detection Of Selected Pathogens In Ixodid Ticks Collected From Animals And Vegetation In Five Regions Of Ukraine

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktoriya A. Levytska ◽  
Andriy B. Mushinsky ◽  
Dana Cernanska ◽  
Lucia Blanarova ◽  
Ewa Długosz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Babesia Spp

Abstract Background Over the last few decades tick-borne diseases have emerged as an increasingly significant public health problem. The distribution and prevalence of zoonotic pathogens infecting ixodid ticks from Western Europe have been extensively examined. However, data on ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine are scarce. The objective of the current study was, therefore, to investigate the prevalence rates of Anaplasma phagocytophilum , the Anaplasmataceae family, Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in engorged and questing ixodid ticks collected from five administrative oblasts (regions) of Ukraine, namely Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Ternopil, and Vinnytsia.Methods The ticks were collected from both wild and domestic animals and from vegetation. Of 524 ixodid ticks collected, 3, 99, and 422 ticks were identified as Ixodes hexagonus , Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus , respectively. DNA samples individually extracted from 168 questing and 354 engorged adult ticks were subjected to pathogen-specific PCR analyses.Results The mean prevalence rates in all I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks were, respectively: 10.3% (10/97) and 2.8% (12/422) for A. phagocytophilum ; 69.1% (67/97) and 52.1% (220/422) for the Anaplasmataceae family; 24.7% (24/97) and 27.7% (117/422) for Rickettsia spp.; 3.1% (3/97) and 1.4% (6/422) for Babesia spp.; and 9.3% (9/97) and 4.7% (20/422) for Bartonella spp. Overall, between the five cities, there was no significant difference in the prevalence rates of any of the pathogens for the respective ticks ( p >0.05). The prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in the engorged and questing I. ricinus ticks varied from 26.7% and 0% to 44.4% and 14.3%, respectively, with no statistical significance identified between the five cities ( p >0.05).Conclusions In addition to reporting the updated data for Kyiv and Ternopil, this study is the first to provide the prevalence rates of the tick-borne pathogens for Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi, and Vinnytsia. This investigation is also the first to detect Ca. N. mikurensis in ixodid ticks from Ukraine. These new data will be useful for medical and veterinary practitioners as well as public health officials when diagnosing infections and when implementing measures to combat tick-borne diseases in Ukraine.

scholarly journals Impact of a freeway on the dispersal of ticks and Ixodes ricinus-borne pathogens: forested resting areas may become Lyme disease hotspots

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sándor Hornok ◽  
Maria Mulvihill ◽  
Krisztina Szőke ◽  
Enikő Gönczi ◽  
Kinga M. Sulyok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Pathogen Prevalence ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Two Sides

Man-made barriers are well known for their effects on ecosystems. Habitat fragmentation, for instance, is a recognised consequence of modern-day infrastructure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity and abundance of tick species, as well as the risks of acquiring tick-borne infections in habitats adjacent to a freeway. Therefore, ixodid ticks were collected from the vegetation at two-week intervals (in the main tick season, from March to June) in eight habitats of different types (forest, grove, grassland) along both sides of a freeway. Ixodes ricinus females were molecularly screened for three species of tick-borne bacteria. In the study period, 887 ixodid ticks were collected. These included 704 I. ricinus (79.4%), 51 Dermacentor reticulatus (5.7%), 78 D. marginatus (8.8%), 35 Haemaphysalis inermis (3.9%) and 19 H. concinna (2.1%). There was no significant difference in the abundance of tick species between similar habitats separated by the freeway, except for the absence of Dermacentor spp. on one side. In I. ricinus females, the overall prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was low, and (in part due to this low rate) did not show significant difference between the two sides of the freeway. Rickettsia helvetica had significantly different overall prevalence between two distant habitats along the same side of the freeway (12.3% vs. 31.4%), but not between habitats on the opposite sides. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. showed significantly different overall prevalence between habitats both on the same and on the opposite sides of the freeway (8.6–35.9%), and the difference was higher if relevant habitats were also separated by the freeway. Importantly, the prevalence rate of the Lyme disease agent was highest in a forested resting area of the freeway, and was significantly inversely proportional to the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum (taking into account all evaluated habitats), apparently related to deer population density. Prevalence rates of these bacteria also differed significantly on single sampling occasions between: (1) closely situated habitats of different types; (2) distant and either similar or different habitat types; and (3) habitats on the opposite sides of the freeway. In conclusion, the findings of the present study show that a fenced freeway may contribute to differences in tick species diversity and tick-borne pathogen prevalence along its two sides, and this effect is most likely a consequence of its barrier role preventing deer movements.

scholarly journals Seasonal activity of ixodid ticks in Podilskyi region

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (100) ◽  
pp. 66-70
Author(s):  
V. A. Levytska
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Economic Globalization ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Seasonal Activity ◽  
Average Temperature ◽  
Two Peaks ◽  
Second Peak ◽  
Experimental Plots

Ixodid ticks are the most important arthropod hematophagies in veterinary medicine. The spread of ticks and tick borne diseases is linked to human activities, including habitat change, deforestation, economic globalization, international animal movements, urbanization and climate change. The research was conducted from March 2018 to March 2019 in Khmelnytsky region. In total were collected 2086 D. reticulatus ticks and 658 I. ricinus ticks. During the studies, two peaks of seasonal activity of both species of ticks were observed according to the average number of specimens in the three study areas. Spring activity began in March, and the peak was observed in April. Males were found to be more active in March and the first half of April, while females dominated males from late May to late June. The second peak of activity in the study area began in mid-September. Since the beginning of September, the activity of ticks has increased almost eight times compared to August. The peak of autumn activity was observed in late October and early November. Active females dominated males from early October to late autumn. From mid-June to mid-September, single specimens of ticks were detected. During the winter, no ticks were found in the experimental plots. On average, in all experimental areas of Khmelnytsky region, ticks were active at a temperature of 10.8 to 27.8 °C (average temperature – 21.6 ± 6.57 °C) and humidity – 39.90–78.20 % (average humidity – 61.79 %). Statistical analysis performed for all study areas showed that air temperature significantly affected the activity of both species of ticks. However, correlations between the number of ticks collected and humidity throughout the study area and in different areas were not observed separately. The largest number of ticks was collected during the period when daylight lasted approximately 12–14 hours; in turn, the lowest number of ticks was detected on days with more than 15 hours of daylight. Statistical analysis confirmed the correlation between the length of daylight and the activity of ticks of both species.

scholarly journals Integrated system of approach for the control of ixodid ticks in the western region of Ukraine

2020 ◽  
pp. 46-51
Author(s):  
V. A. Levytska ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Western Region ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Tick Activity ◽  
Spring Peak ◽  
The Western Region ◽  
Mechanical Cleaning

For the control of ixodid ticks it is necessary to develop an integrated system of approach that provide a scientific and practical component. The integrated method is the most effective way to control arthropods. The research was conducted during 2018-2020 in the western region of Ukraine (Khmelnytsky, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia regions). Based on data obtained in previous studies, as well as on the study of factors such as ticks species (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus), environmental conditions and the possibility of certain measures in this region, an integrated system of measures to regulate the number of ixodid ticks in Western Ukraine were developed. In each region, two experimental private farms and one control farm were selected; the territory of the farms was about 20,000 m2. During the entire study period, 379 D. reticulatus ticks and 165 I. ricinus ticks were collected in all areas. In 2019, farms that were located at a distance of 1-1.5 km from swamps, lowlands and shrubs in open, dry, sunny areas showed the lowest frequency of ticks on animals. So, in May 2019, on average, in experimental farms on dogs, 9, 7 and 11 ticks were found on one animal in the Khmelnytsky, Chernivtsi and Vinnitsa regions, respectively. During acarological examination of farms in the Khmelnytsky region, the average density of ticks was 8, in Chernivtsi - 5, in Vinnitsa - 7 ticks / 1000 m2 in the spring peak of tick activity. In addition, taking into account the seasonal dynamics of ticks activity during 2018, mechanical cleaning of the territory and acaricidal treatments of vegetation were carried out from autumn 2019 to autumn 2020 - in spring (March, May) and autumn (September). According to the results of our research, the use of acaricidal treatments provided a decrease in the number of ticks populations by 50-90 % within 6-8 weeks. When collecting ticks for the flag in experimental plots of the Khmelnytsky region in 2020, the average density of ticks was 4, Chernivtsi - 2, Vinnitsa - 1 tick / 1000 m2 in the spring peak of tick activity. We also found that during the complex acaricidal treatment of the territory and the use of drops or sprays based on fipronil in 2020, half as many ticks were found on dogs than in 2019, which averaged 4 ticks in the Khmelnytsky region, in Chernivtsi - 3 and 5 ticks in the Vinnytsia region. In addition, it was found that mechanical cleaning of the area also helped to reduce the attractiveness of the area for small mammals.

scholarly journals FAUNA-ECOLOGICAL FEATURES OF COLD-RESISTANT SPECIES OF IXODIC TICKS ON THE EXAMPLE OF IXODES RICINUS AND DERMACENTOR RETICULATUS

2019 ◽  
pp. 404-409
Author(s):  
Nikanorova
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
East European Plain ◽  
Ecological Features ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Temperature And Humidity ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Kaluga Region

The article discusses in detail the features of the fauna and ecology of Ixodic ticks, often found in the central part of the East European Plain, the northern regions of the Russian Federation, using the two most common species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus in the Kaluga Region as an example. The regularities of the peaks of parasitization (spring, autumn) in comparison for the two studied species of ixodic ticks, the extremely critical low temperature and humidity indicators for the development of preimaginal phases (eggs, larvae, nymphs) and imago are revealed. A detailed analysis of the biotopic confinement of ixodic ticks on the territory of the Kaluga Region was carried out. The species Ixodes ricinus is confined to forest biotopes, Dermacentor reticulatus to meadow ones, which confirms compliance with their name. The main hosts of ixodic ticks on the territory of the Kaluga region are identified. The data obtained indicate the adaptability of Ixodic ticks to low climatic conditions and the possibility of further expanding the boundaries of their habitats.Ixodid ticks are found in all climatic zones, except Antarctica. They are parasitic bloodsuckers, reservoirs and carriers of many anthropozoonosis diseases. Maintain consistency of natural foci of vector-borne diseases. The species composition of ixodid ticks is very diverse. It is known that these parasites have learned to adapt to environmental changes. Temperature and humidity are of paramount importance to them. It is the exogenous factors that determine the number of hosts, the temporal limits of bloodsucking and diapause. The ticks of the genera Dermacentor and Ixodes belong to the northern latitudes, more often the species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus.It is known that the species living in the northern regions are characterized by long intervals between the blood sucking. Northern ticks are distinguished by relative longevity, their life cycle can reach several years.

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 Seasonal activity of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in the era of progressive climate change in eastern Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zbigniew Zając ◽  
Joanna Kulisz ◽  
Aneta Woźniak ◽  
Katarzyna Bartosik ◽  
Adil Khan
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Seasonal Activity ◽  
Saturation Deficit ◽  
Annual Basis ◽  
Questing Ticks ◽  
The Mean

AbstractDermacentor reticulatus ticks are one of the most important vectors and reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens in Europe. Changes in the abundance and range of this species have been observed in the last decade and these ticks are collected in areas previously considered tick-free. This may be influenced by progressive climate change. Eastern Poland is an area where the local population of D. reticulatus is one of the most numerous among those described so far. At the same time, the region is characterized by a significant increase in the mean air temperature in recent years (by 1.81 °C in 2020) and a decrease in the average number of days with snow cover (by 64 days in 2020) and in the number of days with frost (by 20 days in 2020) on an annual basis compared to the long-term average. The aim of our research was to investigate the rhythms of seasonal activity and the population size of D. reticulatus in the era of progressive climate change. To this end, questing ticks were collected in 2017–2020. Next, the weather conditions in the years of observation were analyzed and compared with multi-year data covering 30 years preceding the study. The research results show that, in eastern Poland, there is a stable population of D. reticulatus with the peak of activity in spring or autumn (up to a maximum of 359 individuals within 30 min of collection) depending on the year of observation. Ticks of this species may also be active in winter months. The activity of D. reticulatus is influenced by a saturation deficit.

scholarly journals First evaluation of coral recruitment in Madagascar

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-62
Author(s):  
Gildas G.B. Todinanahary ◽  
Nomeniarivelo Hasintantely ◽  
Igor Eeckhaut ◽  
Thierry Lavitra
Keyword(s):  
Larval Density ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Recruitment Rate ◽  
Seasonal Distribution ◽  
Coral Recruitment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Southwest Region ◽  
The Mean ◽  
First Time ◽  
Very High

The distribution of larvae and recruitment of scleractinians in the southwest region of Madagascar were evaluated for the first time between October 2013 and September 2014 at 3 sites. The presence of coral larvae (planulae) was monitored through weekly sampling using a plankton net and the recruitment rate evaluated by monthly sampling of the newly settled corals (<1 year stage) on recruitment tiles and by a monitoring of the recruitment of juveniles (1< Juveniles < 2 years) using the quadrat method. Planulae were present in the plankton for 9 months during the survey. The recorded mean annual density of planula varied from 0.43 ± 0.41 larvae m-3 to 3.23 ± 5.72 larvae m-3 depending on site, with a peak in larval density towards the end of November and the beginning of December. The variability in the occurrence of planula is very high and implied that the density observed in the year does not present a significant difference between the sites (pKW=0.33). The average density of total recruits was 620.13 ± 621.30 recruits m-2, 40.28 ± 50.97 recruits m-2 and 36.34 ± 33.82 recruits m-2, respectively at the sites of Nosy Tafara, Grande Vasque and Rose Garden. Seasonal distribution of coral recruitment was different between the sites. The mean annual density of newly settled recruits (< 1 month stage) was significantly higher at Nosy Tafara with 94.91±101.08 recruits m-2 compared to Grande Vasque and Rose Garden with 18.75±34.32 recruits m-2 and 11.57±18.47 recruits m-2 (pKW<0.001), respectively. The highest density of newly settled recruits was observed between October to December. Higher density of recruits was also observed in March at Nosy Tafara and in May at all three sites. Results of juvenile monitoring showed high rates (> 10 juveniles m-2) compared to other regions and the threshold, but it revealed high mortality among recruits. Coral recruitment in the southwest region of Madagascar was found to be high and could result in increased resilience of the coral reef assemblages.

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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