Ticks of the Hyalomma marginatum complex transported by migratory birds into Central Europe

0428523 - ÚBO 2015 RIV DE eng J - Journal Article
Čapek, Miroslav - Literák, I. - Kocianová, E. - Sychra, O. - Najer, T. - Trnka, A. - Kverek, P.
Ticks of the Hyalomma marginatum complex transported by migratory birds into Central Europe.
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases. Roč. 5, č. 5 (2014), s. 489-493. ISSN 1877-959X. E-ISSN 1877-9603
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT LC06073
Institutional support: RVO:68081766
Keywords : Ticks * Hyalomma marginatum complex * Vector * Passerines * Migration * Central Europe
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 2.718, year: 2014

Hyalomma ticks are well-known vectors transmitting infectious agents, which can result in severe and potentially fatal diseases in humans. Migratory birds may carry infected ticks over long distances. Here, we report on records of ticks of the H. marginatum complex in birds from Central Europe during the spring migration in 2008–2012. A total of 1172 birds belonging to 32 species, 16 families, and 3 orders was examined for ticks. Sixteen individuals of 6 passerine species were found to transport 30 ticks, identified as individuals belonging to the H. marginatum species complex (consisting of H. isaaci, H. marginatum sensu stricto, H. rufipes, H. turanicum, and H. glabrum) during 5 spring seasons. Infested bird species included the great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus, the Eurasian reed warbler A. scirpaceus, the marsh warbler A. palustris, the sedge warbler A. schoenobaenus, Savi's warbler Locustella luscinioides, and the common nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. All of these Central European breeders are migratory species wintering in Africa. To our knowledge, this is the first study to record ticks of the H. marginatum complex on the great reed warbler and Savi's warbler.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0233862