IXODIDAE TICKS OF SMALL RUMINANTS IN THE REGION OF PARVOMAI, SOUTHERN BULGARIA

S. G. Gospodinova, A. D. Arnaudov, D. A. Kirin, D. Y. Arnaudov

Abstract: The species composition and the distribution of ticks from the family Ixodidae, invading domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) near Parvomay (region of Plovdiv) were studied. The indicators of an invasion (extension invasion and intensity of invasion) and the seasonal changes in the invasion of goats and sheep by tick species were found out. The daily activity of Ixodes ricinus in a habitat near the Gradina village was observed. 637 specimens of goats and 810 specimens of sheep from 12 farms in different villages in the Parvomay Municipality were examined, the study was conducted in all four seasons. It is found out that goats and sheep in the regions investigated is invaded by 7 species of ixodidae ticks – Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis punctata and Hyaloma plumbeum. The predominant invasive species in both animals is Rhipicephalus bursa. The maximum of invasion in both host species was identified – in the spring by Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor marginatus; in the summer – the species Rhipicephalus bursa and Rhipicephalus sanguineus; in the spring and autumn seasons – by Haemaphysalis sulcata and Haemaphysalis punctata. Single specimens from the species Hyaloma plumbeum were found in March and November. Changes in the daily activity of ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus were reported – related to the fluctuations of temperature and relative humidity and the solar radiation.

Keywords: goats; Ixodidae; sheep

Date published: 2019-04-19