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Long term persistence of introduced Amblyomma geoemydae tick population under indoor conditions in Austria
Author(s) -
Bilbija B.,
Auer M.,
Široký P.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
medical and veterinary entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1365-2915
pISSN - 0269-283X
DOI - 10.1111/mve.12361
Subject(s) - biology , tick , population , turtle (robot) , persistence (discontinuity) , zoology , argasidae , ecology , ixodidae , environmental health , medicine , geotechnical engineering , engineering
Abstract An indoor terrarium population of Amblyomma geoemydae was established subsequent to the import of a single yellow‐marginated box turtle Cuora flavomarginata . This indoor tick population revealed an unexpected resistance against de‐ticking trials, with persistence between 2010 and 2015, when the ticks were successfully eliminated. Ticks were collected from the bodies and shells of turtles, as well as from terraria soil. Species diagnosis of ticks was carried out according to distinguishable morphological characters and supported by molecular analysis using DNA‐barcoding. Introduced exotic ticks are potential vectors of pathogens and can have an impact on wildlife, domestic animals and the human population. This case emphasizes the need for sharp surveillance and control measures on imported reptiles.