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. 2023 Sep 26;13(19):3026.
doi: 10.3390/ani13193026.

Seasonal Dynamics and Physiological Age of Ixodid Ticks Collected from Dogs

Aleksandra Petrović  1 , Ksenija Stanić  1   2 , Aleksandra Popović  1 , Ivana Ivanović  1 , Dejan Supić  3 , Dušan Marinković  1 , Vojislava Bursić  1
Affiliations

Seasonal Dynamics and Physiological Age of Ixodid Ticks Collected from Dogs

Aleksandra Petrović et al. Animals (Basel). .

Abstract

In order to reproduce and complete life cycles, ticks have to feed on different hosts, thus participating as vectors and reservoirs in the maintenance and circulation of different pathogens. Since dogs can serve as suitable hosts for numerous tick species, the aims of this study were to determine tick species and their seasonal occurrence on pet dogs and to compare the accuracy of three indices frequently used to calculate engorged female physiological age. Ticks were collected from dogs brought to veterinary clinics. Three indices were analyzed: scutal index, alloscutal/scutal index ratio, and physiological age index. Four tick species were identified: Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus group, and the last was the most abundant. The highest number of collected ticks was in April, but two species were continuously active throughout the year. The statistical analyses distinguished the physiological age index as more precise because of lower variability. Dog owners usually ignore regular dog anti-tick treatments throughout the year, as they are not aware that ticks could be active during the winter months. Tick surveillance is unquestionably important in order to monitor and prevent the distribution of these vectors and also the diseases they transmit.

Keywords: body mass; dogs; morphometric characteristic; physiological age; scutal index; ticks.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure A1
Figure A1
The results of Fisher’s LSD tests for calculated SI.
Figure A2
Figure A2
The results of Fisher’s LSD tests for calculated ASR.
Figure A3
Figure A3
The results of Fisher’s LSD tests for calculated PAI.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Calculated values of scutal index (SI).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Calculated values of alloscutal index/scutal index ratio (ASR).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Calculated values of physiological age index (PAI).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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