Epizootiological aspects of natural nidality of Ixodes tick-borne borreliosis in the Moscow region (Russian Federation)

• Published in: Veterinary World 2022-01, Vol.15 (1), p.213-219
• Main Authors: Mukhametov, Almas, Osadchuk, Mikhail, Berechikidze, Iza, Pronkin, Nikolay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: borreliosis; dermacentor reticulatus; Disease transmission; infection; ixodes ricinus; ixodes ticks; Tick-borne diseases
• ISSN: 0972-8988; 2231-0916
• DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.213-219

At present, tick-borne borreliosis is the most common infectious disease transmitted by ticks in Europe, Asia, and North America. This study aimed to examine the epizootiological aspects of the natural nidality of tick-borne borreliosis in Moscow region (the Russian Federation). A total of 2,537 ticks representing two species were collected, namely, and . The activity, number of ticks, and infestation rates were investigated during a high season, that is, from early spring to mid-autumn. In May, amount of spp. was found 2.5 times more than those representing spp. (p≤0.01). In June, August, and September, the amount of was 9.0 (p≤0.0001), 2.0 (p≤0.05), and 5.0 times higher, respectively, compared to . In the first 10 days of April, the amount of was 3 times higher than that of (p≤0.02); in the next 10 days, their amounts were equal (p≥0.05) and in the last 10 days the amount of exceeded that of (p≤0.05) by 1.5 times. In general, , and , were detected. In addition, the naturally occurring tick-borne borreliosis pesthole was revealed in the Moscow region. infection rates for ticks comprise 30%. An increase in tick infestation was detected within the vicinity of populated areas. The amount of ticks directly depends on the temperature (20°C-25°C) and moisture (from 50%) values.