Seasonal distribution of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on dogs in an urban area of Morelos, Mexico

Between 1993 and 1995, we examined 1742 dogs at two veterinary clinics in Cuernavaca City in Mexico for the presence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. The overall tick infestation prevalence was 20% and there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between different years. The prevalence was...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Experimental & applied acarology 1999-03, Vol.23 (3), p.277-280
Main Authors: CRUZ-VAZQUEZ, C, GARCIA-VAZQUEZ, Z
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Arachnid Vectors - growth & development
Biological and medical sciences
Canidae
Dog Diseases - epidemiology
Dog Diseases - parasitology
Dogs
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Ixodidae
Medically important nuisances and vectors, pests of stored products and materials: population survey and control
Mexico - epidemiology
Prevalence
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Seasons
Tick Infestations - epidemiology
Tick Infestations - veterinary
Tick-Borne Diseases - epidemiology
Tick-Borne Diseases - veterinary
Ticks - growth & development
Urban Population
Vectors. Intermediate hosts
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Summary:Between 1993 and 1995, we examined 1742 dogs at two veterinary clinics in Cuernavaca City in Mexico for the presence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. The overall tick infestation prevalence was 20% and there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between different years. The prevalence was somewhat higher in spring, summer and autumn (20% or more) than in winter (13.7%). A positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between prevalence of ticks and rainfall in spring, summer and autumn, whereas in winter there was only a correlation with temperature. Different stages of the tick were found and it was calculated that 2.5 generations could be completed each year. It is concluded that the environmental conditions of Cuernavaca City favour development and maintenance of R. sanguineus ticks throughout the year and that its role as a vector of diseases poses a threat to dogs and may have potential zoonotic risks.
ISSN:0168-8162
1572-9702
DOI:10.1023/A:1006075232455