Diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from dogs and cats: a focus on Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ticks in Europe comprise over 100 species, with Ixodes, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, and Haemaphysalis being the most prevalent. Ixodes ricinus is the most widespread, while Dermacentor reticulatus is common in central Europe. Rhipicephalus sanguineus has expanded into temperate regions, affecting tick-host interactions and pathogen transmission. Companion animals, especially dogs and cats, are common tick hosts and vectors for pathogens such as borreliosis, anaplasmosis, and canine babesiosis. This study investigates the prevalence and species composition of ticks infesting dogs and cats in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, focusing on seasonal trends and pathogen occurrence.

Methods

From 2020 to 2022, ticks were collected from dogs and c

SUBMITTER: Ghodrati S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12281808 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature