Pietzsch Maaike, Quest Robert, Hillyard Paul D, Medlock Jolyon M, Leach Steve
Microbial Risk Assessment, Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Health Protection Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG, UK.
Exp Appl Acarol. 2006;38(1):59-65. doi: 10.1007/s10493-005-5318-0.
Due to the increased trade in exotic reptiles, many of which are infested with ticks of various genera, there is an increased risk of exotic ticks and pathogens being introduced and potentially becoming established in new geographical areas. Despite the number and variety of tick species collected from reptiles, their role in the maintenance of pathogens and transmission to humans has not been fully investigated for all species. The potential public health risks to the United Kingdom have been examined through a preliminary study involving the collection and identification of exotic tick species imported via the reptile trade. Reptiles imported into Heathrow Airport, London (July 2003-October 2004) were carefully examined for ectoparasites. Five species of tick were collected: Aponomma exornatum, Ap. latum, Amblyomma rotundatum, Am. dissimile and Am. nuttalli. This is the first report of Am. dissimile identified from an interception at Heathrow airport. The potential for establishment of exotic ticks in the UK and the public health risks are discussed.
由于外来爬行动物贸易的增加，其中许多都感染了各种属的蜱虫，外来蜱虫和病原体被引入并可能在新的地理区域定殖的风险增加。尽管从爬行动物身上采集到的蜱虫种类繁多，但并非所有种类的蜱虫在病原体传播和向人类传播方面的作用都得到了充分研究。通过一项初步研究，对英国潜在的公共卫生风险进行了调查，该研究涉及对通过爬行动物贸易进口的外来蜱虫种类进行收集和鉴定。对进口到伦敦希思罗机场的爬行动物（2003年7月至2004年10月）进行了仔细的体外寄生虫检查。共采集到五种蜱虫：华丽扇头蜱、宽扇头蜱、圆盾硬蜱、异形硬蜱和纳氏硬蜱。这是首次在希思罗机场截获中鉴定出异形硬蜱的报告。文中讨论了外来蜱虫在英国定殖的可能性以及公共卫生风险。
