Absence of spp. in ixodid ticks collected from vegetation and animals in eastern Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Parasites of the genus are intracellular protozoa that infect the leukocytes and erythrocytes of animals, causing theileriosis. The aim of the study was to examine the presence of spp. in adult ticks and their offspring in the Lublin region of eastern Poland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ticks were collected from vegetation and from wild and domestic animals in Lublin Province, Poland. Engorged females were left in laboratory conditions to lay eggs. Detection of spp. was performed by amplifying a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,000 ticks collected from vegetation, 50 engorged female ticks from animals, and eggs and larvae from 5 females were tested for spp. The parasite was not detected in adult ticks or samples isolated from eggs and larvae.

CONCLUSIONS

The results did not confirm the prevalence of in ticks in eastern Poland. The distribution of in ticks and animals in the Lublin macroregion requires further monitoring.