The Spatial Distribution ofTicks (Ixodidae) in Germany-Evidence of a Continuing Spread of.

Abstract

In Europe, two tick species of the genusoccur,and. When the spatial distribution of both species in Germany was studied comprehensively for the first time in 1976,populations were recorded along the Rhine and Main river valleys in southwestern Germany, whilewas very rare. In the last 50 years, however, a considerable range expansion ofhas been noted in several European countries. To assess the current distribution ofspp. in Germany, citizens were asked to send in ticks suspected to belong to the genusor that were of "unusual" appearance. From February 2019 until February 2020, 3,902ticks were received in total. Of those, 15.48% (604/3,902) were identified asand 84.24% (3,287/3,902) as, while 11 specimens could not be identified to species level. The majority ofspecimens was collected from dogs (1,212/2,535; 47.12%), whilewas mostly collected from horses (184/526; 34.98%). Our results confirm that the adults of bothspecies are active all year round.specimens were sent in from all federal states except the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, whilespecimens were only received from locations in southwestern Germany. Overall, data obtained from this citizen-science study show thathas significantly expanded its range, especially in northern Germany. Regarding, new locations northwest of the previous range were detected, although the distribution has remained rather stable as compared to. The spread of, the vector of, is of major importance for veterinarians and dog owners in terms of canine babesiosis outbreaks or endemization in hitherto-free areas. Thus, veterinarians and veterinary students need to be informed about the new situation to be able to give adequate advice to dog owners on the extendedrange and appropriate control measures.