First report of ticks in the subcutaneous tissue of the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides

Abstract

Ticks are common ectoparasites of animals; they also carry many tick-borne pathogens that are often detrimental for the health of both animals and humans. These parasites have been found in subcutaneous tissue, mainly in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), but the reason for this is unknown. In this study we report the first occurrence of the tick in an unusual location in the subcutaneous tissue of the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides. The study was carried out on two adult male raccoon dogs, hunted in Western Poland. After the necropsy, one was found to have a partially decomposed tick, a female Ixodes ricinus, in the groin region.