Features of the biotopic distribution of ixodid ticks in the conditions of the city of Kaluga

Abstract

For a correct assessment of the role of Ixodid tick species in the circulation of natural focal vectorborne diseases, elucidation of the features of their biology and ecology, a qualitative study of the biotopic distribution of parasites in nature is necessary. The article analyzes data on the collection of ixodid ticks in the city of Kaluga, Kaluga region. Purpose of the work: to study the biotopic distribution of ixodid ticks within the city of Kaluga and offer options for qualitative monitoring of the abundance. The methods of visual observation, collection with the help of shovel, geographic information and mapping, mathematical modeling were used, the coefficient of relative biotopic confinement was used. To assess the biotopic distribution of ixodid ticks, 1280 individuals of hungry adults were collected in the period 2019–2022. Of these, 618 individuals are Ixodes ricinus and 662 are Dermacentor reticulatus. The main activity of ixodid ticks falls on spring time from the second decade of April to the 2nd decade of June. Currently, stationary biotopes of ixodid ticks have been formed in the city of Kaluga. In total, 1112 ticks were collected in the green areas of the suburban area, which accounted for 86,8 %, and 13,2 % were in the central part of the city. Kaluga forest plays a special role in maintaining the number of ixodid ticks. In total, 224 individuals of D. reticulatus (33,8 % of the total number of this species) and 408 individuals of I. ricinus (66,0 % of the total number of this species) were collected in the forest during the period of research. This indicates that the species I. ricinus is confined to forest biotopes, taking into account its more frequent habitat in the forest thicket. While the species D. reticulatus was found in open places, on the banks of the reservoir and the lake. The transfer of ixodid ticks to new biotopes and species migration is carried out by the owners, in particular, by people, domestic and stray cats and dogs. For qualitative monitoring of the number of ixodid ticks, a mathematical model has been proposed that makes it possible to quantify the number of ticks.