Ixodes ricinus ticks and gamasine mites (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata) infestation of rodents in Curonian Spit, Lithuania

Abstract

Ectoparasites generally involved in spreading of various pathogens in the nature. Ticks are known to be participate in the transmission of babesiosis, some encephalitis viruses or arboviruses and also of Lyme disease. For human health perspective, the rodent-tick associations have a huge importance in most ecosystems. The aim of this study was to investigate ectoparasites (ticks and mites) parasitizing small rodents and estimate ectoparasite infestation patterns in different rodent species in particular habitats in Lithuania. Small mammals were captured in different locations in the Curonian Spit during 2013–2014. A total of 251 small rodents representing 8 species were trapped. Captured rodents were identified as Apodemus flavicollis, A.agrarius, Myodes glareolus, Micromys minutus, Microtus oeconomus, M.arvalis, M.agrestis, and Ratus ratus. Collected rodents harbored Ixodes ricinus ticks and parasitic mites from suborder Mesostigmata (Gamasida), family Laelapidae (genus Laelaps, Hyperlaelaps, Eulaelaps, Haemogamassus, Myonyssus). Mites from Laelapidae family dominated between other mesostigmatid members found on rodents. A total 1056 ticks and mites were removed from small rodents trapped with snap traps and live – traps. Although two stages of I. ricinus were found on trapped rodents: larvae and nymphs, considerably higher larval infestation were recorded. Generally, rodents were more infested with Laelapidae mites, than with I. ricinus ticks. The values of abundance and mean intensity of infestation with I. ricinus and mites varied between species of hosts.