# Identifying and Mapping Ticks on Wild Boars from Romania

## TL;DR

This study identifies and maps tick species found on wild boars in Romania to better understand disease risks for animals and humans.

## Contribution

The study provides a recent identification and mapping of tick species on wild boars in Romania.

## Key findings

- Five tick species were identified on wild boars in six Romanian counties.
- Tick infestations on wild boars pose a risk for disease transmission to animals and humans.
- Regular monitoring of tick populations in wildlife is essential to prevent disease spread.

## Abstract

Ticks are small parasites that can carry and spread diseases to both animals and humans. Because of climate change, growing cities, and closer contact between people and wildlife, tick populations have increased and spread to new areas. In this study, we focused on ticks found on wild boars in six different regions of Romania. We collected and closely examined 141 ticks using special microscopes to identify what types they were. We found five different species of ticks. Knowing which tick species are present on wild animals like boars is important because these ticks can carry harmful diseases. Our research shows that wild boars in the studied regions of Romania are commonly infested with ticks. This information helps veterinarians and public health experts better understand the risks and take steps to protect both animals and people. Regular monitoring of tick populations in wildlife is essential to help prevent the spread of diseases.

Globally, due to climate change, urbanization, and the intensification of interactions between humans and animals, tick populations have increased, and areas where these arthropod vectors can develop and transmit diseases have expanded. Ixodidae ticks infect a wide variety of species and serve as major vectors for zoonotic pathogens of veterinary importance. This study aimed to identify and map ticks collected from boar tails in six Romanian counties. A total of 141 ticks were identified and differentiated on the basis of their morphological characteristics via stereomicroscopy and electron microscopy. Among the 141 ticks examined, five species, Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Haemaphysalis erinacei, Dermacentor reticulatus, and Dermacentor marginatus, were identified. The identification and mapping of ticks present on wild boars is beneficial for both veterinary and human medicine due to the pathogens they can transmit. The results of our study indicate that parasitism with different tick species in wildlife—in this case, wild boar—is present in the Romanian counties under study. This is one of the most recent tick identification and mapping studies. Tick parasitism represents a threat to the health of wild/domestic animals, and frequent monitoring is necessary.