Spatial distribution of Dermacentor reticulatus in Romania

- Dermacentor (D.) reticulatus is next to Ixodes ricinus the second most significant vector of tick diseases in Europe.
- The geographical range of D. reticulatus in Romania is much more expanding than known before.
- The temporal activities of D. reticulatus are extending during winter time.
- Increase of transmission of pathogens by D. reticulatus may be of importance also for other European countries.

Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794), also known as the marsh tick or ornate dog tick is the second most significant vector (next to Ixodes ricinus) of protozoan, rickettsial and viral pathogens in Europe. Until now, only limited information on the distribution of D. reticulatus in Romania is available. A study was conducted on the distribution of D. reticulatus in Romania during 2012-2014. In this study, D. reticulatus was detected in 17 counties, in 14 of which the species was recorded for the first time. Tick activity was evident throughout the year, except during July and August. Additionally, D. reticulatus was recorded for the first time in Romania from wild boar, foxes and humans. These data suggest that this tick species has a broader geographic range and may have more veterinary and medical importance than previously known.