Spatial distribution of Dermacentor reticulatus tick in Slovakia in the beginning of the 21st century

A new field survey monitoring the spatial distribution of Dermacentor (D.) reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) tick in Slovakia was carried out in 2005-2008 in order to record changes in its distribution when compared to former studies. Last surveys on the geographical distribution were conducted in 1950s and 1970s and the presence of D. reticulatus was determined along the rivers in the south-east (Latorica) as well as in the south-west (Morava, Dunaj) Slovakia. In the present survey new areas with D. reticulatus occurrence were detected, providing evidence that this tick species has extended its range in the surroundings of its former habitats but also by at least 200 km further North and by 300 m of elevation into higher altitudes. D. reticulatus is known to transmit Babesia spp. causing babesiosis in cattle and dogs. Expansion of D. reticulatus range is therefore likely to bring a spread of babesiosis, which can be severe or fatal especially for dogs.