Current taxonomic status of species of the genus Rhipicephalus associated to companion mammals

NAVA SANTIAGO

Simposio; XII International Symposium on Ectoparasites of Pets; 2013

Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. E.mail: snava@rafaela.inta.gov.ar Six tick species of the genus Rhipicephalus are present in Europe, namely, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus pusillus, Rhipicephalus rossicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. Although R. bursa, R. pusillus and R. rossicus were recorded parasitizing dogs, the principal species of Rhipicephalus associated to this companion animal in Europe are R. sanguineus and R. turanicus. Also, there are records of these two species on cats. Morphological and genetic studies recently performed have been demonstrated that more than one species is included under the names R. sanguineus and R. turanicus. For example, the taxonomic status of R. sanguineus is particularly difficult to interpret. This taxon has uncertain morphological description (type lost) and it has been applied to a diversity of tick populations prone to feed on dogs. A similar situation occurs with R. turanicus, although the morphological definition of the type specimens of this tick was clearly performed by Russian workers. The advances in taxonomic studies of the tick species previously mentioned and their epidemiological implications are presented and discussed in this presentation.