engleski

Tick infestation on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)at hunting ground No IV/9 "Pokupski bazen"

Recently, quite number of scientists across Europe investigated roe deer populations infested by ticks (Ixodidae) with different results. Our research was conducted at the state-owned, open hunting ground No IV/9 „Pokupski bazen“ (8852 ha with annual hunting bag of 70 roe deer individuals) which is located in the river Kupa basin in the central Croatia. Research and data collection took place during several hunting seasons on male individuals from year 2009 to 2012, primarily from May till September. The aim of the research was to determine which species of tick parasite on roe deer, their gender structure and intensity of invasion by months as well as the preference of body parts they attach to. Tick sampling was made immediately after the animal has been harvested. A total of 19 male roe deer individuals were examined out of which the presence of ticks was found in all of them (100%). The intensity of the invasion was from 3 to 42 ticks per animal with average of 19.36 ticks. By analysing the total of collected 371 ticks it was found that 368 belong to the species Ixodes ricinus, 1 to the species Dermacentor reticulatus, 1 to the species Ixodes hexagonus and 1 to the species Heamaphysalis concinna. The analysis of ticks by gender identified much higher prevalence of females (73%) compared to males. The highest number of ticks per animal was present during May (23.25) and June (22), while the lowest number was in July and August (10). Predominant body areas of parasitism were roe deer's neck (60%), followed by groin area (25%) and chest (15%).

roe deer; tick infestation; Pokupski bazen

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