Trichodectes pinguis (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Trichodectidae) and Haemaphysalis erinacei (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae) infestation on brown bears in Erzurum province

Year 2023, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 39 - 43, 30.06.2023

Rıdvan Kirman , Muzaffer Akyüz , Veysel Doğan

Abstract

Brown bears (Ursus arctos), which host various ectoparasites, are the largest carnivores in Türkiye. The present study represents tick and louse species found in brown bears in Erzurum. Four brown bears (3 dead, 1 alive) were brought to the parasitology laboratory and four brown bears were examined in terms of ectoparasite infestation. Transparency protocol was applied for louse samples, and species identification of all ectoparasites was performed under a stereo microscope. All lice and ticks were identified as Trichodectes pinguis and Haemaphysalis erinacei, respectively. There are limited studies concerning wildlife animal ectoparasites in Türkiye, especially on bears.

Keywords

Brown bear, Haemaphysalis erinacei, Trichodectes pinguis, Ursus arctos, wildlife

Supporting Institution

TUBİTAK

Project Number

115S420

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