Entomological Study of Ticks in Albania during 2010-2015

During the period 2010-2015 ticks from hosted animals, have been collected from 20 districts in Albania. Dragging on the ground and direct collection from the host are the methods used for tick collection. They were transported alive in the laboratory, IPH, Tirana, were subsequently identification at species level has been carried out based on morphological characters using the identification keys by Estrada-Pena (ICTTD-2004). Hyalomma marginatum was the dominant species in cows (32.8 %) and dogs (100 %) whereas Rhipicephalus bursa in sheep (81.2 %) and goats (100 %). Hy. marginatum was the prevalent species in CCHF endemic areas in Kukes prefecture, while Rhp. bursa was prevalent in Kolonje district where CCHF cases have been recently indentified. Hyalomma marginatum and Rhipicephalus bursa are predominant in CCHF endemic areas in Albania. Eleven ticks species have been identified during this study. Identification of geographical distribution of ticks allows evaluation of the risks and prompt implementation of control measures for tick borne diseases.