Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background& Objectives: Ticks play a significant role as a vector of pathogens of domestic animals and are considered as the main vector for transmission of various diseases such as Tayloriosis, Babesiosis, Recurrent fever and CCHF to human being. This study was carried out to investigate the geographical distribution of ticks, of sheep's and Camels in Qom city, during 2010-2011. Material & Methods: in this study, sampling was performed and selected randomly seasonally in 25 villages from mountainous (%40) and plateau (%60) regions of province through one year during summer, autumn and winter 2010-spring 2011. From each village two animal husbandries and from each animal husbandry 3-4 animal (15 sheep in all seasons) and for camel, from 5 villages two animal husbandries and from each animal husbandry 5 animal (50 camel in each season) were selected and tested for tick infestation. Ticks were identified using valid identification keys. Results: The ticks were classified into two families: Ixodidae (7/91%) and Argazidae (3/8%). Three genera: Hyalomma (73.9%) ، Rhipicephalus (17.8%) , Argas (8.3%) and 6 species. The species of Hyalomma were H. dromedarii (32.25%), H. schulzei (26.35%), H. marginatum (8.6%), H. anatolicum (6.7%). Genus Rhipicephalus, comprised Rh. sangiiuneus (17.8%) and genus Argas has A. persicus (8.3%). only. Hy. dromedarii (32.25%) was recorded as the main species. Their highest seasonal frequency occurred in summer and spring seasons. Conclusion: there are various species of ticks in this area that some of the collected ticks can play an important role for transmission of vector borne disease to human based on tick distribution veterinary authority and other officials should act for implementation of disease control.