Overview on the hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of Albania including host associations E. Vokshi

Author : stela vokshi

Abstract :Albania is located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. Its western territory borders the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, providing an extensive coastline and a characteristic Mediterranean climate. This geographical position creates favorable ecological conditions that support a diverse tick fauna, with first records documented by Enigk (1947). The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the ixodid tick species reported in Albania, based on published information since 1947. A total of 14 ixodid tick species have been identified from various hosts and environmental habitats in the country, including: Dermacentor marginatus, Ixodes gibbosus, Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Hyalomma aegyptium, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma detrium, Hyalomma marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.), Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) calcaratus. In association with the host, f ive species were identified to parasitize dogs, one species cats, 12 species cattle, four species water buffalo, 13 species sheep, 14 species goats, nine species horses, three species donkeys, five species rodents, one species hedgehogs, eight species reptiles and two species wild birds, and ticks of six species were collected from vegetation. Knowledge on the ticks present is essential for improving preventive measures, managing tick-borne diseases, and protecting both animal and human health

Keywords :"Albania ticks, ixodid diversity, host range, ecology, tick-borne disease risk"

Conference Name :International Conference on Veterinary Sciences, Ethics and Animal Welfare (ICVSEAW-25)

Conference Place Antalya,India

Conference Date 29th Nov 2025