New Records of Ixodes affinis (Acari: Ixodidae) Parasitizing Avian Hosts in Southeastern Virginia

Source abstract

Abstract Ixodes affinis Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae) is a hard-bodied tick species distributed throughout much of the southeastern United States. Although I. affinis does not parasitize humans, it is a competent vector of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the causative-agent of Lyme disease, and thus contributes to the enzootic maintenance of this pathogen. This study presents evidence of I. affinis parasitizing five new host passerine species. During 2012–2014, 1,888 birds were captured and examined for ticks, and 18 immature I. affinis were collected from 12 birds—six Carolina Wrens ( Thyrothorus ludovicianus ); two Brown Thrashers ( Toxostoma rufum) ; and one American Robin ( Turdus migratorius) , Eastern Towhee ( Pipilo erythrophthalmus) , Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis ), and White-throated Sparrow ( Zonotrichia albicollis). Of 15 larvae and 3 nymphs collected, one nymph tested positive for B. burgdorferi DNA. I. affinis was found co-feeding on birds with immature Amblyomma americanum (L.) , Ixodes brunneus Koch , Ixodes dentatus Marx , Ixodes scapularis Say, and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris Packard . The results of this research provide a better understanding of I. affinis hosts and identify avian taxa that may play a role in the maintenance and dispersal of this tick species.