[Infestation of game animals from north-western Poland by common tick (Ixodes ricinus)].

BACKGROUND: Ixodes ricinus tick species is the most common tick in Poland and is the primary vector of many pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the infestation of three species of game animals: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) from forest area of north-western Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Examined ticks have been collected from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). RESULTS: Single specimen of roe deer harboured from 1 to 9 ticks (mean value 3,6), red deer - from 1 to 8 ticks (mean value 4,4) and wild boar - from 1 to 3 ticks (mean value 2,3). Prevalence of ticks at roe deer was 44,2%, red deer - 40 % and wild boar - 6%. Statistical analysis revealed that difference in tick prevalence between roe deer and red deer is not significant in contrast to difference between roe deer and wild boar and between red deer and wild boar, so, most likely, prevalence of tickborne pathogens is larger in examined ruminants than in wild boar. Examined species (especially ruminants) play important role in maintaining of tickborne pathogens in a local habitat, not only as a potential reservoir, but also as hosts of I. ricinus ticks.