A survey of ticks infesting dogs and cats across the USA.

Researchers evaluated tick submissions from veterinary practices in all 50 states within a 12 month period. Ticks were submitted with information about the pet and the attachment sites of each tick marked on a biopsy chart. Upon receipt, ticks were identified to species and stage.

From February 2018 through January 2019, 10,978 ticks were submitted from 1494 dogs and 336 cats in 49 states and ticks were collected in every month.

 Dogs were primarily infested with Dermacentor variabilis ( 35.6%), Ixodes scapularis (27.4%), Amblyomma americanum ( 23.1%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ( 11.5%).

Cats were primarily infested with I. scapularis ( 46.4%), A. americanum (29.5%) and D. variabilis (17.9%). Other submitted ticks included. Co-infestations were documented in 93 dogs and 14 cats.

A. americanum was most commonly attached to the abdomen, axillary, and inguinal regions; D. variabilis and I. scapularis to the head, neck, and back; and R. sanguineus to the head, neck, abdomen, legs, and feet. In cats, I. scapularis was most commonly attached to the head and A. americanum was most commonly attached to the tail and perianal region.

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Show us your ticks: a survey of ticks infesting dogs and cats across the USA.