Distributions of the paralysis ticks Ixodes cornuatus and Ixodes holocyclus in south‐eastern Australia

Abstract

I holocyclus and I cornuatus have more restricted distributions than current collections suggest and therefore may have the possibility to extend their geographical ranges in the future.

The relationship between the Southern Oscillation Index, rainfall and the occurrence of canine tick paralysis, feline tick paralysis and canine parvovirus in Australia

“…Low vegetation and shrubbery provides an ideal microclimate for survival (Doube, 1975). The host range is wide, including various small native mammals such as rodents, bandicoots, macropods, wombats, and koalas (Doube, 1975;Jackson et al, 2007), but I. holocyclus may attach to any species of mammal, including domestic dogs and cats, particularly in areas where tick populations thrive (Doube, 1975).…”

“…The time required to complete a life cycle is variable, but has been estimated at >1 year (Ross, 1924). I. holocyclus is distributed along the east coast of Australia (Jackson et al, 2007) and thrives in moderate temperatures and relatively high humidity although it will succumb rapidly to desiccation in drier climates (Ross, 1924;Heath, 1979). Low vegetation and shrubbery provides an ideal microclimate for survival (Doube, 1975).…”

Phylogenetic analysis of the Australasian paralysis ticks and their relatives (Ixodidae: Ixodes: Sternalixodes)

“…The subgenus comprises nine members, including Ixodes anatis, I. confusus , I. cornuatus , I. cordifer , I. dendrolagi , I. hirsti , I. holocyclus , I. myrmecobii and I. trichosuri [11]. However, the majority of studies have focussed on I. holocyclus and I. cornuatus , a species morphologically similar to I. holocyclus , aiming to determine their distribution [1, 12], morphological and molecular identification [1, 13] and phylogenetic relationships [14]. A number of questions therefore remain to be answered regarding the members of the subgenus Sternalixodes .…”

Acute Lower Motor Neuron Tetraparesis

“…63 In Australia, Ixodes holocyclus is the predominant species, although Ixodes cornuatus is responsible for some paralysis cases. [62][63][64][65] Cats in North America seem to be resistant to the disease, but they are affected in Australia. 62,66 In fact, tick paralysis has been described in several animal species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats) and in people (mainly children).…”