In vitro Assessment of Period of Oviposition and Hatching in Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum

Abstract

Hyalomma anatolicum anatolocum is one of the most important tick species in India (Geeverghese and Dhanda, 1987), which assumed noticeable importance because of its role as the major vector of the hemoprotozoan parasites. Besides, the role of Hyalomma species in transmitting the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in humans has been established in different countries (Karti et al., 2004). Ticks produce severe economic losses through blood-sucking and acting as vectors of pathogens and toxins. In India alone, the cost of tick and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) in animals has been estimated to the tune of approx. Two thousand crores (Ghosh et al., 2007). Scanty literature is available pertaining to the life cycle of H. a. anatolicum in general and from Madhya Pradesh in particular. Therefore, the present study was designed to record the period of oviposition and hatching of eggs in H. a. anatolicum.