Ixodes ticks of Kostanay region: biodiversity and distribution

Background and Aim. All over the world ixodes ticks are known as carriers and keepers of causative agents of some dangerous diseases in animals and humans. A large role in the research is given to the circulation of ixodes ticks. The fauna of ixodes ticks is a group of parasitic arthropods which has not been researched well enough in the northern region of Kazakhstan. The goal of the research was to identify ixodes ticks within the area of Kostanai region. The objectives were to determine species composition and their geographical distribution in Kostanai region. Materials and Methods. The research work was carried out on the territory of Kostanay region. Ixodic ticks were collected using a flag. The determination of the type of ticks was carried out using light microscopy based on morpho anatomical features. Results. In the course of research ticks of various species were found, such as Dermacentor, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Two species of ticks are widespread in Kostanay region: D. reticulatus Fabricius -51.3% and D. marginatus Sulzer - 46.5%, single specimens were found as well, D. niveus Neumann – 0.9%, H. scupence Sulzer– 0.9% and Rh. schulzei Olenev - 0.4%. They were found in the southern area of the region.