Do the Ticks of Birds at an Important Migratory Hotspot Reflect the Seasonal Dynamics of Ixodes ricinus at the Migration Initiation Site? A Case Study in the Danube Delta

A study conducted in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve revealed that migratory birds play a significant role in distributing ticks, particularly Ixodes ricinus, across continents. The research found that migratory birds were more likely to host ticks compared to resident birds, with 92.25% of collected ticks belonging to I. ricinus. Seasonal dynamics of tick prevalence and intensity suggested a connection to migration initiation sites rather than local seasonal patterns. The study analyzed 1434 birds from 46 species over four migratory seasons (2011-2012), identifying ticks based on morphological features and epidemiological parameters. Higher nymph prevalence in spring and increased larval intensity during autumn were observed, highlighting the importance of migratory hotspots like the Danube Delta in vector-borne disease dynamics.

Sándor, A. D., Mărcuţan, D. I., D’Amico, G., Gherman, C. M., Dumitrache, M. O., & Mihalca, A. D. (2014). Do the Ticks of Birds at an Important Migratory Hotspot Reflect the Seasonal Dynamics of Ixodes ricinus at the Migration Initiation Site? A Case Study in the Danube Delta. PLoS ONE, 9(2), e89378. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089378