Exam II - Ixodidae Family

Question 1

What is the common name for Ixodes spp?

Answer 1

Black-legged tick or deer tick

Question 2

What is/are the host(s) for Ixodes spp?

Answer 2

All mammals, birds, and humans

Question 3

Describe the appearance of the Ixodes spp adult

Answer 3

Small, dark brown (4 mm unfed, 10 mm fed), no festoons, palps long, inornate scutum. Anal groove forms an arch anterior to the anus

Question 4

Describe the life cycle of Ixodes spp

Answer 4

Three Host Tick

Eggs -> Larvae -> Nymph -> Adult

Eggs hatch to larvae. Larvae attach to a host, feed, drop off molt. Nymphs attach to a host, feed, drop off, molt. Adults seek out a host, feed, drop off. Females lay eggs in secluded places and die.

Question 5

What is/are the site(s) of infection for Ixodes spp?

Answer 5

Skin. All over the body; especially axilla, inguinal region, face, and ears

Question 6

Describe any pathogenesis associated with Ixodes spp?

Answer 6

• Paralysis in animals
• Local skin reactions to bites
• Transmits Borrelia burgdorferi (agent of Lyme disease) and Erlichia spp.

Question 7

How would you diagnose Ixodes spp?

Answer 7

Engorged females are easily seen

Question 8

What are the common names for Dermacentor spp?

Answer 8

American dog tick & Rocky Mountain wood tick

Question 9

What is/are the host(s) for Dermacentor spp?

Answer 9

Larvae & Nymphs feed on small rodents. Adults feed on dogs, large hosts, humans.

Question 10

Describe the appearance of Dermacentor spp adults

Answer 10

Rectangular basis capituli, medium size (unfed 6 mm, fed female 15 mm), shot palps, ornate scutum, festoons

Question 11

Describe the life cycle of Dermacentor spp

Answer 11

Three host tick.

Complete life cycle takes several months to years

Question 12

What is/are the site(s) of infection for Dermacentor spp?

Answer 12

Skin around head and neck

Question 13

Describe any pathogenesis associated with Dermacentor spp

Answer 13

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in dogs & humans!

Also transmits tularemia and Babesia** **spp to dogs and horses

Question 14

What is the most common tick on dogs in most of North America?

Answer 14

Dermacentor spp

Question 15

How would you diagnose Dermacentor spp?

Answer 15

Identification of the tick.

Question 16

Which tick is endemic in St. Kitts? What is its common name?

Answer 16

Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the Brown dog tick or Kennel Tick

Question 17

What is/are the hosts for Rhipicephalus sanguineus?

Answer 17

Dogs and humans

Question 18

Describe the appearance of Rhipicephalus sanguineus adults

Answer 18

Hexagonal basis capituli, medium size (5 mm unfed, fed females 12 mm), inornate scutum, short palps, festoons

Question 19

Which tick in the Ixodidae family has a hexagonal basis capituli?

Answer 19

Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Question 20

Describe the life cycle of Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Answer 20

Three host tick

Tick has adapted extremely well to indoor living. THESE BASTARDS CAN LIVE INDOORS… that’s why they’re called the ‘kennel tick’

Question 21

Wanna see what it looks like when a Rhipicephalus sanguineus female lays eggs?

Answer 21

This. This is what it looks like.

Question 22

What is/are the site(s) of infection for Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Answer 22

Skin. Adults prefer skin between toes and ears, larvae and nymphs often at the back of the neck

Question 23

Describe any pathogenesis associated with Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Answer 23

Transmits Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis, transmits many infectious organisms and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

May cause tick paralysis.

Question 24

How would you diagnose Rhipicephalus sanguineus?

Answer 24

Identification of tick.

Question 25

Describe treatment and prevention options for ticks in dogs and cats:

Answer 25

Ticks can be removed manually, regular application of acaricides (topicals and collars), and additional measures (like spraying and exterminating)