First zootiological survey of Amblyomma geoemydae ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting wild turtles in Northern Taiwan

The prevalence of Amblyomma geoemydae infesting wild turtles ( Cuora flavomarginata ) was determined for the first time in northern Taiwan. A total of 352 ticks including 140 adults, 61 nymphs and 151 larvae were collected from 56 wild turtles. The overall infestation was observed with an average density of 6.29 ticks per turtle and the highest seasonal prevalence was observed on March with an average tick density of 14.25 ticks per turtle. The higher seasonal prevalence was observed on April, May, July and October with an average density of 4.82, 8.33, 5.67 and 8.50 ticks per turtle, respectively. The genetic identity was determined by comparing the sequences of ITS2 genes obtained from 7 Taiwan strains of Am. geoemydae and 9 other strains representing 8 species of Amblyomma and 1 outgroup species of Ixodes tick. Our results provide the first zootiological survey of Am. geoemydae ticks infesting wild turtles in northern Taiwan and highlight the possible geographical impacts of this tick species on animal/human health.