Ixodid ticks of Pavlodar Province and their participation in the circulation of tularemia infection

Investigations carried out in Pavlodar Province have shown that 7 species of ixodid ticks, Ixodes crenulatus, I. lividus, I. persulcatus, I. laguri laguri, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and one brought species, Hyalomma asiaticum, parasitize domestic animals and wild mammals. Maximum activity of pasture ticks of the genus Dermacentor falls on the end of April--beginning of May, that of H. concinna on the beginning of June. The growth in the abundance of pasture ticks, recorded during the last years, is favoured by the increase in the cattle live stock, its seasonal movements and pasture area reduction. Natural nidi of tularemia become more active. Since 1977 221 cultures of tularemia agent have been isolatid from pasture ticks. H. concinna takes the most active part in the infection circulation.