Dermacentor Reticulatus
The Dermacentor Reticulatus is a tick that falls under the tick family Dermacentor. This tick species feeds mainly on animals. Dogs, cats, horses, sheep and cattle are often mentioned victims of the Dermacentor Reticulatus. But humans are also sometimes a host of this tick.
How do you recognize a Dermacentor Reticulatus?
There is a clear difference between the Dermacentor ticks and the 'normal' Ixodes Ricinus ticks that are common in the Netherlands. Both tick species have a scutum, a hard shield on the upper body. In males, this shield covers the entire abdomen, in females only the part near the head. In the Dermacentor, this shield is dark and light spotted, while in the Ixodes it has only one colour.
Where does the Dermacentor Reticulatus live?
The Dermacentor Reticulatus was first found in the Netherlands in 2005. This tick is mainly found in Europe and hides in open areas with high humidity and mild winters. The tick species is quite rare in the Netherlands.
What diseases can you get after a bite from a Dermacentor Reticulatus?
Dogs in particular are often victims of this tick, because the Dermacentor Reticulatus is known as the transmitter of Babesia Canis, the pathogen of Babesiosis. However, further research has shown that this tick can also be the culprit of the diseases Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia caballi, Rickettsia raoultii and Theileria equi.