EVOLUTION OF TICK POPULATIONS (IXODIDAE AND ARGASIDAE) IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENT ARTIFICIALIZATION PROCESS IN THE FRENCH-ALPS, EPIDEMIOLOGY

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  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (4) , 337-354
Abstract
The results presented in this study are based on observations made during some 10 yr in the French Alps and their surroundings. Forest clusters, which cover comparatively large areas, are considered the most favorable foci for several ixodids. Recent studies have shown that environments modified by man also harbor large populations of ticks. The spreading of certain species, even into cities, is taking place. The following categories of tick species are associated with such environmental change; species occurring mainly in forest areas (Ixodes ricinus, I. trianguliceps); species occurring in agricultural, suburban and preurban areas (Dermacentor reticulatus, Rhipicephalus turanicus); species found in either natural holes, burrows etc. or in construction sites in rural areas (I. hexagonus, I. canisuga, R. pusillus); species present exclusively in buildings, in either rural or urban areas (R. sanguineus, Argus reflexus). The vector role of the various tick species [including Arbovirus and Rickettsiae] is discussed. Particular attention is drawn to the appearance of new, and the extension of previously known foci of disease transmission in the vicinity of large cities.

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