Detecting Dermacentor albipictus, the winter tick, at the northern extent of its range: Hunter-based monitoring and serological assay development

Dermacentor albipictus is an important parasite of moose and other ungulate species. In 1989, winter ticks were reported as far north as 62° N, but recent anecdotal reports of clinically affected moose in the Sahtu Settlement Area, NT suggested significant range expansion. This research aimed to determine the occurrence of D. albipictus on moose and caribou hides from the Sahtu submitted by local hunters, to investigate growth and development of winter ticks on captive reindeer, and to develop a serological assay to detect antibodies to ticks using cattle as a model. Winter ticks were confirmed in 5 of 30 moose at 66° N. The development of ticks on captive reindeer was similar to that reported in moose. There was no consistent pattern in antibody response after exposure to ticks. Future studies should continue monitoring to understand the potential risks of this parasite to infest caribou under a changing climate.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Kashivakura, Cyntia Kayo

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Kutz, Susan
• Duignan, Padraig

• Parasitology
• Veterinary Science
• Environmental Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/25595

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/634