First report of Ixodes hexagonus in Montenegro

Ticks are important vectors of numerous diseases. Research into the presence and abundance of species, their distribution and ecology, and the presence of pathogens they carry, is essential in the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases. Monitoring the distribution and abundance of ticks is a key method for determining the presence of existing species and the establishment of new species in a certain territory. Data from regular, continuous, and comprehensive surveillance of the species best contribute to knowledge about the biology and nature of ticks in a particular habitat.

To date, there have been few tick surveillance studies in Montenegro, as there is scarce data on tick species presence and the pathogens they transmit to animals and humans. This study was conducted with the aim of monitoring the distribution of tick species, determining their abundance, describing their biology, and testing the presence of pathogens they carry. The results showed that Ixodes hexagonus, in addition to other previously described species, is present on the territory of Montenegro. Tick sampling was conducted between April and November 2024 using flagging and dragging methods and direct removal from animals.

Considering its ubiquity in Europe and its vectorial capacity, the detection of I. hexagonus in Montenegro represents important information for future research on ticks and tick-borne diseases.