Simultaneous infestations in dogs by different tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) in two areas of the Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract Although there are reports on many species of ticks infesting dogs, including from the Amazon region, simultaneous infestations by different species are poorly discussed in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to report simultaneous infestations in dogs by different species of ticks, involving up to six species, in two areas of the western Brazilian Amazon, specifically in the border region between the states of Rondônia and Amazonas, in northern Brazil. Ticks were collected between 2021 and 2023 from dogs on private properties surrounding two conservation units: Municipal Natural Park of Porto Velho (NP), and Mapinguari National Park (MNP). The following species were identified: Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma scalpturatum, Amblyomma latepunctatum, Amblyomma oblongogutattum, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma naponense and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l.. Among the 342 dogs sampled, 184 were from the area around the NP and 158 were from the area around the MNP. A total of 34 dogs (9.9%) exhibited simultaneous tick species infestations, ranging from two to six tick species; 26 dogs (16.5%) with simultaneous infestations were from the MNP area, and eight dogs (4.3%) were from the NP area. This study is the first to report the simultaneous occurrence of four, five or six tick species on individual dogs.