| dc.description.abstract | The goal of this research was to investigate the role of large game animals (roe deer, red deer, wild boar and mouflon) in the Netherlands as a reservoir of tick-transmitted diseases. The DNA of 166 ticks and 22 bloodsamples were examined on the presence of a couple of different pathogenes (Babesia, Borrelia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Nicolleia) by means of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and RLB (Reverse Line Blot). Results showed the following rates of infection in game animals: Babesia 77%, Borrelia 0%, Bartonella 59%, Ehrlicha/Anaplasma 82%, Rickettsia 0%, Nicolleia 0% - and in ticks: Babesia 11%, Borrelia 8%, Bartonella 17%, Ehrlicha/Anaplasma 60%, Rickettsia 14%, Nicolleia 53%. Conclusion: large game animals appear to form a reservoir for Babesia, Bartonella and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma. However, Babesia is not transmitted verry efficiently from these game animals to the ticks. | |
| dc.subject.keywords | Ticks, game animals, Netherlands, Babesia, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Bartonella, Rickettsia. | |
