09.06.2025 13:40
A new tick species, considered invasive, has been identified in our country. Recorded as the 56th species in Turkey, it is reported that this tick carries more than 30 diseases and has origins in the Far East.
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Prof. Dr. Adem Keskin, Head of the Biology Department at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University (TOGÜ) Faculty of Science and Literature, announced that they have identified a new tick species named "Haemaphysalis longicornis" as the 56th species in Turkey.
Prof. Dr. Keskin stated that they have been conducting joint research on ticks in Turkey with Dr. Kandai Doi from the Wildlife Ecology Department of the Japanese Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute for some time.
"PROBABLY OF CHINESE ORIGIN"
Keskin noted that a tick found on a person in Istanbul last year was brought to them, saying, "It is a tick of Far Eastern origin, probably of Chinese origin. We believe it has settled in our country. The study we conducted with Dr. Kandai Doi from the Wildlife Ecology Department of the Japanese Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute regarding the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick species has been published as an article in a reputable international journal in its field, 'Experimental and Applied Acarology'." he said.
"I THINK IT CAME TO TURKEY 3-4 YEARS AGO"
Keskin pointed out that this invasive species should be taken seriously, stating, "I believe this species came to Turkey 3-4 years ago. We have been regularly collecting samples from the same area since September. During this process, we observed the larva, nymph (which resembles the adult form), and adult female stages of the tick. This indicates that this species has settled in our country and has started to reproduce." he said.
"IT IS KNOWN TO CARRY MORE THAN 30 PATHOGENS"
Keskin provided the following information regarding the disease-carrying potential of the Haemaphysalis longicornis species:
"It is known that this tick carries more than 30 pathogens, similar to Hyalomma marginatum, which has a high vector potential. We are currently monitoring its population. With the support of our university and our rectorate, we are conducting a project where we are both monitoring the tick's population and studying the presence and prevalence of potential pathogens it may carry. Dr. Kandai Doi is also involved in this study. We are continuing our work together. The number of tick species in our country has reached 56, but the names of some species may change as a result of molecular studies. We are waiting for the results of these studies."
Dr. Kandai Doi emphasized that the newly identified tick is an Asian species, stating, "We have recorded that it has been identified for the first time in Turkey. It is particularly common in China and Australia. It reached the USA after 2017. It has caused serious health problems in terms of animal diseases here. As an invasive species, it poses a significant risk to human health. It can carry more than 30 pathogens." he said.
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