Identification of tick fauna in native Hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) located in central part of Iran

Ticks, as usual groups of ecto-parasites, have abundant importance in medicine due to their ability in conservation and transmission of important pathogens like zoonotic pathogens. They choose different species as host including; mammals, reptiles and birds. Hedgehog, a mammal species which is related to humans and animals, can be infested by ticks. Aim of current study is identification and description of ticks fauna in native hedgehogs located in central parts of Iran. Six hedgehogs were collected from rural areas in Najafabad (Isfahan province) and 10 ticks were collected from different part of their bodies in examination. Ticks were temporary preserved in solution contained 95% Etanol 70° plus 5% glycerin and then were cleared via KOH, mounted and observed by light microscope and their identifications were confirmed via wallker tick systematic keys. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus turanicus and Haemaphysalis concinna. This study reports the hedgehog's infestation by Haemaphysalis concinna for the first time in Iran. Recognition of new hosts for ticks and dimension of their dispersion are first steps in order to solve their problems. Presence of ticks on new hosts and their resistance against pesticides are also important subjects that must be considered more than past.