Exotic ticks: discovery of Amblyomma latum Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing Python regius (Serpentes: Boidae) in Uruguay

Abstract

The introduction of vector parasites through exotic animals acquired as mascots can generate sanitary risks. The entrance of ticks that use exotic reptiles as hosts has been reported in several countries. By means of the revision of a specimen of Python regius in the department of Montevideo, Uruguay, a female tick of Amblyomma latum was found. This species has been recently registered in pythons imported in Chile and Argentina. The detection of A. latum almost simultaneously in these three countries of the south conc, indicate an access little controlled of the reptiles and their ticks, and it supposes the possibility that A. latum or other species of ticks can settle down and to be disseminated in the nature or in reptiles hatcheries. It would be convenient to carry to an extreme the measures of sanitary control on these animals to impede that it happens.