Object of the research: zonal features of ixodid ticks, development of a scientific system of protection against ticks and tick-borne diseases.
The purpose of the work: to establish the zonal features of ixodid ticks and to develop a scientific system of protection against ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Research methods: parasitological (microscopic, determination of extensibility and intensity of drugs), epizootological (determination of extensiveness and intensity of invasion, seasonal and age dynamics), acarological (collection of ixodid ticks, their calculation and determination of genus and species), clinical, hematological, biochemical); molecular genetic (polymerase chain reaction), pharmacological (pharmacokinetics), toxicological (acute and chronic toxicity, mass spectrometric, chromatographic), statistical.
Scientific novelty: New data on the distribution and species composition of ixodid ticks collected from animals and plants in forests and parks of Khmelnytsky, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil and Lviv regions of Ukraine were obtained. It was studied that Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks are most often registered in these regions of Ukraine. Six zoonotic pathogens were registered for the first time by the polymerase chain reaction in Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks: Neoehrliсhia mikurensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia raoultii, Babesia canis, Bartonella bovis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia spielmanii. The pathogen Neoehrlichia mikurensis was first detected in ixodid ticks from Ukraine.
A comparative analysis of DNA extraction methods for further polymerase chain reaction studies has shown that mechanical cryogenic homogenization of ticks in combination with commercial kits promotes the best detection of genetic material of pathogens.
The antiprotozoal drug imkar-120 has been developed for the treatment and prevention of animals with babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The acaricidal preparation tsiflur-kombi for destruction of ixodid ticks in environment is offered.
For the first time, a comprehensive system of measures to regulate the number of ixodid ticks in forest and park areas of Ukraine has been developed. Acaricidal drugs and features of their use, as well as the main aspects of prevention and treatment of animals with tick-borne diseases transmitted by ixodid ticks are identified.
The scientific novelty of the work is confirmed by the declaratory patent of Ukraine for a utility model: "Method of disinsection and desacarisation of the environment" (№ 146362, 17.02.2021) and TU of Ukraine U 21.2-14332579-103: 2020 "Veterinary drug Imkar-120".
It has been proposed: To determine pathogens in ixodid ticks, the method of polymerase chain reaction with mechanical cryogenic homogenization is recommended.
For the treatment of animals with babesiosis and anaplasmosis, the drug imkar-120 (TU U 21.2–14332579-103: 2020) is recommended (according to the instructions).
To reduce the number of ixodid ticks in natural habitats should use a comprehensive system of protection and "Method of disinsection and desacarisation of the environment" (Ukrainian patent for utility model № 146362, from 17.02.2021).
It has been introduced: The results of experimental research are used in research and educational process at the departments: veterinary examination, microbiology, zoohygiene and safety and quality of livestock products of Sumy National Agrarian University; infectious and invasive diseases of State Agrarian and Engineering University; parasitology and ichthyopathology of S. Z. Gzhytsky Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology; parasitology and veterinary-sanitary examination of the Poltava State Agrarian Academy, as well as in the production for the development, planning and organization of diagnostic and treatment-and-prophylactic measures in clinics and farms of Ukraine.
