A rare case of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation on a Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) (Primates: Atelidae) in Petén, Guatemala

Abstract

Rhipicephalus microplus is a globally significant one-host tick that primarily infests cattle. In the Neotropics, this species has been reported on various wild mammals—such as cervids, tapirs, rodents, bats, carnivores and primates—as well as occasionally from humans. Here we report a rare case of R. microplus infestation in a rescued black howler (Alouatta pigra) from Melchor de Mencos, Petén, Guatemala. This tick-host association, documented at the ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Centre, highlights the expanding host range of R. microplus and emphasises the importance of continued surveillance regarding its health consequences in wildlife, zoonotic potential, and host adaptability.

Keywords

• Neotropical tick biodiversity
• wildlife ticks
• new host-parasite association
• cattle ticks

References

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