New registers of Ixodidae ticks on Cervidae from Santa Catarina Plateau, Brazil

This study aimed to identify ixodid tick species parasitizing wild cervids referred to a wildlife rehabilitation center located in the Santa Catarina Plateau, southern Brazil, a region characterized by its inclusion in the Atlantic Forest biome and its unique ecological features. Five wild cervids of different species were examined for ectoparasites during clinical evaluation. A total of 28 ixodid ticks, representing various developmental stages, were collected using forceps, preserved in 70 % ethanol, and morphologically identified. The most prevalent species was Rhipicephalus microplus, followed by Haemaphysalis juxtakochi and Ixodes fuscipes. The identification of these tick species, some of which are recognized as vectors of zoonotic and veterinary-relevant pathogens, underlines the potential risks associated with tick-borne diseases in fragmented forest areas. These findings reinforce the importance of systematic surveillance of ectoparasites in wildlife populations to support conservation efforts and contribute to public and animal health strategies.