Species composition, distribution, and host associations of ixodid ticks in domestic animals on lowland pastures in North Macedonia.

Ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are significant ectoparasites and vectors of pathogens that pose major veterinary and public health risks. Despite their epidemiological importance, comprehensive data on the tick fauna of North Macedonia remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the diversity, distribution, and host associations of ixodid ticks infesting domestic animals across the country. A total of 694 adult ticks were collected from sheep, cattle, goats, and dogs during field sampling conducted from May to September 2025 across 14 municipalities in five statistical regions. All specimens were morphologically identified to species level using established taxonomic keys. Eight tick species belonging to four genera were identified: Rhipicephalus bursa (35.2%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (30.3%), Hyalomma marginatum (25.4%), Hyalomma scupense (5.9%), Hyalomma excavatum (2.7%), Hyalomma rufipes (0.3%), Ixodes ricinus (0.1%), and Haemaphysalis sulcata (0.1%). Most ticks were collected from sheep (61.4%), followed by cattle (33.3%), dogs (4.3%), and goats (1%). Host association was evident, with H. marginatum dominating in cattle, R. bursa in sheep, and R. sanguineus s.l. in dogs and goats. The results confirm a diverse and well-established ixodid tick fauna in North Macedonia, consistent with patterns observed in the Western Balkans. The predominance of thermophilic Mediterranean species underscores the influence of climatic conditions and ecological factors on tick distribution. These findings provide baseline entomological data for the country and emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and integrated One Health approaches to mitigate the risk of emerging and re-emerging tick-borne diseases.