Data collected during field campaigns on ixodid ticks in Montenegro and Italy (2025)
Citation
Hansford K, Medlock J, Tagliapietra V, Dagostin F, Zuber Bogdanovic I, Pajović I, Sekulić N, Konatar N, Mićunović D, Jovanović M, Hajdari A, Vejsilović E, Gradinić M, Martino G, Maisano B, Orlando P, Franco D, Tassone S, Montagnese R, Rizzoli A (2026). Data collected during field campaigns on ixodid ticks in Montenegro and Italy (2025). Version 1.2. European Food Safety Authority. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/nfhwqx accessed via GBIF.org on 2026-06-04.Description
Within the context of VectorNet area, teams of experts gathered specimens and other available information on the presence of selected priority tick species. The aim was to identify and confirm new locations for target tick species, where gap-analysis suggested likely presence.
Sampling Description
Study Extent
"Samplings in Montenegro took place from 23rd to 27th June 2025 in Nikšić, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Podgorica, Ulcinj and Kotor. Samplings in Italy took place from 15th to 19th September 2025 in Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia provinces."Sampling
Animals (sheep, cattle, goats, cats and dogs) were checked for ticks at multiple farm locations. Ticks dragging was performed. Ticks were stored in single tubes per animal or per dragging site. Ticks were identified morphologically to confirm species.Method steps
- A gap analysis was completed, using existing VectorNet data, to identify locations where ticks were likely to be present, but which lacked sampling data. Local experts were contacted to collaborate on field missions, which targeted high priority species (Hyalomma spp.). Standard sampling techniques were used (host sampling, Co2 trapping),
Taxonomic Coverages
-
Ticksrank: genus
Geographic Coverages
The Vectornet area covers the European Union and neighbouring countries
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
Kayleigh Hansfordoriginator
UK Health Security Agency
Jolyon Medlock
originator
UK Health Security Agency
Valentina Tagliapietra
originator
Fondazione Mach, Italy
Francesca Dagostin
originator
Fondazione Mach, Italy
Ivana Zuber Bogdanovic
originator
University of Montenegro
Igor Pajović
originator
University of Montenegro
Nebojša Sekulić
originator
Institute of Public Health, Montenegro
Nikola Konatar
originator
Institute of Public Health, Montenegro
Drago Mićunović
originator
position: Veterinarian
Nikšić
ME
Maša Jovanović
originator
position: Veterinarian
Cetinje
ME
Arben Hajdari
originator
position: Veterinarian
Ulcinj
ME
Edin Vejsilović
originator
position: Veterinarian
Ulcinj
ME
Mijodrag Gradinić
originator
position: Veterinarian technician
Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory, Montenegro
Giuseppe Martino
originator
Ci.Ma. G.R. e C.A. srl, Reggio Calabria, Italy
Bruno Maisano
originator
Cooperativa Tutela dell’Aspromonte, Reggio Calabria, Italy
Pietro Orlando
originator
Bova
Reggio Calabria
IT
Davide Franco
originator
Carabinieri Forestali, Reparto Biodiversità, Mongiana, Vibo Valentia, Italy
Santo Tassone
originator
Carabinieri Forestali, Reparto Biodiversità, Mongiana, Vibo Valentia, Italy
Raffaele Montagnese
originator
Carabinieri Forestali, Reparto Biodiversità, Mongiana, Vibo Valentia, Italy
Valentina Tagliapietra
metadata author
Fondazione Mach, Italy
Francesca Dagostin
metadata author
Fondazione Mach, Italy
Kayleigh Hansford
metadata author
UK Health Security Agency
Annapaola Rizzoli
metadata author
Fondazione Mach, Italy
Jolyon Medlock
metadata author
UK Health Security Agency
Annapaola Rizzoli
administrative point of contact
position: Research Unit Head
Fondazione Edmund Mach
email: annapaola.rizzoli@fmach.it