First record of infestation of a pet sloth in Japan with the exotic tick Amblyomma geayi (Acari: Ixodidae). (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Urushiyama, Fumiya; Matsubara, Katsuki; Doi, Kandai; Taira, Masakatsu; Komiya, Tomoyoshi; Tokiwa, Toshihiro
• Is Part Of: Parasitology international. Volume 78(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Amblyomma geayi -- Tick -- 16S mitochondrial gene -- Sloth -- Exotic animal; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Parasitic Diseases -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; 571.99905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1383-5769

Abstract

Abstract: On December 11, 2018, a single unengorged adult tick was found on the body surface of the trunk of an imported wild-caught Linnaeus's two-toed sloth ( Choloepus didactylus ) during a routine health check in an animal clinic in Tokyo, Japan. The tick was identified as Amblyomma geayi based on the morphological and molecular characteristics. This is the first case of the introduction of an Amblyomma species to Japan via an imported pet sloth. The present study highlights the current loopholes in Japan's regulatory system for animal imports. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Amblyomma tick was found on the imported wild-caught Linnes two toed sloth in Japan. The tick was identified as Amblyomma geayi, the putative reservoir of the zoonotic pathogen. This is the first case of the introduction of A. geayi to Japan.