Data for the tick faunal studies of Kis-Balaton

Recently, significant changes have been observed in the distribution patterns of ticks in Europe. Climate change affects the distribution and activity of ticks and also contributes to the emergence of new species, posing a serious health risk to people. The author conducted his studies between June 2023 and April 2024 in the inner areas of Kis-Balaton, starting from the Research House. Ticks were collected using the dragging method in 8 areas. During the 11-month of the survey, the author found 240 specimens of 5 species. Dermacentor reticulatus occurred with the highest frequency (78% of the collected individuals), and was found in the areas in every month except January. In addition, Dermacentor marginatus (14.5%), Ixodes ricinus (5.4%), Haemaphysalis concinna (1.6%), and Haemaphysalis inermis (0.4%) were found. Dermacentor species occurred in all months of the study period, while I. ricinus was present in the area in March, April and June. The thermophilous species H. concinna was found in the collected sample in June, while the cold-tolerant H. inermis was found in the collection in February. The survey results clearly show that ticks, which are responsible for the spread of tick-borne encephalitis, TIBOLA, Lyme disease, tularemia, and other significant diseases, are present in the area, with peak activity in spring and autumn.