Natural Epidemic Origin Diseases Research Column
WEN Heyi, JIN Shuqing, FAN Jian, CAO Hui, TANG Yi, YAN Mengxiao, MA Xiaoyun, CAI Xinyi, HUANG Zhexu, CHEN Xixi, GAO Qiang, FAN Mingqiu
Objective To investigate the distribution, seasonal ebb and flow, and influence factor of tick populations in Huangpu District, Shanghai, clarify the popularity and dominant tick species in Huangpu District, Shanghai, and provide a foundational basis for comprehensive monitoring and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Methods From January to December 2023, the seasonal fluctuation of free ticks was investigated by flagging method twice a month in People's Park of Huangpu District. In May 2023, a free ticks cross-sectional survey was conducted in all park green spaces in Huangpu District, with simultaneous recording of environmental meteorological factors on site. Results From January to December 2023, a total of 25 tick surveys were conducted, with a total drag distance of 6 810 meters, capturing 1 019 ticks, all morphologically identified as Haemaphysalis flava. Seasonal ebb and flow analysis found a bimodal distribution of overall tick density, peaking on June 26 and September 21, 2023, with tick densities of 216.00 and 67.33 ticks/(flag·100 m), respectively. The total tick density at monitoring points in grassland was lower than that in withered leaves, with tick densities of 3.11 and 23.22 ticks/(flag·100 m), respectively. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that total tick density was positively correlated with measured surface temperature (rs=0.88), daily low temperature (rs=0.80), monthly average low temperature (rs=0.79), daily high temperature (rs=0.77), monthly average high temperature (rs=0.81), measured surface relative humidity (rs=0.86), monthly rainfall day (rs=0.43), and monthly average sunshine time (rs=0.58), average wind speed (rs=0.53); the total tick density was negatively correlated with air pressure (rs=-0.65, P<0.05). The cross-sectional survey in Huangpu District found tick activity only in Nanjing East Road Street and Ruijin Second Road Street, with densities of 0.05 and 0.14 ticks/(flag·100 m), respectively. Conclusions The dominant tick in City Park, Huangpu District, Shanghai is Haemaphysalis flava. Tick density is highest in June, and the density of ticks in the withered leaves is higher than that in the grassland. Targeted tick control measures should be taken during the peak period of tick activity according to survey results.