ABSTRACT
Ticks are notorious as vectors of disease-causing agents to humans and animals. Ticks transmit numerous protozoan, viral, bacterial (including rickettsial) and fungal pathogens. For these reasons, it is no surprise that ticks are the subject of numerous scientifi c investigations, including studies in the laboratory on their biology, morphology, and ability to transmit pathogenic organisms. In order to study ticks in the laboratory, the researchers must be acquainted with the methods used for rearing and maintaining ticks. This chapter addresses the various procedures, facilities and equipment needed for the creation of colonies of different tick species. Procedures and facilities for colonizing species of either hard ticks (Family Ixodidae) and soft ticks (Family Argasidae) are described. This chapter also addresses the importance of proper animal care, in accordance with local and national animal welfare regulations. For a more detailed review of the literature on tick rearing methods, tick biology and its role in developing rearing and maintenance methods, the reader should consult Biology of Ticks, Volumes 1 and 2 (Sonenshine 1993).
