Morphological identification of ticks, lice, and fleas
Ticks, lice, and fleas were morphologically identified to species level
using a stereomicroscope (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) with the aid of
identification keys (Walker et al., 2004; Pratt, 1973). Excessively
engorged tick samples were excluded from the analysis. Representative
specimens were photographed using an Axio-cam ERc 5s digital camera
(Zeiss) mounted on a stereomicroscope. Ticks, lice, and fleas were
pooled (1-3) according to developmental stage, sex, species, and host
from which they were sampled.