RESUMO
Ticks play a pivotal role in propagating a diverse spectrum of infectious agents that detrimentally affect the health of both humans and animals. In the present study, a molecular survey was executed of piroplasmids in ticks collected from small ruminants in four districts within Konya province, Turkey. Microscopic examination identified 1281 adult ticks, which were categorized into 357 pools based on their species, sexes, host animals, and collection site before DNA extraction. The infection rates were calculated by using a maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Hyalomma detritum, H. excavatum, Rhipicephalus bursa, R. sanguineus, and R. turanicus were identified in this study. Among the five tick species identified here, R. turanicus exhibited the highest infestation rate in both goats and sheep. The presence of Babesia ovis and Theileria ovis based on 18S rRNA was confirmed using molecular assay. The overall MLE of infection rates for B. ovis and T. ovis was 2.49% (CI 1.72-3.46) and 1.46% (CI 0.87-2.23), respectively. The MLE of B. ovis and T. ovis infection rates in R. bursa was 10.80% (CI 7.43-14.90) and 0.33% (CI 0.02-1.42), respectively, while that in R. turanicus was 0.12% (CI 0.01-0.51) and 2.08% (CI 1.25-3.22). This study further confirms that R. turanicus and R. sanguineus can act as vectors for B. ovis, thus advancing our comprehension of tick-borne piroplasmids epidemiology and providing valuable insights for the development of effective control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in Turkey.
RESUMO
The study was designed to quantify value and the spatial distribution of key ecosystem services such as wood production, habitat for biodiversity, carbon sequestration and air quality regulation in two areas: Eregli and Yesilkusak of Turkey. Wood production was quantified using forest inventory data and yield tables. Carbon storage was estimated based on the above - and below - ground biomass, deadwood and litter and soil. Habitat for species was characterized with a practical method based on the protection categories of stands. Vegetation cover in close proximity to the artificial surfaces and total health care cost avoided by the vegetation were used to quantify air quality regulation. Value transfer method was used in the valuation of ES in both areas. Average amount of wood production is quite low (5.7 m3/ha in Eregli and 6 m3/ha in Yesilkusak) compared to the overall average (72 m3/ha) in Turkey. The amount of carbon is largely low (64-100 tC/ha), indicating poor to medium capacity of the areas. The value of habitat for biodiversity is medium with some crucial habitats and target species. Both areas indicate low air quality regulation capacity. Total economic value of the key ecosystem services was estimated $438,128,571 in 2017 ($127,303,516 for Yesilkusak, $310,825,054 for Eregli). Composition and configuration of ecosystems determine the sustainable provision of ecosystem services. The potential economic value of ecosystems constitutes the basis for trade-off analysis in allocating best land use and utilization strategy. Developing enabling environment, accessing the best use of technologies and adopting best practice example for realizing sustainable forest management initiative is proposed to be the apparent strategy to enhance the role of ecosystem services in livelihood.