Scientists in Siberia have discovered two new varieties of the blood-sucking tick, Russian newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta reported Wednesday.
The new types of parasite, which can carry several diseases fatal to humans, have been named Tyumensky (Tjumeniensis) and Tyumen University (Unitjumeniensis), in honor of Siberia's Tyumen State University where the discoveries were made, the scientists told Rossiiskaya Gazeta.
The Tyumensky tick was reportedly found near a lake 35 kilometers outside the Siberian city, while the Tyumen University tick was spotted almost 3,000 kilometers away by the shores of Lake Baikal.
Ticks, which burrow into the skin of their victims,are found across much of Russia during warm weather and are particularly active during the spring and early summer months. Tick-borne encephalitis, a disease carried by the insects, causes sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain in humans.