During a study to identify zoonotic pathogens in northwestern Mexico, we detected the presence of a rickettsial agent in Dermacentor parumapertus ticks from black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus). Comparison of 4 gene sequences (gltA, htrA, ompA, and ompB) of this agent showed 99%-100% identity with sequences of Rickettsia parkeri.
Keywords: Dermacentor parumapertus; Mexico; Rickettsia parkeri; parasites; rickettsia; rickettsiosis; ticks; vector-borne infections; wildlife.