RNA-Seq of tick
The identified ticks were stored in pools, based on the animal from which they were collected and the tick species. Subsequently, they were macerated, and RNA extraction which was performed using the Direct-zol RNA MiniPrep kit (Zymo Research, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Preparation of genomic RNA sequencing libraries and ribosomal RNA depletion were performed using the Zymo-Seq RiboFree Total RNA Library Kit (Zymo Research, USA). Four RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced. Libraries were prepared using 35 samples from RNA pools. Validation of libraries was performed by quantification with Qubit dsDNA HS Assay (Invitrogen, USA), and library size was evaluated using High Sensitivity D5000 ScreenTape (Agilent Technologies Inc, USA). Sequencing was performed using the MiSeq platform (Illumina Inc, USA) with 600-cycle V3 cartridges (2x300 cycles).