Prevalence of Ixodid Ticks on Cattle in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dembia district, North Gondar zone, from November, 2013 to April, 2014 to investigate the distribution and abundance of tick parasites in cattle and the species composition. Adult ticks were collected from 384 local and cross-breed cattle. Out of the total of 384 cattle examined, 312 (81.25%) were found to be infested by one or more tick parasites. A total of 1451 adult ticks were collected from the animal body parts and were identified to genera and species level. Eight tick species of four genera were identified. From the total ticks collected Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus account 20.74, 20.34 and 58.92 % respectively. The relative prevalence of each species was Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decolaratus (40.86%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (11.51%), Amblyomma varigatum (13.64%), A. cohaerense (5.21%), A. lepidum (1.92%), R. simus(6.54%), Hyalomma marginatum (12.96%) and Hyalomma truncatum (7.36%). The risk factors breed, sex and age of cattle did not show any statistical significant association with the infestation rate but there was statistical significant association of infestation rate with the body conditions of animals. The prevalence of tick infestation was found highest in poor body condition (98%) while in medium body condition it was (76.11%) and in good body condition it was found 74.04%. It has also been evident that the favorable predilection sites of Amblyomma species were ventral body parts and perineum region. Rhipicephalus decolaratus preferred dewlap, udder/scrotum, belly, leg, head and perineum. Rhipicephalus species had a strong affinity for perineum, dewlap, udder/scrotum, tail tips and ears. For Hyalomma species, the perineum region, udder/scrotum and under tail were its hiding sites. It is concluded that the prevalent tick species could also be responsible for transmission of tick born diseases in addition to their physical damage to the skin. Therefore, further studies should be carried out on tick burden and tick born diseases thereby mitigating for prevention and control strategies.