Abundance and associated risk factors of ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from one-humped camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) in Sistan and Balouchestan region, southeast of Iran

Abstract

T The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, diversity and seasonal distribution of ticks collected from camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) in Sistan and Balouchestan region, southeast of Iran. Totally, 139 camels (74 females and 65 males) were randomly selected from May, 2014 to April, 2015, out of which 75 camels (53.9%) were found to be infested by ticks. Out of the examined ticks, eight species of two genera ( Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus ) were identified, namely Hyalomma dromedarii (39.5%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (16.1%), H. anatolicum (14.1%), H. excavatum (11.7%), H. schulzei (6.4%), H. scupense (5.5%), R. turanicus (4.7%), and H. asiaticum (2%). The prevalence of ixodid tick infestation was higher in the female camels (60.8%) than the males (46.1%) (P > 0.084). The number of the hard ticks found on 1–2 year old female camels (76.9%; 30/39) was higher than on the other age groups (P < 0.006). Moreover, the seasonal activities of ticks were higher in spring than in the other seasons (80%; 40/50) (P < 0.000). The results of the current study revealed that ixodid ticks infestation was widespread among camels in Sistan and Balouchestan region, with great species diversity. Therefore, special attention should be given for a programmed tick control campaign in the region.