Prevalence of Ixodidae Ticks and its Associated Risk Factors in Local Breed (Zebu) Cattle at Mao Komo Special District Benishangul Gumuz Regional States, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Ixodidae ticks are an ectoparasites of cattle that can cause huge economic loss in cattle. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to November 2020 in Mao Komo special district of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of hard tick infestation and to identify the tick species prevalent in the study areas. A total of 384 Local breed cattle were randomly selected from the district and examined for the presence of tick’s infestation. Out of the total examined animals, 286(74.74%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. Four genera of ticks: Amblyomma, Boophilus (recently Rhipicephalus), Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were identified. Amblyomma was the most dominant tick genera 38.05% followed by Rhipicephalus 33.58%, Boophilus 24.93% and Hyalomma 3.48 % was the least recorded genera in the study of areas. According to present study, the tick had strong preference for dewlap (19.09%), udder, (18.35%) perineum (16.61%) scrotum, (13.02%) flank (12.71%) Genital 10.15%) and Ear part (10.05%) respectively. The prevalence of tick infestation was studied along with the risk factors like age, sex, body conditions of the animals. However, there was no significant association between these risk factors and tick infestation. Also, the association between tick infestation and body parts of animals were studied and significant association was found. Generally, the study indicated that high tick infestation of different genera on Local breed cattle was found in each Kebeles of the district and it necessitates control measures against those economically important genera of ticks.