Prevalence Of Tick Infestation Research Articles

Prevalence of tick infestation and molecular characterization of tick species of camels (Camelus dormedarius) from Al-Baha South Saudi Arabia

AbstractArthropods serve as efficient carriers for various life-threatening infections parasites, viruses and other harmful organisms throughout the world. In this study, Al-Aqiq Governorate of Al-Baha city served as the site where tick burden on camels (Camelus dromedarius) was assessed. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the diversity and prevalence of ticks. A total of 800 ticks, 756 adults and 44 nymphs were gathered and identified. Tick DNA was obtained from camels by utilizing commercially available kits. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done on recovered DNA utilizing 12S rDNA and 16S ribosomal DNA fragments to analyze and identify the ticks. Three species of hard ticks were found in the two genera Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Hyalomma dromedarii (81.81%) and H. rufipes (17.35%) were the two species with the highest prevalence found on the domestic animal hosts, whereas R. sanguineus (had the lowest prevalence of 0.82%). This is a preliminary report of DNA barcode of tick species of camels (Camelus dormedarius) from Al-Baha in KSA and the Arabian Peninsula, which is a significant step towards broader phylogenetic studies on tick samples from this region. The results of our study provide valuable insights for healthcare administrators and government authorities regarding the frequency of hard ticks on mammalian hosts in Al-Aqiq Governorate of Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia. This can also assist in regulating tick diseases, in particular during the epidemic time.

Molecular detection of Borrelia spp. (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae) in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from tortoises in Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Sophia HF, Supriyono, Soviana S, Novianto D, Hadi UK. 2023. Molecular detection of Borrelia spp. (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae) in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from tortoises in Java, Indonesia. Biodiveritas 24: 6852-6857. Reptiles are known hosts of various tick species, many of which are zoonotic and pose veterinary and public health risks. Amblyomma ticks frequently parasitize reptiles and are potential vectors of zoonoses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tick infestations and to identify Borrelia species infections in ticks found on tortoises. One hundred six tortoise hosts in three provinces in Indonesia. DNA extraction and Borrelia species were detected using conventional PCR techniques. The results revealed the presence of nineteen hard-bodied ticks on Chelonoidis carbonarius Spix, 1824, Chelonoidis denticulatus Linnaeus, 1766, and Geochelone sulcata Miller, 1779. All the ticks collected were identified as Amblyomma sparsum Neumann 1899, and the prevalence of A. sparsum infestations on tortoises in this study was 7.55%. Borrelia spp. was detected in some of the A. sparsum ticks infesting tortoises. Subsequent sequencing unveiled two distinct reptile-associated (REP) borrelia strains. This study sheds light on the tick infestation patterns and the potential transmission of Borrelia species among tortoises kept as exotic pets in urban areas by A. sparsum ticks. The findings provide valuable insights into the bioecology of ticks and the associated health risks they pose to reptiles, thereby contributing to our understanding of zoonotic disease dynamics in the region.

Prevalence of Major Parasitic Agents Involved in Camel Skin Diseases in Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia

Aim A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2017 up to April 2018 in Babile district, Eastern Hararghe zone, Oromiya regional state of Ethiopia. Objective To determine the prevalence of major parasitic agents involved in camel skin diseases and their risk factors. Method A cross-sectional study design was implemented to determine the prevalence of major parasitic pathogens, particularly mange mites and ticks affecting camel skin, and associated risk factors. The target animals for the study were dromedary camels reared under pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems in Babile district of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. The sample size for the study was estimated by taking an expected prevalence of 50%, an accepted error of 5%, and a confidence level of 95%. A chi-square test was used to evaluate the differences in the occurrence of parasites among categorical variables (age, sex, herd size, and season). A p-value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Out of 768 camels examined, 122 (15.9%) and 113 (14.7%) were found to be infested with ticks of various species and Sarcoptes species, respectively. Nine hundred twenty-nine (929) adult tick species, including 329 (35.4%) males and 600 (64.59%) females, were collected from selected camels. The tick species identified in the present study were Rhipicephalus pulchellus (29.7%), Amblyomma gemma (4.84%), Hyalomma dromedarii (13.56%), Boophilus decoloratus (2.58%), Amblyomma variegatum (23.04%), Amblyomma coherence (8.61%), Rhipicephalus evertsievertsi (9.15%), Rhipicephalus pravus (2.37%), Rhipicephalus sanguines (4.2%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (1.08%) and Hyalomma marginatum (0.86%). The mean tick burden observed was 1.2 ticks per camel. Sarcoptes species was the only mite observed during this study. The tick infestation rate varied significantly (p<0.05) between seasons (dry and wet), between sex groups, and between herd sizes of camels. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of tick infestation between the age groups. Mange mite infestation varied significantly between age groups (young and adults). Conclusion Finally, the tick and mange mite infestations were highly prevalent in the indigenous dromedary camels in the Babile district. Therefore, special attention should be given to the programmed tick and mite control campaign in the area.

Participatory and Conventional Investigation of Tick Infestation in Camels and Cattle of Somali Pastoral Areas, Eastern Ethiopia.

Ticks are a common parasite that affect many animals by causing slowed growth, reduced milk output, and financial losses for industries that depend on animal hides and skins. From June to December 2017, participatory and conventional investigations on tick infestation in camels and cattle were conducted in Kebribayah and Afdem districts of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and density of ticks in these animals and establish strategic control measures to enhance livestock productivity and livelihoods in pastoral areas. The current study found that the prevalence of tick infestation in Kebribayah and Afdem districts was 83.3% and 86.8%, respectively. Rhipicephalus pulchellus (48.9%) was identified as the most common tick species in camels and cattle, followed by Amblyomma gemma (26.3%), Hyalomma truncatum (11.6%), Amblyomma lepidum (6.7%), and Amblyomma variegatum (6.5%). Among the variables considered, age and body condition score were significant risk factors (p < 0.001). Tick density varied depending on the recorded months and seasons (p < 0.001), with the highest mean tick density occurring in November (32.69 ± 21.750) and during the wet season (28.56 ± 19.750). Livestock owners in Kebribayah and Afdem ranked topical acaricide application as the most effective tick control method, followed by ivermectin injections, with the traditional hand removal method being the least effective. These rankings were consistent across both districts, and there was moderate agreement among livestock keepers from both regions regarding the best method. Afdem livestock keepers had slightly weak agreement on high tick burden in spring (W = 0.475, p = 0.127), and Kebribayah livestock keepers showed slightly strong agreement in tick burden across seasons (W = 0.700, p = 0.038), with spring having a significantly higher burden than winter. Consequently, participatory appraisal indicated that ticks were important and prevalent ectoparasites in the study area. Finally, strategic tick control appropriate for specific management and production environments should be implemented biannually in wet seasons.

Ticks and Tick-Borne Zoonotic Pathogens from Wild Birds in Northwestern Coastal Spain

Migratory and local birds may disperse ticks and their associated pathogens. The aim of this study was to provide information regarding ticks infesting birds in Asturias, a region that accounts for most of the Lyme disease hospitalizations in Spain. From September 2021 to April 2023, trained and experienced bird-banders collected ticks from birds in two estuary and four forest locations. A total of 1698 birds (52 species, 38 genera, and 26 families) were captured. A total of 51 ticks (28 larvae, 20 nymphs, and 3 females) were collected from 43 birds, belonging to three species: Ixodes ricinus (31), Ixodes frontalis (18), and Haemaphysalis concinna (1). The average prevalence of tick infestation was 2.5% and the average tick burden was 1.2 ticks per infested host. The bird species Turdus merula, Parus major, Luscinia svecica, and Anthus pratensis were among the most infested. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in one I. ricinus nymph collected from Phylloscopus collybita. We have not detected Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, or piroplasmids in any of the 51 analyzed ticks. These results suggest low infestation rate in migratory/estuary birds and a higher rate in forest/sedentary ones. Despite this, the detection of pathogens, although with low prevalence, can pose a risk to public health.

Prevalence of Bovine Tick Infestation and its Associated Risk Factors in Wayu Tuka District Western Ethiopia

Ticks are harmful blood-sucking ectoparasites that are widespread across the world but are more economically significant in tropical and subtropical regions. To determine the prevalence of tick infestation in cattle, a cross-sectional study was carried out in the Wayu Tuka district from October 2022 to July 2023. Three study villages were purposefully chosen, and from this chosen kebele, the study populations were chosen using simple random selection techniques. Ticks were identified by their features under a stereomicroscope. In the current study, adult ticks were collected from 384 local and cross breed cattle and examined, of which 108 (28.1%) were infested with different genera of ticks. Ticks were recorded across the study sites, with the highest and lowest prevalences of 29.9%, 27.0%, and 26.7% in Gida Abalo, Gute Badiya, and Bonaya Molo, respectively. No significant difference in prevalence was observed between the three PAs. The major tick genera identified by this study were Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Amblyomma coherence, and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, with prevalence’s of 17 (15.74%), 20 (18.51%), 11 (10.18%), and 5 (4.63%), respectively. There was statistical significance (p&lt;0.05) between the body conditions of cattle and tick infestations in the study area. The highest prevalence of tick infestations, 53 (41.1%), was found in animals with poor body conditions, while a low prevalence of 24 (20.7%) was recorded in animals with good body conditions. On the other hand, a statistically significant difference was not observed between the age and sex of animals in the current study area (p&gt;0.05). In general, the results of the present study reveal that there was a high tick infestation in the study area. Therefore, appropriate control measures should be implemented.

HARD TICKS (ACARI: IXODIDAE) INFESTING ARABIAN CAMELS (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS) IN MEDINA AND QASSIM, SAUDI ARABIA.

Ixodid ticks are hematophagous obligatory ectoparasites that occur worldwide and transmit pathogens to humans and other vertebrates, causing economic livestock losses. The Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius Linnaeus, 1758) is an important livestock animal in Saudi Arabia that is vulnerable to parasitism by ticks. The diversity and intensity of ticks on Arabian camels in certain localities in the Medina and Qassim regions of Saudi Arabia were determined. One hundred forty camels were examined for ticks, and 106 were infested (98 females, 8 males). A total of 452 ixodid ticks (267 males, 185 females) were collected from the infested Arabian camels. The tick infestation prevalence was 83.1% and 36.4% in female and male camels, respectively (female camels harbored significantly more ticks than did male camels). The recorded tick species were Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 (84.5%); Hyalomma truncatum Koch, 1844 (11.1%); Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze and Schlottke, 1929 (4.2%); and Hyalomma scupense Schulze, 1919 (0.22%). Hyalomma dromedarii was the predominant tick species in most regions, with a mean intensity of 2.15 ± 0.29 ticks/camel (2.5 ± 0.53 male ticks/camel, 1.8 ± 0.21 female ticks/camel). The proportion of male ticks was higher than that of female ticks (59.1 vs. 40.9%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey of ixodid ticks on Arabian camels in Medina and Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Detection of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus from Livestock Ticks in Northern, Central and Southern Senegal in 2021.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) occurs sporadically in Senegal, with a few human cases each year. This active circulation of CCHFV motivated this study which investigated different localities of Senegal to determine the diversity of tick species, tick infestation rates in livestock and livestock infections with CCHFV. The samples were collected in July 2021 from cattle, sheep and goats in different locations in Senegal. Tick samples were identified and pooled by species and sex for CCHFV detection via RT-PCR. A total of 6135 ticks belonging to 11 species and 4 genera were collected. The genus Hyalomma was the most abundant (54%), followed by Amblyomma (36.54%), Rhipicephalus (8.67%) and Boophilus (0.75%). The prevalence of tick infestation was 92%, 55% and 13% in cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was detected in 54/1956 of the tested pools. The infection rate was higher in ticks collected from sheep (0.42/1000 infected ticks) than those from cattle (0.13/1000), while all ticks collected from goats were negative. This study confirmed the active circulation of CCHFV in ticks in Senegal and highlights their role in the maintenance of CCHFV. It is imperative to take effective measures to control tick infestation in livestock to prevent future CCHFV infections in humans.

Prevalence, seasonal dynamics and associated variables of ixodid tick cattle infestation in Gondar, northwestern Ethiopia

Ticks are ectoparasites that impact the health and productivity in farm animals. They are also important vectors for pathogens transmitted to animals and humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 with the objectives of determining the prevalence, identifying genera and seasonal dynamics of adult ixodid ticks infesting cattle in and around Gondar, northwestern Ethiopia. Pearson Chi-square Test was used to evaluate the association of tick prevalence with explanatory variables. One way analysis of variance was used to compare mean tick density of cattle with the explanatory variables. The overall prevalence of cattle ixodid tick infestation was found to be 65.8% (95% CI = 60.0–71.2%). The effect of breed, sex, age and body condition score on tick prevalence was investigated. However, only the body condition score of study animals was found to have statistically significant effect on the prevalence of tick infestation. Monthly analysis of tick infestation showed statistically significant variation (χ2 = 36.17, p = 0.00) during the study period (November 2018 – April 2019). The highest monthly prevalence was recorded in March (85.0%), and the least in February (42.0%). A comparison of the tick prevalence across seasons showed statistically significant differences (χ = 34.10, p = 0.00), being highest (82.5%) during the short rainy season. During the study period, a total of 3796 adult ixodid ticks were collected from different body regions of the study animals. Three ixodid tick genera were identified, with the genus Rhipicephalus being the most prevalent (n = 2122 (55.9%) of the total adult ticks (3796). The overall mean tick density per host for all genera was 12.78 ticks, with a marked difference in tick density during the three study seasons. The highest MTD was recorded during the short rainy season (MTD = 18.58), (F = 19.71, p < 0.05). The present study has shown that ticks are highly prevalent in the study area. Therefore, an appropriate tick control program should be designed and implemented.

Identification and prevalence of ticks on Merino sheep in Lesotho.

For over a decade, export of wool accounted for 58.3% of agricultural exports from Lesotho. Even though the sheep subsector contributes significantly to the economy, its development is hampered by different constraints. One of the most important constraints of sheep production is poor animal health due to widespread diseases including those caused by ticks. This study aimed to identify tick species parasitizing sheep and to determine whether tick prevalence on sheep was influenced by agroecological zone, sheep age, and seasonality. Ticks were collected from 720 sheep in the four agroecological zones of Lesotho, namely lowlands, foothills, Senqu River Valley, and highlands, during December 2018-May 2019. Ticks were picked from their sites of attachment then taken to the laboratory for identification to species level. No ticks were found on the sheep examined from the highlands and, as a result, this agroecological zone was excluded from further analysis. The following five tick species, with their overall prevalence, were identified: Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (38.0%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (1.6%), Hyalomma rufipes (1.0%), Otobius megnini (1.0%), and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (0.3%). Four of the species were hard ticks (Family Ixodidae). The only soft tick species found was O. megnini (Family Agarsidae). Tick prevalence was influenced by seasonality that varied across agroecological zones. Foothills and lowlands had highest tick prevalence in December and January, respectively, and lowest prevalence in February and May, respectively, whereas Senqu River Valley had highest tick prevalence in May and lowest in March. The age of the sheep did not significantly influence prevalence of tick infestation.

Epidemiology of Ixodid tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens in small ruminant from Enarje Enawuga, North Western Ethiopia.

Small ruminant playing significant economic development and cultural roles for smallholders and reared in different agroecological systems in Ethiopia. However, ticks and tick-borne haemopathogens are major threats to the health of small ruminants leading to loss of production and productivity in Ethiopia especially in north-western Ethiopia, due to climate and agroecological system favourable to the tick survival in the area. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens, to identify the existing Ixodid tick species and to investigate major risk factors associated with tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens. A cross sectional study was conducted on 396 small ruminants (sheep =198 and goats = 198). Ticks were identified to the species level according to their morphological key structures. Thin blood smear were prepared and laboratoricaly examined to investigate tick-borne haemopathogens. Logistic regression was employed to assess the association between potential risk factors with tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens. The overall prevalence of tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens were 47.22% and 4.29%, respectively. Age, species, body condition, agroecological system and season were found significantly (p < 0.05) associated with tick infestation. Season was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with occurrence of tick-borne haemopathogen. Amblyomma variegatum (18.2%) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (13.4%) were the predominant tick species encountered. Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma marginale and Babesia ovis were prevalent tick-borne haemopathogens. The present study reported that there was higher tick infestation and tick-borne haemopathogens infections on small ruminants in the study area. Therefore, based on tick epidemiology, a strategic tick control programs were needed in this region. Further detailed studies on the role of Ixodid tick species in causing tick-borne diseases in small ruminants and their economic impact on livelihoods should be conducted.

Preliminary Study on Hard Ticks ( Acari: Ixodidae) of Sheep in Some Areas of Thamar Governorate, Yemen

The objective of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence of tick species infesting sheep in some areas of Thamar governorate, Yemen. A total of 392 indigenous sheep breeds of either sex and different age were randomly selected and examined for presence of ticks using standard parasitological techniques from December, 2010 to May, 2011. The results revealed that the overall prevalence of tick infestations on sheep was 43.37 %. Of total 875 ticks collected, Seven species of ixodid ticks were identified. The species on hierarchy of overall prevalence abundance were Rhipicephalus sanguineus (13.01%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (9.69%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (5.87 %), Hyalomma marginatum (4.59 %), Amblyomma variegatum (4.34%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (3.06%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (2.04%). Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus species is recorded for first time in Thamar governorate and Yemen as well as. Statistically, there was significance difference (P

Ticks Infesting Dogs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Detailed Epidemiological and Molecular Report.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are considered a major challenge for human and animal health in tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate regions of the world. However, only scarce information is available on the characterization of tick species infesting dogs in Pakistan. In this study, we present a comprehensive report on the epidemiological and phylogenetic aspects of ticks infesting dogs in Pakistan using the mitochondrial markers i.e. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) nucleotide sequences. A total of 300 dogs were examined and 1150 ixodid ticks were collected across central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The morpho-molecular characterization of hard ticks revealed the presence of two ixodid tick genera on dogs, i.e., Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus, including six tick species viz. Hyalomma dromedarii (15.9%), Hyalomma excavatum (3%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (41.3%), Rhipicephalus turanicus s.s. (28.7%), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (10.2%), and Rhipicephalus microplus (2%). The total prevalence of tick infestation in dogs was 61%. The district with the highest tick prevalence rate in dogs was Mardan (14.7%), followed by Peshawar (13%), Swabi (12%), Charsadda (11%), and Malakand (10.3%), respectively. Risk factors analysis indicated that some demographic and host management-associated factors such as host age, breed, exposure to acaricides treatment, and previous tick infestation history were associated with a higher risk of tick infestation on dogs. This is the first molecular report confirming the infestation of Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus tick species in the dog population from the study area. The present study also reported a new tick−host association between Hy. excavatum, Hy. dromedarii, and dogs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that cox1 partial nucleotide sequences of Hy. excavatum in our dataset were 100% identical to similar tick specimens identified in Turkey, and those of Hy. dromedarii were identical to tick specimens from Iran. Whereas, Rh. haemaphysaloides and Rh. microplus’ cox1 partial nucleotide sequences were identical to sequences previously published from Pakistan. Rhipicephalus turanicus s.s. ‘s cox1 isolates from the present study were 99.8−100% identical to Pakistani-reported isolates, and those of Rh. sanguineus s.l. were 100% identical to Chinese specimens. Results on the genetic characterization of ticks were further confirmed by 16S rRNA partial nucleotide sequences analysis, which revealed 100% identity between the tick isolates of this study and those of Hy. excavatum reported from Turkey; Hy. dromedarii specimens reported from Senegal; Rh. haemaphysaloides, Rh. microplus, and Rh. turanicus s.s., previously published from Pakistan, and Rh. sanguineus s.l., published from China. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis showed that the Rh. sanguineus s.l. isolates of this study clustered with specimens of the tropical lineage with 7.7−10% nucleotide divergence from the specimens of the temperate lineage. Further molecular works need to be performed throughout Pakistan to present a more detailed map of tick distribution with information about dog host associations, biological characteristics, and pathogen competence.

Prevalence of Tick Infestations and Tick-Borne Diseases in Cattle in Cameroon

Prevalence of Tick Infestations and Tick-Borne Diseases in Cattle in Cameroon

Abundances of ectoparasites of sheep in and around Gindeberet district, west Shoa zone, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was carried out in Gindeberet district in Western Shoa Zone of Oromia regional state from June 2021 to October 2021. Sheep are the most important farm animals in our country, especial dominant livestock, providing skin and wool, and cash income in addition to food subsistence value obtained from livestock production. However, due to the abundances of ectoparasites, there is loss of skin value, income and wool due to poor management problem. The purpose of this study was to identify major ectoparasites of sheep and to determine their prevalence in the study area and to assess the magnitudes of these parasites in relation to sex, age and body condition. Out of 200 sheep examined 133 (66.5%) sheep were infested with the major ectoparasite. The major ectoparasite identified were ticks (31%), followed by lice (15.5%), fleas (12.5%), Melophagus ovinus (7%) and Mange mites (0.5%). The overall infestation with ectoparasites, was higher in females (37.5%) than males (29%). The overall prevalence in association with age categories was higher in adult (34%) than in the young (32.5%). The prevalence of major ectoparasite based on the BCS was found to be higher in poor (33.5%) than the medium (21.5%) and the good (11.5%) body condition from the overall occurrence of ectoparasites. The higher prevalence of ticks, lice, fleas, M. ovinus, and mange mites were observed in female and males. The highest prevalence of tick infestation (n=62) were observed in the area, among ectoparasite, ticks were the most prevalent parasites (n=62) with the prevalence of 31% in the area, while the prevalence of mange mites was 0.5% (N=1). Based on age classification the prevalence of ticks (17.5%), lice (9%), fleas (7.5%), Melophagus ovinus (or sheep ked) (4%), and mange mite (0.5%) were highly prevalent in the adults than young’s (13.5%), (6.5%), (5%) and (3%) respectively. From the result of this study, it is possible to conclude that ectoparasite infestation has affected in the production of sheep at the study area.

PREVALENCE OF TICKS AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INFESTATION OF SHEEP IN RIVER NILE STATE, SUDAN

A cross-sectional study was conducted in River Nile State, Sudan, between June to August 2018 to determine the prevalence of tick infestation on sheep and the potential risk factors associated with the infestation. A total of 135 sheep from five different localities (Shendi, Al Matamah, Ad-Damer, Atbara, and Berber) were examined and, of these, 90 were tick-infested (66.7%). A total of 340 ticks (male 185, female 155) were collected and identified using zoological taxonomic keys. The most dominant tick species collected in this survey were Rhipicephalus eversti Neumann, 1897 (38%), followed by Hyalomma anatolicum Koch, 1844 (23.8%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille, 1806 (20.6%), Rhipicephalus praetextatus Gerstacker, 1873 (16.4%), and Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 (1.2%). The chi-square analysis showed that there was a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between tick infestation and localities, housing type, sex, control of ticks, and removal of manure. The highest prevalence rate was recorded in Atbara, in the open housing type, in females, in farms that did not use acaricides and did not remove the manure frequently. On the other hand, there was no significant association (p ˃ 0.05) between tick infestation and herd size, rearing system, breed, age and colour of coat (p=0.846). This study expanded the knowledge on tick fauna and associated risk factors in the River Nile State, and it demonstrated that multiple tick species are infesting sheep with the potential to transmit several tick-borne diseases.

The Infection Rate of Bird-Feeding Ixodes ricinus Ticks with Borrelia garinii and B. valaisiana Varies with Host Haemosporidian Infection Status

Birds are known to maintain and spread human pathogenic borreliae, but they are common hosts of diverse parasite communities, notably haemosporidians. Only a few studies examined whether tick infestation and/or Borrelia prevalences vary with hosts' haemosporidian infection status. Here, we study whether Ixodes ricinus infestation rates and Borrelia infection rates in bird-feeding ticks vary according to haemosporidian infection status in a community of free-living avian tick hosts. Birds of six avian species harbored the majority of ticks. Both the tick infestation prevalence and the intensity peaked during spring and summer, but while bird-feeding nymphs prevailed in spring, bird-feeding larvae dominated in summer. Almost half of the bird-feeding ticks were found to be positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. Although the majority of infections involved bird-associated B. garinii and B. valaisiana, B. garinii appears to be the dominant Borrelia strain circulating in locally breeding avian species. We detected a negative link between the hosts' haemosporidian infection status and the Borrelia infection rate of bird-feeding ticks, but the association was dependent on the host's age. Our results on tick infestation intensity support the idea that more immunologically vulnerable hosts harbor more ticks but suggest that different mechanisms may be responsible for tick infestation rates among immunologically naïve and experienced avian hosts. The results on Borrelia infection rates in bird-feeding ticks are consistent with studies revealing that intracellular parasites, such as haemosporidians, can benefit from the host immune system prioritizing immune responses against extracellular parasites at the expense of immune responses against intracellular parasites. The findings of our study urge for a more robust design of parasitological studies to understand the ecology of interactions among hosts and their parasites.

Prevalence and Species Identification of Ixodid Ticks of Small Ruminants in Benadir Region, Somalia.

Ixodid ticks are one of the major health constraints on small ruminant productivity and contribute to significant economic losses in Somalia. An across-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 through December 2020 to identify hard tick species and determine the prevalence of tick infestation in small ruminants in the Benadir region, Somalia. Ticks were identified at the genera and species level by using morphological identification keys under a stereomicroscope. During the study period, a total of 384 small ruminants were examined for the presence of ticks through purposive sampling. All visible individual adult ticks were collected from the bodies of 230 goats and 154 sheep. A total of 651 Ixodid adult ticks were collected, of which 393 were male and 258 were female. The overall prevalence of tick infestation in the study area was 66.15% (254/384). The prevalence of tick infestation in goats and sheep was found to be 76.1% (175/230) and 51.3% (79/154), respectively. In the present study, nine species of hard ticks, which were grouped into three genera, were identified. The most abundant species found in this study were Rhipichephalus pulchellus (64.97%), Rhipichephalus everstieversti (8.45%), Rhipichephalus pravus (5.53%), Rhipichephalus lunulatus (5.38%), Amblyomma lepidum (5.22%), Amblyomma gemma (3.38%), and Hyalomma truncatum (2.62%) according to predominance. Rhipichephalus bursa (2.46%) and Rhipichephalus turanicus (1.99%) were the minor species observed in both species in the study area. The difference in the prevalence of tick infestation was found to be a statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) between species groups but not sex groups. In all cases, male ticks dominated female ticks. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that ticks were the most prevalent ectoparasites of small ruminants in the study areas. Therefore, the increasing threat of ticks and tick-borne pathogens of small ruminants warrants the urgent strategic application of acaricides and the creation of awareness among livestock owners to prevent and control tick infestations of sheep and goats in the study area.

Abundances of Ectoparasite of Sheep around West Shoa Zone Gindeberet Woreda

A cross sectional study was carried out in West Shoa Zone of Oromia regioninal state in Gindeberet woreda from june 20/,2017 to October 2017, .Sheep are the most important farm animal in our country, special dominant livestock, providing skin or wool and cash income in addition to food subsistence value obtained from livestock production. However due to the ectoparasite there is loss of skin value, income and wool due to poor management problem. The purpose of this study was to identify major ectoparasites of sheep and to determine their prevalence in the study area and to assess the magnitudes of these parasites in relation to sex, age and body condition. Out of 200 sheep examined 133 (66.5%) sheep were infested with the major ectoparasite. The major ectoparasite identified were ticks 31%, followed by lice 15.5%, fleas 12.5%, Melophagus ovinus 7% and Mange mites 0.5%. The overall infestation with ectoparasites was higher in females (37.5%) than males (29%). The overall prevalence in association with age categories was higher in adult (34%) than in the young (32.5%). The prevalence of major ectoparasite based on the BCS was found to be higher in poor (33.5%) than the (21.5%) medium and the good (11.5%) from in the overall occurrence of ectoparasites. The higher prevalence of ticks, lice, fleas, M.ovinus, and mangemites were observed in female and males. The highest prevalence of tick infestation (n=62) were observed in the area, among ectoparasite ticks were the most prevalent parasites (n=62) with the prevalence of 31% in the area, while the prevalence of mangemites was 0.5 %( n=1). Based on age classification the prevalence of Ticks (17.5%), lice (9%), fleas (7.5%), Melophagus ovinus (or sheep ked) (4%), and mange mite (0.5%) were highly prevalent in the adults than young’s (13.5%), (6.5%), (5%) and (3%) respectively. From the result of this study it is possible to conclude that ectoparasite infestation has affected drawback in the production of sheep at the study area.

Prevalence of Tick Infestation and Endo Parasites Infection of Dogs in Abuja, Nigeria

A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of ticks, endo, and haemoparasites of dogs in Abuja was conducted. A total of 500 dogs were examined for ticks, endo, and haemoparasites by standard methods. Of the 500 dogs screened, 145 (29.0%) were positive for ticks, 280 (56.0%) were positive for endoparasites, while 55 (11.0%) for haemoparasites. Ticks detected comprised Amblyomma variegatum (1.6%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (27.4%), while endoparasites detected included Ancylostoma caninum (12.0%), Dipylidium caninum (10.0%), Isospora oocysts (10.0%), Taenia hydatigena (8.0%), Toxocara canis (12.0%) and Trichuris vulpis (4.0%) and haemoparasites detected were Babesia canis (10.2%) and Ehrlichia canis (0.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in the sex, age, location, and the breeds of dogs with the infestation of parasites. Though the prevalence was higher in females and young dogs examined. It was concluded that some species of the ticks, endoparasites, and haemoparasites present a public health concern considering that dogs are pet and companion animals, therefore regular treatment and tick control should be introduced.