Prevalence Of Tick Infestation Research Articles

Serology, molecular detection and risk factors of Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs in Costa Rica

A cross-sectional study combining different serological and molecular techniques for the detection of Ehrlichia species in dogs and their ticks was carried out with data from all regions of Costa Rica. A seroprevalence of 32.1% (131/408), and infection with E. canis of 3.2% (13/407) was found, whereas 6.9% (9/130) of ticks attached to the dogs were PCR positive to E. canis. Higher prevalences were found outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA). Risk factors associated with E. canis seropositivity were age, between 2 and 7 years (RR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.2) and 8–15 years (RR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–3.0), number of dogs/total of households [Dogs per Household Ratio (DHR) ≥3.1 (RR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.4–3.0)], number of dogs infested with at least one tick/total of dogs sampled [Tick Infestation Prevalence (TIP)≥31% (RR: 2.1; 95% CI:1.3–3.3)] and living outside the GMA (RR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.4) and being a mixed-breed dog (RR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1–2.1). Risk factors for E. canis PCR positive dogs were a depressive attitude (OR: 11.2; 95% CI: 1.1–115.9), fever (OR:4.8; 95% CI:1.2–19.3), DHR≥3.1 (OR: 5.7; 95% CI:1.7–19.2)], number of ticks/total of dogs sampled [Tick Distribution Ratio (TDR) ≥2.1 (OR: 6.5; 95% CI: 1.3–31.8)], and TIP≥40% (OR: 5.7; 95% CI: 1.7–19.2). This paper describes E. canis seroprevalence, PCR prevalence and tick analysis in dogs from Costa Rica, with associated clinical signs and owner perceptions. In summary, most of the E. canis infections in dogs in our country seemed to pass unnoticed by owners. Since most of the seropositive dogs (97.7%, 131/134) were negative for E. canis DNA in their blood, it is important to determine in future studies if these dogs recovered from the E. canis infection without any medication, or are persistently infected, and will develop chronic disease.

Tick fauna of Malaysian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) in Bangi, Malaysia.

Aim:The red jungle fowl is generally considered as one of the endangered Asian wild Galleopheasants due to man-made encroachment of their habitats, coupled with the effect of disease and disease causing organisms like ticks and tick-borne infections. This study aimed to determine the tick fauna of the red jungle fowl and their predilection sites based on developmental stages.Materials and Methods:A total of 33 jungle fowls were sampled for this study from Bangi area of Selangor State, Peninsular Malaysian. The birds were captured using a locally made trap made-up of loops and bites. Ticks present on their bodies were detached using fine forceps and identified morphologically under a dissecting microscope.Results:91% of the jungle fowls were infested with ticks, all of which belongs to the species Haemaphysalis wellingtoni. The ear region appeared to be the most common predilection site (63%) for all the developmental stages in which the larval stages are solely restricted to that region. Nymphal and adult stages were distributed on the comb, wattle, and facial region in addition to the ear region.Conclusion:This study was the first in its kind and showed a high prevalence of tick infestation among jungle fowls. H. wellingtoni was known to be a vector in transmission of many tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, there is the need for further investigation to identify the various pathogens associated with this tick.

Survey of a Rodent and Tick Community in East-Central Texas

We conducted a survey of rodents and ticks in Brazos County in east-central Texas to learn more about native fauna that may be involved in enzootic transmission of pathogens that can cause tick-borne diseases in this region. Our objectives were to describe the species richness and seasonal activity of rodents, as well as to document their infestation with ticks over time. We captured 5 rodent species over the course of 19 months: Sigmodon hispidus (Hispid Cotton Rat), Reithrodontomys fulvescens (Fulvous Harvest Mouse), Peromyscus leucopus (White-footed Mouse), Peromyscus gossypinus (Cotton Mouse), and Baiomys taylori (Northern Pygmy Mouse). We observed a large increase in Hispid Cotton Rat capture success in the fall of 2013, reflecting a characteristic population boom periodically exhibited by this species. Overall tick-infestation prevalence of rodents was low (2.3%), and was comprised of juvenile ticks of 2 species—Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast Tick) and Ixodes scapularis (Blacklegged Tick). The co-occurrence of tick vectors and rodent species that are known reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens underscores the importance of studies to assess tick-borne disease risk in the region.

Survey of Tick Infestation in Domestic Ruminants of Haramaya District, Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of tick infestation and to identify tick species in domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep and goat) in Adelle, Batte, Tuji-gabisa and Ifa-Oromia kebeles of Haramaya district of Eastern Hararghe, Oromia region. Collection and identification of the ticks were undertaken from November 2013 to March 2014. All visible individual adult ticks were collected from half body part of 265 cattle, and whole body part of 198 sheep and 150 goats. The prevalence of tick infestation in cattle, sheep and goats was found to be 25.23%, 10.1% and 10%, respectively. The most abundant species found in this study were Boophilus decoloratus (47.8%), Amblyomma variegatum (28.4%) and Amblyomma gemma (12.48%), whereas, Rhipicephalus pulchellus (9.3%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (2.02%). Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi is the minor species of tick observed on cattle and sheep and none of these ticks were recorded in goats in the study area. Rhipicephalus pulchellus was observed only on cattle and none of these ticks were recorded in sheep and goats. The difference in the prevalence of tick infestation between species and age was statistically significant (X2=25.143, P=0.000 and X2=21.806, P=0.000) respectively. But sex, breed, locality and body condition were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The adult male ticks were more prevalent than the number of adult female ticks except for Boophilus decoloratus the reverse was true. Since they cause severe damage to the hides and skins of domestic ruminants and thereby reduce the foreign exchange of the country; they also transmit tick borne diseases, effective tick control programs should be formulated and implemented in the national or regional level.

First Pilot Study on the Prevalence of Tick Infestation in Livestock of Tehsil Hajira, Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir

First Pilot Study on the Prevalence of Tick Infestation in Livestock of Tehsil Hajira, Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir

Prevalence of Tick Infestation in Different Breeds of Cattle in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria

A survey study was conducted from June to December 2009 using standard parasitological procedures to determine the prevalence of tick infestation among cattle of different breeds in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria. The tick species identified were Boophilus microplus, Amblyomma variegatum, Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus sanguineous and Ornithodorus spp. Of the 205 cattle examined, 63.4% (95% CI: 56.8 – 70.0) were tick infested. Males had a non – significantly (P > 0.05) higher infestation rate of 63.4% (56.7 – 71.7) compared with the females 60.9% (46.8 – 75.0). Younger animals aged ? 3 years had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalence of 85.4% (74.6 – 96.2) as compared with the adults aged > 3 – 7 years 55.8% (46.3 – 65.3) and older animals > 7 years 35.0% (22.9 – 47.1). Among breeds, Wadara and Kuri had significantly (P < 0.05) higher infestation rates of 66.1% (57.9 – 74.3) and 66.7% (13.4 – 120.0) respectively. Gudali had 60.9% (41.0 – 80.8), Rahaji 58.0% (44.3 – 71.7) and Bunaji 50.0% (19.3 – 119.3). Based on the predilection sites, the udder and external genitalia, inner thigh and under the tail/perineum were the most tick-infested sites with 84.3% (78.3 – 88.5), 79.0% (73.4 – 84.6) and 69.8% (63.5 – 76.1) respectively (P < 0.05). While the less preferred sites eyes, neck/dewlap, ears and all over the body each had prevalence of 26.3% (20.3 – 32.3), 14.6% (9.8 – 1.4), 12.2% (7.7 – 16.7) and 11.2% (6.9 – 15.5) respectively. This study reveals high prevalence of tick infestation among indigenous cattle in Maiduguri. This might hamper cattle production and productivity in Nigeria. Thus, it is recommended that appropriate control strategies be instituted to control ticks in the study area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21279 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 161-166

Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in natural rodent and tick communities in Southern Hungary

The aim of this study was to investigate the natural cycle of the new human pathogenic bacteria Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Southern Hungary. We collected rodents with live-traps (2010–2013) and questing ticks with flagging in 2012. Small mammals were euthanized, tissue samples were collected and all the ectoparasites were removed and stored in 70% alcohol. We found relatively low overall prevalence of tick infestation (8%). Samples were analysed for A. phagocytophilum and Candidatus N. mikurensis with multiplex quantitative real-time PCR targeting a part of major surface protein 2 (msp2) and the heat shock protein groEL genes, respectively. The overall prevalence in tissue samples was 6.6% (skin) and 5.1% (spleen) for A. phagocytophilum and 1.7% (skin) and 3.4% (spleen) for Candidatus N. mikurensis. Candidatus N. mikurensis was only detected in Apodemus flavicollis and Apodemus agrarius, while A. phagocytophilum was found in A. flavicollis, A. agrarius, Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis and Mus musculus samples. Prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in skin samples of A. flavicollis was significantly higher than prevalence of N. mikurensis (p<0.05). Among questing Ixodes ricinus ticks we found three (8.8%) individuals (female, male, nymph) infected with Candidatus N. mikurensis. Five (3.1%) questing ticks had A. phagocytophilum infection (one I. ricinus male, two Dermacentor reticulatus females and two Haemaphysalis concinna females). We found one I. ricinus nymph removed from a male A. flavicollis with A. phagocytophilum infection. Our study provides new data on the occurrence of these pathogens in rodent tissue samples, questing ticks and engorged ticks in Southern Hungary.

Detection of natural prevalence and infection of ixodid ticks with Theileria equi in hilly equines of Palam valley (India)

Aim: The aim was to study the prevalence of tick infestation in equines of Palam valley and specific detection of Theileria equi infection in tick samples with nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay. Materials and Methods: In order to study the prevalence of ixodid tick population in hilly equines and their potential role in the transmission of T. equi, a total of 74 ticks were collected from apparently healthy equines, which were then processed and identified by classical parasitological technique. The molecular techniques (nested PCR) were applied for identification of infection of T. equi. Results: The ticks (n=74) collected from apparently healthy equines belonged mainly to three different species, of which 42 (56.75%) were Rhipicephalus microplus, whereas 16 (21.62%) were of Hyalomma species and 16 (21.62%) were of Hemaphysalis species. A total of 21 (30%) ticks were recovered from male and 53 (75.7%) from female equines. Adult equines harbored 94.6% (n=70) when compared to 5.4% (n=4) harbored by young ones. On nested PCR amplification an amplicon of 665 bp size specific for T. equi was detected in 6.75% (5/74) ticks (in 7.5% ticks recovered from a female and 4.7% from male equines). Conclusion: Nested PCR assay resulted in significantly higher efficacy of detection of the parasite in ticks. These results clearly demonstrate the presence of equine theileriosis in hilly northern state of the country and potential roles of ticks (R. microplus, Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma species) in its transmission.

Ixodid ticks in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Romania

Among wildlife, the red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are one of the most adapted wild species to anthropic ecosystems. They are well recognized as important reservoirs for a large number of zoonotic agents in Europe, including ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Currently, there are few available data on the importance of red foxes in the ecoepidemiology of vector-borne diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen the dynamics of tick infestation in 357 red foxes from 12 Romanian counties. Tick identification was performed using the morphological keys. The overall prevalence of tick infestation was 43.7%. The 5753 collected ticks belonged to five species: Ixodes hexagonus (on 113 out of 156 foxes; prevalence 72.44%), I. ricinus (28.84%), I. crenulatus (7.7%), Dermacentor marginatus (7.05%) and Haemaphysalis punctata (0.64%). Coinfestation occurred in 24 foxes (22 with 2 tick species; 2 with 3 tick species) with the following associations: I. ricinus + I. hexagonus (n = 10), I. hexagonus + D. marginatus (n = 5), I. ricinus + I. crenulatus (n = 4), I. ricinus + D. marginatus (n = 2), I. hexagonus + I. crenulatus (n = 1), D. marginatus + I. hexagonus + I. ricinus (n = 1), and H. punctata + I. hexagonus + I. ricinus (n = 1). This study indicates that foxes are hosts to a relevant number of tick species with recognized vectorial role. The provided information can facilitate the understanding of the ecology of ticks and can be the basis for studies on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. The high prevalence of tick infestation in red foxes, coupled with the increasing presence of this species in synanthropic environments and a more nature-oriented lifestyle of people, can pose a significant threat to human health, through the emergence of tick-borne diseases. Moreover, foxes represent a good model of sentinel species. This research was performed as part of project IDEI PCE 236/2011.

Identification and Prevalence of Ectoparasites in Cattle and Sheep in and Around Bishoftu Town, Central Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October, 2010 to May, 2011 on a total of 384 cattle and sheep to identify the major ectoparasites and to determine their prevalence in and around Bishoftu town, central Ethiopia. Out of 202 cattle and 182 sheep examined for ectoparasites, 95 (47.0%) cattle and 73 (40.1%) sheep were found to be infested with one or more ectoparasites. Overall eight genera of ectoparasites belonging to ticks (Boophilus, Amblyomma, Rhepicephalus and Hyalomma), lice (Damalina and Linognathus) and mange mite (Demodex spp and Psoroptes spp) were encountered in the study area. Prevalence of tick infestation was 35.2% (71/202) in cattle and 26.9% (49/182) in sheep. Among the risk factors assessed, female animals (cattle: χ2=5.4, P=0.020; sheep: χ2=5.5, P=0.019) and production system (cattle: χ2=29.4, P=0.000; sheep: χ2=10.3, P=0.001) were significantly associated with prevalence of tick infestation. The prevalence of pediculosis was 8.9% and 12.6% in bovine and ovine, respectively. Sex (χ2=19.3; P=0.000) and breed (χ2=4.6; P=0.033) in cattle, and production system in both cattle (χ2=5.5; P=0.020) and sheep (χ2=6.4; P=0.040) were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of pediculosis. The prevalence of demodicosis and psoroptic mange in cattle was 6.6% and 0.6%, respectively. However, the only mange mite species encountered in sheep was Psoroptes with the prevalence rate of 2.2%. Age in cattle (χ2=14.0; P=0.000) and sheep (χ2=3.8; P=0.040), and body condition in cattle (χ2=7.7; P=0.021) were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of mange mite infestation. The present study revealed that widespread occurrence of ectoparasites in cattle and sheep in the study area, and the major ectoparasites identified were tick, lice and mange mite, thus, improved management practice and well-coordinated control interventions are required.

Birds as potential reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens: first evidence of bacteraemia with Rickettsia helvetica

BackgroundBirds have long been known as carriers of ticks, but data from the literature are lacking on their role as a reservoir in the epidemiology of certain tick-borne disease-causing agents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of three emerging, zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in blood samples and ticks of birds and to assess the impact of feeding location preference and migration distance of bird species on their tick infestation.MethodsBlood samples and ticks of birds were analysed with TaqMan real-time PCRs and conventional PCR followed by sequencing.ResultsDuring the spring and autumn bird migrations, 128 blood samples and 140 ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis concinna and a Hyalomma specimen) were collected from birds belonging to 16 species. The prevalence of tick infestation and the presence of tick species were related to the feeding and migration habits of avian hosts. Birds were shown to be bacteraemic with Rickettsia helvetica and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, but not with Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis. The prevalence of rickettsiae was high (51.4%) in ticks, suggesting that some of them may have acquired their infection from their avian host.ConclusionBased on the present results birds are potential reservoirs of both I. ricinus transmitted zoonotic pathogens, R. helvetica and A. phagocytophilum, but their epidemiological role appears to be less important concerning the latter, at least in Central Europe.

Prevalence of tick infestation in dogs in and around Bhubaneswar

Aim: To study the prevalence of tick infestation in dogs in and around Bhubaneswar. Materials and Methods: A total of 610 dogs (360 stray dogs & 250 pet dogs) in and around Bhubaneswar belonging to either sex were examined for tick infestation during a period of one year (Aug 2011- July 2012). Standard parasitological procedures were followed for collection, processing and identification of ticks. Result: 283 dogs (46.39%) were found positive for tick infestation with three different ixodid tick spp., viz. Rhipicephalus spp (39.51%), Boophilus spp.(4.92%) and Haemaphysalis spp. (1.97%) with many dogs having mixed infestations. Higher rate of incidence was recorded among stray dogs (58.33%) as compared to pet dogs (29.20%). Prevalence among dogs less than 1 year of age was higher (53.41%) than dogs above one year (45.21%). The overall percentage of incidence was higher (53.97%) among males than females (38.31%) in both stray and pet dogs. Influence of age and the variation due to sex on prevalence of tick infestations was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Highest percentage of prevalence (48.86%) was recorded during rainy season followed by summer season (40.39%) and lowest (32.24%) in winter. Influence of season on the prevalence of tick infestation was highly significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: Our study revealed the occurrence of three types of ixodid ticks in dogs with a prevalence of mixed infestation. Influence of age, sex and season on the prevalence of tick infestation was found to be significant.

Prevalence of tick infestation in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) brought for slaughter in Mashhad abattoir, Iran.

This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of tick infestation and identify tick species that parasitize dromedary camels. Since April 2012 through March 2013, a total of 400 camels that brought for slaughter in Mashhad abattoir were examined for tick infestation. Out of the total 400 camels examined, 237 were infested and annual prevalence of tick infestation 59.25% (95% CI 54-64) was calculated. The higher prevalence rates were found in the summer and spring, especially the summer that prevalence rate was the highest. A total of 1,122 ticks were collected from the infested camels and identified by stereomicroscopy. Hyalomma dromedarii was the predominant tick species and comprised 70.76% of the collected ticks. The frequency of other species was as follows: H. excavatum (19.25%), H. anatolicum (4.81%), H. asiaticum (4.72%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (0.17%), H. detritum (0.09%), H. impeltatum (0.09%) and H. schulzei (0.09%). Based on the results of present study, it is concluded that camels mostly harbor Hyalomma spp. The species of this genus are the most notorious ticks for transmission of human and animal diseases. Therefore, appropriate tick control measures need to be employed and pour-on method for acaricide application is suggested because this method is fast, easy and suitable for use by camel owners in deserts.

Molecular detection of piroplasms in ixodid ticks infesting cattle and sheep in western Oromia, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, ticks and tick-borne diseases are widely distributed and contribute to important economic losses. Several studies investigated the prevalence and species composition of ticks infesting ruminants; however, data on tick-borne pathogens are still scarce. During the study period from October 2010 to April 2011, a total of 1,246 adult ticks and 264 nymphs were collected from 267 cattle and 45 sheep in Bako District, western Oromia, Ethiopia. The study showed infestation of 228/267 (85.4%) cattle and 35/45 (77.8%) sheep with adult ticks. Overall, eight tick species, belonging to three genera (Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma), were identified and Amblyomma cohaerens (n = 577), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (n = 290), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (n = 287), and Amblyomma variegatum (n = 85) were the more prevalent species. A statistically significant host preference in A. cohaerens for cattle and R. evertsi evertsi for sheep was noticed. Molecular detection of piroplasms, performed only for adult ticks of two species of the genus Rhipicephalus (R. evertsi evertsi and R. decoloratus), revealed an overall prevalence of 4% (8/202) Theileria buffeli/sergenti/orientalis, 0.5% (1/202) Theileria velifera, and 2% (4/202) Theileria ovis. The study showed that tick infestation prevalence is considerably high in both cattle and sheep of the area, but with a low intensity of tick burden and a moderate circulation of mildly pathogenic piroplasm species.

Study on prevalence and identification of ticks in Humbo district, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia

The distribution and abundance of cattle tick species in Humbo woreda, Wolaita zone, was studied over a period of 6 months from November, 2011 to April, 2012. Adult ticks were collected from seven main body regions of 384 cattle which were under extensive management system. Out of the total of 384 cattle examined, 238 (61%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. About 2,439 adult ticks were collected from the animal body parts and identified to genera and species level. Five tick species of three genera (Amblyomma, Boophilus and Rhipicephalus) were identified. The relative prevalence of each species was Boophilus decolaratus (30%), Rhipicephalus evertsi-evertsi (25%), Amblyomma varigatum (25%), A. cohaerence (11%), and A. lepidium(6%). The risk factors like sex and age of cattle did not show significant association with the infestation rate but there was association with both breeds and body conditions. The prevalence of tick infestation in medium body condition (78%), poor body condition (67%), and good body condition (57%) was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) among the three groups of body conditions. The prevalence of tick infestation was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) among the three breeds, with highest prevalence in exotic breeds (100%) than both cross (80%) and local breeds (58%). The result indicated that the favorable predilection sites of Amblyommaspecies are ventral body and perineum. B. decolaratus preferred dewlap, udder/scrotum, belly, leg/tail, head, and perineum. R. eversti-evertsi had a strong predilection sites for perineum, dewlap, udder/scrotum, and ears. The sex ratio of all tick species identified during this study periods was skewed towards male except forB. decolaratus. Considering the economic importance of tick and tick borne diseases (TBDs) in the Humbo district, also in the country, there should be country wide control strategy, taking into account acaricide residues in products. Key words: Attachment site, cattle, Humbo woreda, ixodidae, prevalence, tick burden.

Ticks on birds in a savanna (Cerrado) reserve on the outskirts of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

We report tick infestations on birds, in the environment and on domestic animals in a non-forested phytophysiognomy, the savanna-like Cerrado sensu stricto, in a natural reserve on the outskirts of the urban area of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Overall, 238 birds within 50 species, 15 families and six orders were caught. Passeriformes were the most numerous, with 216 birds (90.75%), among which 22 had ticks (n = 31). Within this order, the prevalence of tick infestation was 10.2%, and the abundance and mean intensity were 0.14 and 1.41, respectively. Only immature ticks of the species Amblyomma nodosum were found on the birds. The tick species found both on animals (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor nitens) and in the environment (Amblyomma dubitatum, Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus and Amblyomma cajennense) were as expected. This difference in tick species between the environment and birds possibly occurred because the sampling of the environment was limited to the ground. This study also highlights the importance of the diverse microenvironments used by ticks and hosts in the same area and the complex ecology of bird-tick relationships. Ecological and epidemiological aspects of the findings are discussed.

Influence of the physiological state on infestation by Rhipicephalus microplus in dairy cows

The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of physiological state, season, breed, number of lactations, dairy productivity, and stocking rate on infestation by Rhipicephalus microplus in dairy cows. Two hundred cows were selected through proportional representative sampling at the Seropédica Experimental Station (Pesagro-Rio), Brazil. Fully or partially engorged R. microplus females measuring between 4.5 and 8.0mm were counted on the right side of each animal. The tick infestation prevalence data were analyzed in relation to the risk factors, using multiple logistic regression. Associations between prevalence and its possible influencing determinants were measured using odds ratios. The average tick count of cows during the peripartum and lactation periods was significantly higher (p<0.05; OR=4.82) than the count in dry cows. Taurine animals showed significantly higher infestation (p<0.05; OR=3.28) than pure zebuine animals. Among cross-bred animals, the infestation was higher (p<0.05) in F1 animals (1/2 taurine×1/2 zebuine) than in Girolando animals (5/8 zebuine×3/8 taurine). Primiparous cows (p<0.05) had significantly heavier infestations than multiparous cows. Dairy production showed a positive correlation with tick infestation (p<0.03; OR=2.94), such that the most productive animals were the most parasitized ones. Animals kept at high densities were significantly more heavily infested (p<0.05, OR=6.32) than animals kept at low density. First-lactation and high-productivity taurine animals were more vulnerable to R. microplus, thus comprising a high-risk group in dairy herds.

Tick parasites of rodents in Romania: host preferences, community structure and geographical distribution

BackgroundTicks are among the most important vectors of zoonotic diseases in temperate regions of Europe, with widespread distribution and high densities, posing an important medical risk. Most ticks feed on a variety of progressively larger hosts, with a large number of small mammal species typically harbouring primarily the immature stages. However, there are certain Ixodidae that characteristically attack micromammals also during their adult stage. Rodents are widespread hosts of ticks, important vectors and competent reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens. Micromammal-tick associations have been poorly studied in Romania, and our manuscript shows the results of a large scale study on tick infestation epidemiology in rodents from Romania.MethodsRodents were caught using snap-traps in a variety of habitats in Romania, between May 2010 and November 2011. Ticks were individually collected from these rodents and identified to species and development stage. Frequency, mean intensity, prevalence and its 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the EpiInfo 2000 software. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsWe examined 423 rodents (12 species) collected from six counties in Romania for the presence of ticks. Each collected tick was identified to species level and the following epidemiological parameters were calculated: prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance. The total number of ticks collected from rodents was 483, with eight species identified: Ixodes ricinus, I. redikorzevi, I. apronophorus, I. trianguliceps, I. laguri, Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis sulcata. The overall prevalence of tick infestation was 29.55%, with a mean intensity of 3.86 and a mean abundance of 1.14. Only two polyspecific infestations were found: I. ricinus + I. redikorzevi and I. ricinus + D. marginatus.ConclusionsOur study showed a relatively high diversity of ticks parasitizing rodents in Romania. The most common tick in rodents was I. ricinus, followed by I. redikorzevi. Certain rodents seem to host a significantly higher number of tick species than others, the most important within this view being Apodemus flavicollis and Microtus arvalis. The same applies for the overall prevalence of tick parasitism, with some species more commonly infected (M. arvalis, A. uralensis, A. flavicollis and M. glareolus) than others. Two rodent species (Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus) did not harbour ticks at all. Based on our results we may assert that rodents generally can act as good indicators for assessing the distribution of certain tick species.

Prevalence of cattle tick infestation in and around Haramaya district, Eastern Ethiopia

We conducted a survey to determine the prevalence of hard ticks, their predilection sites and relation to breed, sex, and age group of animals. Cattle coming to clinic from different localities found in Haramaya district were selected by systematic random sampling technique and then examined for tick infestation. A total of 560 animals were examined of which 186 (33.21%) were found infested with one or more ticks. Among the total, 1446 ticks collected three genera; Amblyomma, Boophilus, andRhipicephalus, and five species identified. The relative prevalence of each species wasAmblyomma variegatum (38.87%), Amblyomma coherence (8.30%), Boophilus decoloratus (31.54%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (6.64%) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (14.66%). A. variegatum and A. coherence show higher preference to axial, scrotum/udder, groin and belly. B. decoloratus species were found prominently on the back and neck. R. evertsi evertsi and R. pulchelus showed high preference to the under tail and perianal and vulva regions of the body. The male to female sex ration of the collected ticks was found to 1.96:1, showing higher proportion of male than their counterparts. The prevalence of tick infestation was found significantly higher (P 0.05). Key words: Haramaya, cattle, infestation, Ixodide ticks.

Ectoparasites of goats in three agroecologies in central Oromia, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for ectoparasites infestation in 979 goats in three agroecologies in central Oromia, Ethiopia from October 2009 through April 2010. The results of the study showed that of the total goats examined 487 (49.7 %) of them were infested with one or more ectoparasites. The ectoparasites identified were (16.5 %) Linognathus spp., 8.8 % Sarcoptes, 5 % Ctenocephalides spp. 11.8 % Amblyomma variegatum, 5.9 % Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, 4.3 % Rhipicephalus pravus, 1.6 % Boophilus decoloratus, 1.8 % Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 1.3 % Rhipicephalus praetextatus, and 0.4 % Hyalomma truncatum. Statistically significant (OR = 0.477, p = 0.000) difference was observed in prevalence of Linognathus stenopsis among highland, lowland and midland. Significantly higher prevalence of tick infestation in the lowland than both the midland and highland agroecology was recorded. The risk of tick infestations in lowland and midland was 2.841 and 5.635 times, respectively, higher than in highlands. Age-related variation was not observed in the prevalence of both Linognathus and tick infestations in examined goats. Significantly (OR = 7.864, p = 0.000) higher prevalence of sarcoptic mange in the lowland than the midland was observed. Goats in lowland were 7.864 times at higher risk for sarcoptic mange than those in the midlands. Sex-related variation in the prevalence of ectoparasites was never recorded in goats. Significantly higher prevalence of sarcoptic mange (OR = 0.266, p = 0.000) and Ctenocephalides spp. (OR = 2.430, p = 0.005) on young than adult goats was recorded. The logistic regression results showed statistically significant difference in prevalence of tick infestations (OR = 0.565, p = 0.000) and sarcoptic mange (OR = 0.582, p = 0.003) between goats with poor and good body condition. Further studies on role of ectoparasites in transmission of diseases to goats, comparative prevalence and load, and the importance of goats as alternative hosts in different agroecology and management systems in Ethiopia are recommended so as to design applicable control program in the country. Furthermore, the threat of ectoparasites on overall productivity of goats and the tanning industry warrants detail studies and urgent control intervention.