Prevalence Of Ticks Research Articles

Molecular epidemiology of Theileria species in ticks and its potential threat to livestock in the Republic of Korea

The purpose of this study was to investigate molecular epidemiology of Theileria spp. in ticks in Korea and assess their potential threat from wildlife animals to domestic animals. A total of 21152 hard ticks were collected from Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces of Korea from March to October 2021. Tick species were identified by microscopy and Theileria spp. were screened by nested PCR targeting 18S rRNA. Haemaphysalis spp. were the most abundant tick species, followed by H. longicornis, H. flava, Amblyomma testudinarium, and Ixodes nipponensis. Of the collected ticks, 6914 ticks (541 pools) were screened, and PCR showed 211 positive pools (39.0%; MIR: 3.05). The PCR and phylogenetic analysis identified two Theileria species, T. luwenshuni and Theileria sp., with T. luwenshuni (162/211, 76.78%; MIR: 2.34) being more abundant than Theileria sp. (36/211, 17.06%; MIR: 0.52); co-infection of the two species were noted (13/211, 6.16%; MIR: 0.19). Among the tick species, H. longicornis, especially nymphs, showed the highest prevalence. Regarding season, the highest prevalence was observed in May. Considering the tick and Theileria species identified in this study, H. longicornis nymph and cervine play a critical role in maintaining Theileria spp. in Korea and could be a potential threat to domestic animals, including deer and goats. In addition, there are significant correlations among tick distribution, region, season, and prevalence of Theileria.

Deployment of a Reservoir-Targeted Vaccine Against Borrelia burgdorferi Reduces the Prevalence of Babesia microti Coinfection in Ixodes scapularis Ticks.

In the Northeast and upper Midwest of the United States, Babesia microti and Borrelia burgdorferi use Ixodes scapularis ticks as vector and Peromyscus leucopus mice as major reservoir host. We previously established, in a 5-year field trial, that a reservoir-targeted outer surface protein A vaccine reduces the prevalence of B. burgdorferi-infected ticks. We accessed ticks and mouse blood samples collected during the trial, extracted total DNA, and amplified the B. microti 18S rRNA gene. Vaccine deployment reduced the prevalence of ticks coinfected with B. microti and that of mice infected with B. microti. Breaking the enzootic cycle of B. burgdorferi may reduce the incidence of babesiosis.

Virome analysis of ticks and tick-borne viruses in Heilongjiang and Jilin Provinces, China

Ticks transmit diverse human and animal pathogens, leading to an increasing number of public health concerns. In the forest area of northeast China, the spread of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) is severe; however, little is known about the tick virome composition and evolution. Herein, we investigate the geographical distribution of tick species and related viruses in Heilongjiang and Jilin Provinces in Northeast China. To reveal the diversity of tick-borne viruses in parts of Heilongjiang and Jilin, ticks were collected at 9 collection points in these provinces in 2018. Morphology and molecular biology were used to identify tick species, and 1411 ticks from nine sampling sites were collected and analysed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Four Ixodidae were identified, including Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis japonica, Dermacentor silvarum, and Haemaphysalis concinna. After removal of host genome sequences, 13,003 high-quality NGS reads were obtained and annotated as viruses. Further phylogenetic analysis based on amplicons revealed that these viral sequences belong to Beiji nairovirus, Alongshan virus, bovine parvovirus-2, and tick-associated circovirus; some distinct sequences are closely related to Songling virus, Changping tick virus, Norway luteo-like virus 2, and Norway partiti-like virus 1. In summary, this study describes the prevalence of local ticks and variety of tick-borne viruses in northeastern China, providing a basis for further research on tick-borne viruses in the future.

Ectoparasites of Rodents from some Districts in Baghdad

A total of 91 rodents were identified including Rattus norvegicus (n=58) , Rattus rattus (n=31) & Mus musculus( n=2) which were collected from five districts of Baghdad area during 2005-2006 ; with total general ectoparasites prevalence infestation (72.5%). A total of 306 ectoparasites were collected comprising flea, lice, mites and tick . Eight species of ectoparasites were identified , comprising flea , Xenopsylla cheopis ; tick , Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum ; lice , Hoploplerura oenomydis, H. acanthopus, Polyplax spinulosa; mites , Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus bacoti , Laelaps echidnina. Mites recorded highest prevalence and index then lice with least flea and tick prevalence's and indices in general ; Only mites were collected from Mus musculus. Rattus rattus ectoparasites means were higher than that of Rattus norvegicus but not statistically significant (P=0.231) , while there were Statistically significant differences detected with chi square (P = 0.008), and Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance on rank (P > 0.001) at 0.05 level between one or two means of lice , mites , fleas and ticks of Rattus norvegicus , Rattus rattus & Mus musculus . Given parameters of rodents vector arthropods understudy could assists in control of zoonotic diseases such as plague and murine typhus .

Epizootiology and associated risk factors of tick fauna infecting domestic livestock population in district Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

The current study was aimed to corelates the association of different risk factors with tick infestation rate in livestock (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat) population of district Faisalabad. Ticks were collected through the standard collection protocols, were identified under stereomicroscope. Overall, 54%, 50%, 50% and 49 % tick infestation rate reported from livestock species (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat) and higher prevalence was observed in tehsil Tandlianwala (72%, 65%, 70% and 57%). Among intrinsic factors (age and sex) higher prevalence was reported in young (7-12 months) and female animals. Significant association (P<0.05) was observed with season and tick prevalence and higher prevalence was reported in summer season. Statistically significant association (P<0.05) was observed among extrinsic factors including feeding system, (higher infestation was reported in grazing animals), housing system (higher rate was recorded in free-housed animals), type of farming (higher rate in free-ranged animals), farm structure (higher infestation rate among animals kept on uncemented floor) and hygienic measures (higher prevalence in poorly hygiene animals). Most prevalent tick species were H. anatolicum, (85%), H. marginatum (1.5%), H. turncatum (1.02%) and R. microplus (12%). These findings will be helpful in devising services for tick infestation control in selected area and other regions having similar husbandry system.

Abetting host immune response by inhibiting rhipicephalus sanguineus Evasin-1: An in silico approach.

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the most prevalent tick in the world and a well-recognized vector of many pathogens affecting dogs and occasionally humans. Pathogens exploit tick salivary molecules for their survival and multiplication in the vector and transmission to and establishment in the hosts. Tick saliva contains various non-proteinaceous substances and secreted proteins that are differentially produced during feeding and comprise of inhibitors of blood congealing and platelet aggregation, vasodilatory and immunomodulatory substances, and compounds preventing itch and pain. One of these proteins is Evasin-1, which has a high binding affinity to certain types of chemokines. The binding of Evasin-1 to chemokines prevents the detection and immune response of the host to R. sanguineus, which may result in the successful transmission of pathogens. In this study, we screened potential Evasin-1 inhibitor based on the pharmacophore model derived from the binding site residues. Hit ligands were further screened via molecular docking and virtual ADMET prediction, which resulted in ZINC8856727 as the top ligand (binding affinity: -9.1 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulation studies, coupled with MM-GBSA calculations and principal component analysis revealed that ZINC8856727 plays a vital role in the stability of Evasin-1. We recommend continuing the study by developing a formulation that serves as a potential medicine aid immune response during R. sanguineus infestation.

Whole-genome sequencing and genetic diversity of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus using multiplex PCR-based nanopore sequencing, Republic of Korea.

BackgroundWhole-genome sequencing plays a critical role in the genomic epidemiology intended to improve understanding the spread of emerging viruses. Dabie bandavirus, causing severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), is a zoonotic tick-borne virus that poses a significant public health threat. We aimed to evaluate a novel amplicon-based nanopore sequencing tool to obtain whole-genome sequences of Dabie bandavirus, also known as SFTS virus (SFTSV), and investigate the molecular prevalence in wild ticks, Republic of Korea (ROK).Principal findingsA total of 6,593 ticks were collected from Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces, ROK in 2019 and 2020. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of SFSTV RNA in three Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks. Two SFTSV strains were isolated from H. longicornis captured from Pocheon and Cheorwon. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based nanopore sequencing provided nearly full-length tripartite genome sequences of SFTSV within one hour running. Phylogenetic and reassortment analyses were performed to infer evolutionary relationships among SFTSVs. Phylogenetic analysis grouped SFTSV Hl19-31-4 and Hl19-31-13 from Pocheon with sub-genotype B-1 in all segments. SFTSV Hl20-8 was found to be a genomic organization compatible with B-1 (for L segment) and B-2 (for M and S segments) sub-genotypes, indicating a natural reassortment between sub-genotypes.Conclusion/SignificanceAmplicon-based next-generation sequencing is a robust tool for whole-genome sequencing of SFTSV using the nanopore platform. The molecular prevalence and geographical distribution of SFTSV enhanced the phylogeographic map at high resolution for sophisticated prevention of emerging SFTS in endemic areas. Our findings provide important insights into the rapid whole-genome sequencing and genetic diversity for the genome-based diagnosis of SFTSV in the endemic outbreak.

Prevalence and Identification of Ticks in Cattle Of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Ticks, the notorious ectoparasite, are frequently infest cattle and cause various disease conditions and acts as vector of pathogenic organism. To determine the tick infestation in cattle of four Districts of Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh, a total of 1200 cattle (300 from each district) were randomly examined throughout the year. Four hundred ticks (100 from each district) collected from cattle were microscopically identified to determine the prevalence of specific ticks. Among the examined cattle, 433 (36.08%) were found infested with one or more species of ticks. The highest prevalence was recorded in Naogaon District (39.66%) followed by Rajshahi (37.33%), Joypurhat (34.33%) and Natore (33%). Tick infestation rate was higher (p<0.05) in rainy season (43%) followed by summer (37.75%) and winter (27.5%). Adult cattle (>5 years) were significantly (p<0.05) susceptible (41.63%) to tick infestation in comparison to young (>1-<5 years) (29.94%) and calves (<1 year) (34.13%). Significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in sex related infestation. Female were highly susceptible (48.31%) than male (19.92%). Local breed cattle were significantly susceptible (41.97%) compare to North Bengal Gray (37.28%) and cross breed (26.60%) cattle. Ear was the most favorite (72.51%) infestation site of tick whereas least was found in scrotum (5.31%). Microscopic identification revealed 5 different species of ticks. Boophilus/ Rhipicephalus microplus was the most prevalent (33.5%) species followed by Haemaphysalis bispinosa (23.50%), Amblyomma variegatum (17.25%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (14%) and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (11.75%). Notable tick infestation in cattle indicated the possibility of damaged by ticks and opportunity of transmission of pathogenic organism. Thus, an effective control strategy is warned to overcome the harmful effects of ticks on cattle. Vol. 9, No. 2, August 2022: 171-183

The circulation ofAnaplasma phagocytophilumecotypes is associated with community composition of vertebrate hosts

AbstractAnaplasma phagocytophilumis a tick‐borne pathogen that has been detected in many tick and vertebrate species. It is among the most widespread tick‐borne pathogens in animals in Europe. The bacterium can be genetically divided into four ecotypes, which are linked to distinct but overlapping host species. However, knowledge about the transmission dynamics of the enzootic cycles of the different ecotypes is limited. Here, we quantified the link between the ecotypes ofA. phagocytophilum, the different life stages of the tickIxodes ricinus, and vertebrate host groups through a meta‐analysis. We extracted data on the meanI. ricinusburden and theA. phagocytophiluminfection prevalence in both hosts and feedingI. ricinusfrom 197 papers on 77 wildlife species. With this information, we modeled the relative importance of different host taxonomic groups for the circulation of the different ecotypes ofA. phagocytophilumin a theoretical assemblage of hosts with varying presence of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and densities of small mammals. We showed that the composition of the vertebrate community affects the relative abundance of different ecotypes ofA. phagocytophilumin the different life stages ofI. ricinus. The presence of red deer is likely to increase the infection prevalence of Ecotype 1 in ticks, while small mammal densities drive the prevalence in ticks of mainly Ecotype 3, and to a lesser extent Ecotype 1. In Europe, vertebrate communities are changing, with an increase in red deer abundance and changes in the population dynamics of small mammals. Our results suggest that these changes could imply an increase in the circulation ofA. phagocytophilumand thus an increase in the risk for public and veterinary health.

The Saharan antelope addax (Addax nasomaculatus) as a host for Hyalomma marginatum, tick vector of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus

Tick infestation and pathogen prevalence in ticks infesting the Saharan antelope addax (Addax nasomaculatus) are factors that may constitute a risk for both human and animal health. In this study we describe season distribution of adult Hyalomma marginatum and analyzed the tick-borne pathogens and their seroprevalence in natural-living addax in Morocco. The results showed that addax is an important host species for H. marginatum adults. The seroprevalence of Bluetongue virus (BTV; 61.5–92.3%, n = 8/13-84/91), Coxiella burnetii (36.3–69.2%, n = 33/91-9/13) and Brucella spp. (0.0–4.8%, n = 0/50-2/42) was characterized in addax during various years (sampled animals per year, n = 13–91). Presence of Aigai virus (AIGV), a recent taxonomic differentiation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) of 100% (4/4, years 2016 and 2017) together with Babesia ovis (75%, 3/4, year 2014), Anaplasma spp. (75%, 3/4, year 2014), Rickettsia spp. (50%, 2/4, year 2014) and Theileria spp. (25%, 1/4, year 2014) was observed in H. marginatum collected from the addax (4 pools of 10 adult ticks each). The results support the role of addax host in H. marginatum life cycle and exposure to AIGV and other tick-borne pathogens. The development of control interventions including anti-tick vaccines for wildlife species will contribute to the implementation of effective measures for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases and might be relevant for the preservation of this threatened species and others such as Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) and African elk (Taurotragus oryx) that share habitat.

Epidemiology of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Ruminants across Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region from 1980 until 2021: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that are capable of infesting a wide range of mammals, including domestic animals, ruminants, wildlife, and humans across the world, and they transmit disease-causing pathogens. Numerous individual epidemiological studies have been conducted on the distribution and prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in the Southern African Developing Community (SADC) region, but no effort has been undertaken to synchronize findings, which would be helpful in the implementation of consolidated tick control measures. With the aim of generating consolidated pooled prevalence estimates of ticks and TBDs in the SADC region, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published articles using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A deep search was performed on five electronic databases, namely, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, AJOL, and Springer Link. Of the 347 articles identified, only 61 of the articles were eligible for inclusion. In total, 18,355 tick specimens were collected, belonging to the genera Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus (including Boophilus) across several countries, including South Africa (n = 8), Tanzania (n = 3), Zambia (n = 2), Zimbabwe (n = 2), Madagascar (n = 2), Angola (n = 2), Mozambique (n = 1), and Comoros (n = 1). The overall pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of TBPs in livestock was 52.2%, with the highest PPE in cattle [51.2%], followed by sheep [45.4%], and goats [29.9%]. For bacteria-like and rickettsial TBPs, Anaplasma marginale had the highest PPE of 45.9%, followed by A. centrale [14.7%], A. phagocytophilum [2.52%], and A. bovis [0.88%], whilst Ehrlichia ruminantium had a PPE of 4.2%. For piroplasmids, Babesia bigemina and B. bovis had PPEs of 20.8% and 20.3%, respectively. Theileria velifera had the highest PPE of 43.0%, followed by T. mutans [29.1%], T. parva [25.0%], and other Theileria spp. [14.06%]. Findings from this study suggest the need for a consolidated scientific approach in the investigation of ticks, TBPs, and TBDs in the whole SADC region, as most of the TBDs are transboundary and require a regional control strategy.

Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Ticks and Molecular Survey of Anaplasma marginale, with Notes on Their Phylogeny.

Hard ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) are medically important ectoparasites that feed on all classes of terrestrial vertebrates. Recently, we molecularly characterized hard ticks and associated Anaplasma spp. in the northern and central regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan; however, this knowledge was missing in the southern regions. This study aimed to investigate tick prevalence, host range, genetic diversity, and molecular survey of Anaplasma spp. in a wide range of tick species in two distinct physiographic regions of southern KP. A total of 1873 hard ticks were randomly collected from 443/837 hosts (cattle, Asian water buffaloes, horses, goats, sheep, dogs, and camels) in Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Orakzai districts of KP. Overall, 12 tick species were morphologically identified, among which Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent species (390/1873, 20.9%), followed by Hy. anatolicum (294, 15.7%), Rhipicephalus microplus (262, 14%), Hy. scupense (207, 11.1%), R. sanguineus (136, 7.3%), R. turanicus (121, 6.5%), Haemaphysalis cornupunctata (107, 5.7%), R. haemaphysaloides (110, 5.9%), Ha. montgomeryi (87, 4.6%), Hy. isaaci (58, 3.1%), Ha. bispinosa (54, 2.9%), and Ha. sulcata (47, 2.5%). The extracted DNA from a subset of each tick species was subjected to PCR to amplify cox1 or 16S rRNA sequences of ticks and 16S rRNA sequences of Anaplasma spp. The tick cox1 sequences showed 99–100% identities with the sequences of the same species, whereas 16S rRNA sequences of R. turanicus, Ha. montgomeryi and Ha. sulcata showed 97–100% identities with the corresponding species. The 16S rRNA sequence of Ha. cornupunctata showed 92% identity with the species from the same subgenus, such as Ha. punctata. The 16S rRNA sequence of Anaplasma spp. showed 100% identity with Anaplasma marginale. Moreover, 54 ticks were found positive for A. marginale with a total infection rate of 17.2%. The highest infection rate was recorded in Hy. dromedarii (31.1%) and the lowest in each R. haemaphysaloides and R. sanguineus (20%). All the cox1 or 16S rRNA sequences in phylogenetic trees clustered with the same species, except Ha. cornupunctata, which clustered with the Ha. (Aboimisalis) punctata. In this study, Ha. cornupunctata was reported for the first time at the molecular level. The genetic characterization of ixodid ticks and molecular detection of associated A. marginale will assist in the epidemiological surveillance of these parasites in the region.

Perspectives on and prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Alaskan veterinary clinics.

To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of veterinary personnel and pet owners regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases in Alaska and to conduct a serosurvey for tick-borne disease pathogens among domestic animals visiting veterinary clinics for preventative care. Across 8 veterinary clinics, we sampled 31 veterinary personnel, 81 pet owners, 102 client-owned dogs, and 1 client-owned cat. Information on KAP among veterinary staff and pet owners was collected via self-administered questionnaires. Tick and tick-borne disease prevalence were assessed via tick checks and benchtop ELISA antibody tests detecting Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Erlichia canis, Erlichia ewingii, and Borrelia burgdorferi. The veterinary personnel KAP survey showed a low average knowledge score (53.5%) but a moderate attitude score (71.7%). In contrast, owner average knowledge score was higher (67.5%) and attitude score was comparatively low (50.6%). Both veterinary personnel and owners had low average practice scores (64.5% and 56.3%, respectively). One dog was positive for anaplasmosis (unknown species) antibody, and 1 dog was positive for B burgdorferi antibody. No ticks were found during the study. This study was the first of its kind in the state and indicated a low prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the domestic pet population and highlighted significant knowledge gaps that could be targeted by public health efforts. Our results suggest the value of a One Health approach and of the veterinary-client relationship to address ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and Associated Pathoge Collected From Domestic Animals and Vegetation in Stann Creek District, Southeastern Belize, Central America.

Data on the prevalence and distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Belize are lacking. Ticks (n = 564) collected from dogs, horses, and vegetation in two villages in Stann Creek District in southeastern Belize in 2018, were molecularly identified and screened for tick-borne nonviral human pathogens. The identity of 417 ticks was molecularly confirmed by DNA barcoding as Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) (66.43%), Amblyomma ovale Koch (15.59%), Dermacentor nitens Neumann (11.51%), Amblyomma sp. ADB0528 (3.6%), and the remainder being small records (2.87%) of Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, Amblyomma imitator Kohls, Amblyomma tapirellum Dunn, Amblyomma auricularium Conil, and Amblyomma maculatum Koch. Individual tick extracts were screened for the presence of Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Babesia microti, Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Anaplasma spp. using available conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest was identified in five specimens of A. ovale, and one other unidentified tick, all collected from dogs. Another unidentified tick—also collected from a dog—tested positive for an undefined but previously detected Ehrlichia sp. With the exception of D. nitens, all eight other tick species identified in this study were collected on dogs, suggesting that dogs could be usefully employed as sentinel animals for tick surveillance in Belize.

"Prevalence of Bovine Ticks in and Around Ambo District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State"

Ticks are harmful blood sucking external parasites of livestock that are distributed in all agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was conducted to identify major tick genera, prevalence and assess tick infestation load on cattle in Ambo district West shoa zone Oromia regional state.

Distribution and identification of tick species infesting donkeys, in district Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

A first cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the distribution and identification of tick species infesting donkeys, in district Dera Ismail Khan and two tehsils i.e. Daraban and Kulachi. A total of 1370 donkeys were examined and a total of 2190 ticks were collected from different body parts of donkeys. Thirteen tick species belonging to seven genera identified in this study were Rhipicephalus sanguineus (13.196%), Amblyomma variegatum (1.416%), A. americanum (2.001%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (2.657%), Dermacentor reticulatus (3.651%), D. marginatus (4.711%), Hyalomma rufipes (8.538%), H. dromedarii (12.251%), H. excavatum (9.963), H. anatolicum (19.132%), H. scupense (12.702%), Haemaphysalis punctata (4.803%) and Ixodes ricinus (2.602%). H. anatolicum was the dominant species with 19.132% prevalence, while, A. variegatum was least prevalent, with 1.416% prevalence. The relative abundance of tick species in three tehsils of D.I.Khan was 46.06, 30.85 and 22.90% in tehsil D.I.Khan, Kulachi and Daraban, respectively. Mane and ears were the most affected parts of the host body, while, the tail, eyes and muzzle were less affected. The statistical analysis of the prevalence of ticks among different age and sex groups was found significant. Ticks were abundantly distributed in all of the study areas and further studies related to tick prevalence, distribution, molecular and serological detection of tick-borne pathogens in donkeys, are needed in the country.

A comparison of horizontal and transovarial transmission efficiency of Borrelia miyamotoi by Ixodes scapularis

Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever spirochete carried by Ixodes spp. ticks throughout the northern hemisphere. The pathogen is acquired either transovarially (vertically) or horizontally through blood-feeding and passed transtadially across life stages. Despite these complementary modes of transmission, infection prevalence of ticks with B. miyamotoi is typically low (<5%) in natural settings and the relative contributions of the two transmission modes have not been studied extensively. Horizontal transmission of B. miyamotoi (strain CT13–2396 or wild type strain) was initiated using infected Ixodes scapularis larvae or nymphs to expose rodents, which included both the immunocompetent CD-1 laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) and a natural reservoir host, the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus. leucopus), to simulate natural enzootic transmission. Transovarial transmission was evaluated using I. scapularis exposed to B. miyamotoi as either larvae or nymphs feeding on immunocompromised SCID mice (M. musculus) and subsequently fed as females on New Zealand white rabbits. Larvae from infected females were qPCR-tested individually to assess transovarial transmission rates. Tissue tropism of B. miyamotoi in infected ticks was demonstrated using in situ hybridization. Between 1 and 12% of ticks were positive (post-molt) for B. miyamotoi after feeding on groups of CD-1 mice or P. leucopus with evidence of infection, indicating that horizontal transmission was inefficient, regardless of whether infected larvae or nymphs were used to challenge the mice. Transovarial transmission occurred in 7 of 10 egg clutches from infected females. Filial infection prevalence in larvae ranged from 3 to 100% (median 71%). Both larval infection prevalence and spirochete load were highly correlated with maternal spirochete load. Spirochetes were disseminated throughout the tissues of all three stages of unfed ticks, including the salivary glands and female ovarian tissue. The results indicate that while multiple transmission routes contribute to enzootic maintenance of B. miyamotoi, transovarial transmission is likely to be the primary source of infected ticks and therefore risk assessment and tick control strategies should target adult female ticks.

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 and Taxonomic Identification of Ectoparasites (Ticks) Collected from Sheep in Sinjawi (Ziarat) Balochistan Pakistan

Ticks are ectoparasites (Hematophagous) of wild and domestic animals. These are hazardous especially livestock industry all around the world, most of ticks species have been caused huge economic losses to domestic animals as well as livestock industry. The current study was conducted to check the prevalence and taxonomic identification of species of tick in Tehsil Sinjawi. In 2020 to 2021 species such as Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma belonging to two genera were collected and identified. During current study results, the most Dominance specie Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n=180) was found in sheep while female sheep (n=74) were highly infested as compare to male sheep (n=47). Proper control measures are needed for tick infestation and prevalence in study area.

A Survey for Some Kinds of Livestock’s Ticks in Dhi-Qar and AL-Muthanna Governorates/Iraq

In this study, a survey was conducted to determine the types and the prevalence of ticks parasitizing livestock in south of Iraq, namely Dhi-Qar and AL-Muthanna governorates. The study continued for five months, from the beginning of October 2021 until the end of February 2022. During this period, samples were collected from sheep, cows, buffaloes and camels from different regions within the tow mentioned governorates. The results recorded the presence of six species of ticks infecting livestock, all of which belongs to the genus Hyalomma, where the type H.anatolicum had the highest infection prevalence, which was (32.87%). While the rest species recorded as the follows H.marginatum (20.17%), H.excavatum (18.99%), H.dromedarii (18.89%), H.scupense (8.00%), and H.truncatum (1.06%) as the latter recorded the lowest prevalence among the diagnosed species. The total infection rate was 59.65% (346 out of 580), and according to the governorate, The highest infection prevalence was in Dhi-Qar, which recorded about (61.75%), while AL-Muthanna recorded (57.08%), for animal type, the highest rate recorded in camels (77.14%), while buffalos recorded the lowest rate (47.85%), of the five months, October recorded the highest infection prevalence that was (77.5%), while January recorded the lowest infection prevalence that was (32.2%). Keywords: Livestoks Ticks, Dhi-Qar, AL-Muthanna