Cattle Tick Research Articles

Rhipicephalus microplus: A parasite threatening cattle health and consequences of herbal acaricides for upliftment of livelihood of cattle rearing communities in Chhattisgarh

Rhipicephalus microplus is the most prevalent tick in Chhattisgarh and around India. It is commonly found in the shelter of cattle and reproduces rapidly. It causes deterioration to animals and their products mostly milk. It affects the livelihood of poor farming and dairy communities in Chhattisgarh. People residing in the rural areas of this state have a single source of income and earn daily wages to fulfill the necessities of life. They face difficulty to arrange the fodder of cattle due to hike in prices of dried hay, straw, and cereals. In this situation, if ticks infesting cattle and affecting the milk production that will create a pensive life to the cattle rearing communities in Chhattisgarh. Ticks controlling methods are expensive and may affect cattle health. However, in India, chemical acaricides have been extensively used to control cattle ticks specifically by small and marginal farmers. The major drawback of using these chemical acaricides is that the ticks are now becoming resistant. In the meanwhile, acaricides derived from the herbal source are gaining importance worldwide. Chhattisgarh is an herbal state, here numerous herbs are available that have been using for several medicinal and pesticidal purposes. Herbal acaricides are devoid of any side effects and do not produce resistance in the parasites. The intention behind this review is to highlight the ticks infesting cattle in Chhattisgarh, the condition of cattle producers, suitable methods to prevent ticks attack, maintain a healthy atmosphere for cattle and earn their livelihood.

Amblyomma hebraeum is the predominant tick species on goats in the Mnisi Community Area of Mpumalanga Province South Africa and is co-infected with Ehrlichia ruminantium and Rickettsia africae

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, Amblyomma ticks are vectors of heartwater disease in domestic ruminants, caused by the rickettsial pathogen Ehrlichia ruminantium. Immature tick stages often bite humans, whereby they act as vectors of tick-bite fever caused by Rickettsia africae. Moreover, Amblyomma ticks cause damage to livestock due to their feeding behaviour. In South Africa, we studied the abundance of Amblyomma hebraeum ticks on goats of emerging farmers in Mpumalanga Province. A selected number of A. hebraeum nymphs and adult ticks was tested for co-infection with E. ruminantium and R. africae.MethodsA total of 630 indigenous goats, belonging to farmers in the Mnisi Community area, were examined for ticks in 2013 and 2014. All ticks were identified, and a selected number was tested by PCR with reverse line blot hybridisation.ResultsIn total, 13,132 ticks were collected from goats distributed over 17 different households. Amblyomma hebraeum was the predominant species, followed by R. microplus. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R. simus and R. zambeziensis were also identified. Amblyomma hebraeum was present throughout the year, with peak activity of adults in summer (November) and nymphs in winter (July). The ratio between adults and nymphs ranged from 1:2.7 in summer to 1:55.1 in winter. The mean prevalence of infection for E. ruminantium by PCR/RLB in adult ticks was 17.4% (31/178), whereas 15.7% (28/178) were infected with R. africae. In pooled nymphs, 28.4% were infected with E. ruminantium and 38.8% carried R. africae infection. Co-infections of E. ruminantium and R. africae in adult and pooled nymphal ticks were 3.9% (7/178) and 10% (14.9), respectively. Lameness of goats due to predilection of ticks for the interdigital space of their feet was observed in 89% of the households.ConclusionsGoats act as important alternative hosts for cattle ticks, which underscored the necessity to include goats in control programs. It is suggested to use acaricide-impregnated leg-bands as a sustainable method to kill ticks and prevent lameness in goats. The challenge of goats by considerable numbers of E. ruminantium-infected ticks is a major obstacle for upgrading the indigenous goat breeds. Humans may be at risk to contract tick-bite fever in this area.

Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (s.l.) oil‐in‐water emulsions drastically reduced Rhipicephalus microplus larvae outbreak population on artificially infested grass

Rhipicephalus microplus Canestrini, 1887 (Arachnida: Ixodidae) is a mandatory bloodsucking ectoparasite, and it is considered one of the main sanitary problems in livestock. In the development of new technologies for controlling ticks, Metarhizium anisopliae complex (M. anisopliae s. l.) Sorokın, 1883 (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) have been shown to be an effective and safe alternative. However, when applied in the field, abiotic factors may directly influence their microbial activity, and different oily adjuvants enhance fungal efficacy, stability and viability under environmental conditions. Here, the efficacy of two Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. isolates (CG 148 and CG 347) were compared in mineral oil (MO) or vegetable oil (VO) emulsions to control cattle ticks under semi-natural conditions, as well as their persistence in the soil over time. Engorged female ticks were placed on the soil of grass pots previously treated or not with conidial oil-in-water emulsions. Both M. anisopliae s.l. oil-in-water emulsions tested were able to control R. microplus, achieving up to 100% daily efficacy, and remained viable in the soil for up to 60 days after treatment. These results show the prospective applicability of Metarhizium spp. to control the cattle tick and a real possibility for its control in the environment.

In vitro screening of plant extract on Haemonchus contortus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to perform in vitro screening of the antiparasitic potential of thirty-five plant extracts against the gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) Haemonchus contortus and the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. The larval development test (LDT) and egg hatch test (EHT) were performed to assess the activity against GIN; and the larval packet test (LPT), larval repellency test (RT) and adult immersion test (AIT) were used to assess the acaricidal effect. In the EHT, the Senecio brasiliensis aqueous extract had the best IC50 value (1.2 mg.mL-1). In the LPT and AIT, Schinus lentiscifolius hexane extract presented best acaricidal effect, with 100% efficacy at 50 mg.mL-1 and IC50 of 2.1 mg.mL-1, respectively. In summary, S. brasiliensis demonstrated potential for the control of GIN, while S. lentiscifolius showed outstanding efficacy against cattle tick, therefore both have potential for future studies related to isolation of bioactive substances and toxicological and pre-clinical experiments.

Molecular detection of Ehrlichia ruminantium in engorged ablyomma variegatum and cattle in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Early diagnosis of Ehrlichia ruminantium in cattle is a recipe for effective control of heartwater in ruminants. Hence, we assessed the presence of E. ruminantium in the blood of cattle and the engorged Amblyomma variegatum by nested PCR. The electrophoresed PCR products obtained after primary and secondary amplifications revealed amplicon sizes of about350 bp and 280bp respectively, which corresponded with the partial region of pSC20 gene amplified. Sequences obtained had 95-99% homology with those sequences available in GenBank. The prevalence of the E. ruminantium in ticks (50%; 126/252) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that in cattle blood 23.55% (61/259). The prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in ticks from adult cattle 51.47% (133/259) than those from the young cattle 44.86% (116/259) and in tick from females 54.55% (141/259) than in ticks from the males 41.38% (107/259). Alignment of autochthonous sequences revealed that the three sequences were polymorphic with two sequences showing similar nucleotides deletion at points 87-91 and 107-108. The phylogenetic trees inferred by ML showed topologies with two autochthonous sequences, one each from cattle blood and tick, clustering together in one clade and the other clustering within those sequences from South Africa and Zimbabwe in another clade. In conclusion, this study revealed a higher prevalence of E. ruminantium in engorged A. variegatum than in the blood of infected cattle. Hence, it is suggested that the amplification that targets the pCS20 gene in engorged ticks may be more suitable to determine the E. ruminantium carrier status of cattle.

Molecular Detection of Rickettsia Spp. and Coxiella Burnetii in Cattle, Water Buffalo, and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Microplus Ticks in Luzon Island of the Philippines.

Rickettsia and Coxiella burnetii are zoonotic, tick-borne pathogens that can cause febrile illnesses with or without other symptoms in humans, but may cause subclinical infections in animals. There are only a few reports on the occurrence of these pathogens in cattle and water buffalo in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. In this study, molecular detection of Rickettsia and C. burnetii in the blood and in the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks of cattle and water buffalo from five provinces in Luzon Island of the Philippines was done. A total of 620 blood samples of cattle and water buffalo and 206 tick samples were collected and subjected to DNA extraction. After successful amplification of control genes, nested PCR was performed to detect gltA of Rickettsia and com1 of C. burnetii. No samples were positive for Rickettsia, while 10 (cattle = 7, water buffaloes = 3), or 1.6% of blood, and five, or 1.8% of tick samples, were C. burnetii-positive. Sequence analysis of the positive amplicons showed 99–100% similarity to reported C. burnetii isolates. This molecular evidence on the occurrence of C. burnetii in Philippine ruminants and cattle ticks and its zoonotic nature should prompt further investigation and surveillance to facilitate its effective control.

Metatranscriptomic virome assessment of Rhipicephalus microplus from Colombia

Ticks (Ixodida) are hematophagous ectoparasites that harbor and transmit diverse species of viruses, some of which cause serious diseases with worldwide veterinary and human health consequences. Rhipicephalus microplus is an important cattle tick in Colombia, where it causes significant economic losses. Despite the importance of this tick, its viral profile is unknown. RNA sequencing was used in this study as a surveillance method for virus detection in R. microplus. Most of the viral origin contigs were assigned to two putative viruses: one chuvirus (Wuhan tick virus 2) and one phlebovirus-like (Lihan tick virus). In addition, viral contigs corresponding to two jingmenviruses previously reported in R. microplus from China and Brazil were detected, as well as a novel putative tymovirus, named here as Antioquia tymovirus-like 1 (ATV-like 1). The presence of some of these viruses across numerous regions in the world could have several explanations, including i) a long-term association between those viruses and R. microplus and ii) a consequence of livestock historical trade. Our results shed new light on the virus diversity of this tick species and provide a basis for further studies on the evolutionary history and pathogenic potential of these interesting viruses.

Invasive cattle ticks in East Africa: morphological and molecular confirmation of the presence of Rhipicephalus microplus in south-eastern Uganda

BackgroundRhipicephalus microplus, an invasive tick species of Asian origin and the main vector of Babesia species, is considered one of the most widespread ectoparasites of livestock. The tick has spread from its native habitats on translocated livestock to large parts of the tropical world, where it has replaced some of the local populations of Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks. Although the tick was reported in Uganda 70 years ago, it has not been found in any subsequent surveys. This study was carried out to update the national tick species distribution on livestock in Uganda as a basis for tick and tick-borne disease control, with particular reference to R. microplus.MethodsThe study was carried out in Kadungulu, Serere district, south-eastern Uganda, which is dominated by small scale livestock producers. All the ticks collected from 240 cattle from six villages were identified microscopically. Five R. microplus specimens were further processed for phylogenetic analysis and species confirmation.ResultsThe predominant tick species found on cattle was Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (86.9 %; n = 16,509). Other species found were Amblyomma variegatum (7.2 %; n = 1377), Rhipicephalus evertsi (2.3 %; n = 434) and R. microplus (3.6 %; n = 687). Phylogenetic analysis of the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and ITS2 gene sequences of R. microplus confirmed the morphological identification.ConclusionsIt is concluded that R. microplus has replaced R. decoloratus in the sampled villages in Kadungulu sub-county, since the latter was not any longer found in this area. There is currently no livestock movement policy in force in Uganda, which could possibly limit the further spread of R. microplus ticks. Future surveys, but also retrospective surveys of museum specimens, will reveal the extent of distribution of R. microplus in Uganda and also for how long this tick has been present on livestock without being noticed.

Terpenes on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus: Acaricidal activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition

The Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick is the main ectoparasite of cattle in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Resistance to chemical acaricides has become widespread affirming the need for new drugs to tick control. Terpenes have become a promising alternative for cattle tick control, however the mechanism of action of these compounds is still controversial. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a well established mechanism of action of organophosphate and carbamate acaricides, but the possible action of terpenes on tick AChEs has seldom been studied in resistant and sensitive strains of R. (B.) microplus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate terpene inhibition of AChE from resistant and sensitive strains of R. (B.) microplus in correlation with their acaricidal activity. Among the terpenes used in the present study, p-cymene, thymol, carvacrol, and citral displayed acaricidal activity with LC50 of 1.75, 1.54, 1.41, and 0.38 mg.mL−1 for the susceptible strain, and LC50 of 1.40, 1.81, 1.10, and 1.13 mg.mL−1 for the resistant strain. Thymol and carvacrol inhibited the AChE of the susceptible strain larvae with IC50 of 0.93 and 0.04 mg.mL-1, respectively. The IC50 exhibited by eucalyptol, carvacrol and thymol for AChE of the resistant strain larvae were 0.36, 0.28, and 0.13 mg.mL-1, respectively. This was the first study to investigate the action of terpenes on AChE from susceptible and resistant R. (B.) microplus. As not all terpenes with acaridical activity showed AChE inhibition, the participation of AChE in the acaricidal activity of terpenes needs further investigation.

Emergence of fipronil resistant Rhipicephalus microplus populations in Indian states.

The intensive usage of chemical acaricides for the control of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus has resulted in the development and establishment of multi-acaricide resistant populations. Fipronil, a phenylpyrazole insecticide, is currently marketed in India for the management of this important veterinary tick species. Here, we tested Indian isolates of R. microplus which have developed multi-acaricide resistance, for their susceptibility to fipronil. Twenty-five field isolates from five agro-climatic zones of the country were collected and tested by adult immersion test (AIT) and larval packet test (LPT). Sixteen isolates with resistance factor (RF) in the range of 1.56-10.9 were detected using LPT, whereas only 11 isolates with RF ranging from 1.05 to 4.1 were detected using AIT. A significant variation of RF between both tests was found, which raises doubt about the suitability of larva-based assays in screening of fipronil resistance. The data indicated possible cross-resistance between groups of acaricides in fipronil-resistant tick populations.

Multiple acaricide-resistant Rhipicephalus microplus in the semi-arid region of Paraíba State, Brazil

Rhipicephalus microplus is responsible for major economic losses in cattle ranching in Brazil, and the development of multiple acaricide resistance is a major concern to control this ectoparasite. To determine the resistance of R. microplus to acaricides in 26 ranches in the semi-arid region of Paraíba State, Brazil, larval assays were performed with cypermethrin, chlorpyriphos, amitraz, ivermectin and fipronil and resistance was observed in all locations. The frequency of populations resistant to cypermethrin, chlorpyriphos, amitraz and ivermectin was, respectively, 96 %, 72 %, 83 % and 92 % while none was resistant to fipronil. Resistance to one, two, three and four acaricides was recorded, respectively, in 4 %, 15 %, 31 % and 50 % of the farms. Errors in the control management of R. microplus determined the development of resistance to acaricides in all evaluated properties pointing towards development of new strategies for its control. In order to control multiple acaricide-resistant cattle tick populations in this area it is recommended to apply suppressive treatments with fipronil and/ or fluazuron.

Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Arachnida: Acari: Ixodidae)

The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, also known as the longhorned tick, bush tick (Australia), and cattle tick (New Zealand), is a three-host tick native to East Asia. This tick has been categorized as an invasive species in Australia, New Zealand, and several Pacific Islands. In the U.S., an Asian longhorned tick infestation was recorded in New Jersey during the fall of 2017. This tick is somewhat unique in that females are capable of parthenogenesis, meaning that females can produce offspring without having mated with males. The Asian longhorned tick feeds on a wide range of hosts including birds and mammals, including humans. This tick is considered a medical and veterinary vector due to its ability to transmit pathogens that cause disease in humans and other animals.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1263

Multilocus genotyping of Theileria parva isolates associated with a live vaccination trial in Kenya provides evidence for transmission of immunizing parasites into local tick and cattle populations.

The live infection and treatment (ITM) vaccination procedure using the trivalent Muguga cocktail is increasingly being used to control East Coast fever, with potential implications for Theileria parva population genetic structure in the field. Transmission of the Kiambu V T.parva component to unvaccinated cattle has previously been described in Uganda. We monitored the T.parva carrier state in vaccinated and control animals on a farm in West Kenya where an ITM stabilate derived from the Kenyan T.parva Marikebuni stock was evaluated for field efficacy. A nested PCR-based Marikebuni-specific marker identified a carrier state in nine of ten vaccinated animals, detectable for a period of two years. We used 22 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) markers to determine multilocus genotypes (MLGs) of 19 T.parva schizont-infected lymphocyte isolates derived from cattle and field ticks. Two isolates from unimmunized cattle were identical to the Marikebuni vaccination stock. Two cattle isolates were identical to a Muguga cocktail component Kiambu V. Seven isolates from ticks exhibited MLGs that were identical to the Serengeti/Muguga vaccine stocks. Six cattle and two tick-derived stocks exhibited unique MLGs. The data strongly suggest transmission of immunizing genotypes, from Marikebuni vaccine-induced carrier cattle to unimmunized cattle. It is possible that genotypes similar to those in the Muguga cocktail are present in the field in Western Kenya. An alternative hypothesis is that these parasites may have originated from vaccine trial sites in Eastern Uganda. If correct, this suggests that T.parva stocks used for immunization can potentially be disseminated 125km beyond the immediate vaccination site. Regardless of their origin, the data provide evidence that genotypes similar to those in the Muguga cocktail are circulating in the field in East Africa, alleviating concerns about dissemination of 'alien' T.parva germplasm through live vaccination.

Management strategies to minimize the use of synthetic chemical acaricides in the control of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1888) in an area highly favourable for its development in Argentina.

The aim of this work was to test the efficacy of winter-spring control strategies against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1888) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in an area highly favourable for its development in Argentina. Control schemes using three or four annual applications of synthetic acaricides were evaluated. Furthermore, the dynamics of the non-parasitic phases of R.microplus were analysed to provide a framework for the application of pasture spelling as a tool for tick control. The treatment schemes provided appropriate levels of efficacy against R.microplus and also prevented the occurrence of the major peak in abundance of this tick in autumn. A significant overall effect against R.microplus can be achieved when the control strategies tested in this study are applied within the area most ecologically favourable for this tick in Argentina. Analysis of the dynamics of the non-parasitic phase of R.microplus indicates that the spelling period required to achieve a significant reduction of larvae in pastures fluctuates between 12 and 17 weeks if spelling is initiated in spring or early summer, but between 20 and 28 weeks if spelling is started in late summer, autumn or winter.

Injectable eprinomectin for cattle: Tick efficacy and pharmacokinetics.

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy of eprinomectin (EPM) against Rhipicephalus microplus in cattle of a new injectable form of EPM (Voss Performa®). The product was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 200μg EPM/kg, in a single dose. The efficacy of EPM against R. microplus in cattle was evaluated through field and stall tests. Studies were performed to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of EPM with the purpose of better understanding the kinetics of the formulation. The formulation was effective in controlling R. microplus in both naturally and artificially infested cattle, providing efficacy greater than 95%. The results of pharmacokinetic study were Cmax of 47.15±22.20ng/ml, Tmax of 1.33±0.492days, T1/2 of 2.96±1.212days, AUC0-t of 228.08±57.30ngdayml-1 , and AUC0-∞ of 240.50±58.44ngdayml-1 . Therefore, the new injectable EPM formulation becomes an important alternative for the control of cattle tick in Brazil.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus: Rickettsiae infection in Brazil

ABSTRACTThe tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus has been considered a major pest of cattle in tropical regions of the world, inducing significant economic impact on livestock activity. In Brazil, the scenarios of Spotted Fever (SF) epidemic cycles involve Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma aureolatum, transmitting Rickettsia rickettsii, as well as Amblyomma ovale, transmitting R. parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. However, other potentially pathogenic species of Rickettsia, as well as new species of ticks with vector potential, have been reported for Brazil. Thus, during SF focus investigation and environmental surveillance performed by Brazilian National Network of Environment Surveillance for Tick-borne Diseases between 2011 to 2017, ectoparasites were collected from vertebrate hosts and the environment in rural and urban areas of different Brazilian biomes. Here we analysed Rickettsiae infection in Rh. microplus and possible roles of this tick species in the maintenance and circulation of Rickettsia sp. in SF endemic areas. Cattle tick samples were naturally infected with R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. felis, R. tamurae, R. rhipicephali and R. bellii. The data in this study demonstrate that Rh. microplus acquires Rickettsia infection, including pathogenic species, and indicates this tick as suggested marker of Rickettsiae potential presence or circulation.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Larvae Collected From Vegetation in the Coastal Wildlife Corridor of Southern Texas and Research Solutions for Integrated Eradication.

The potential for reinvasion of the United States by cattle fever ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus and Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini), which remain established in Mexico, threatens the viability of the domestic livestock industry because these ticks vector the causal agents (Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina) of bovine babesiosis. The Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program safeguards the health of the national cattle herd preventing the reemergence of bovine babesiosis by keeping the United States free of cattle fever ticks. Here, the collection of free-living southern cattle tick, R. microplus, larvae by sweeping flannel flags over vegetation in the wildlife corridor of Cameron and Willacy Counties, TX, is reported. Finding R. microplus larvae on vegetation complements reports of infestations in wildlife hosts inhabiting the southern Texas coastal plains. Land uses and environmental conditions have changed since cattle fever ticks were eradicated from the United States by 1943. These changes complicate efforts by the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program to keep cattle in the United States free of the cattle fever tick disease vectors. Current scientific research on technologies that could be used for area-wide management of fever tick larvae in south Texas and how this could be applied to integrated eradication efforts are discussed.

Gene Expression in the Salivary Gland of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Fed on Tick-Susceptible and Tick-Resistant Hosts.

The success of cattle tick fixation largely depends on the secretion of substances that alter the immune response of the host. The majority of these substances are expressed by the parasite salivary gland and secreted in tick saliva. It is known that hosts can mount immune responses against ticks and bovine European breeds, and bovine industrial crossbreeds are more susceptible to infestations than are Bos indicus cattle. To identify candidates for the development of novel control strategies for the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, a salivary gland transcriptome analysis of engorged females fed on susceptible or resistant hosts was performed. Using RNA-Seq, transcriptomes were de novo assembled and produced a total of 235,451 contigs with 93.3% transcriptome completeness. Differential expression analysis identified 137 sequences as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ticks raised on tick-susceptible or tick-resistant cattle. DEGs predicted to be secreted proteins include innexins, which are transmembrane proteins that form gap junction channels; the transporters Na+/dicarboxylate, Na+/tricarboxylate, and phosphate transporter and a putative monocarboxylate transporter; a phosphoinositol 4-phosphate adaptor protein; a cysteine-rich protein containing a trypsin inhibitor-like (TIL) domain; a putative defense protein 3 containing a reeler domain; and an F-actin-uncapping protein LRRC16A with a CARMIL_C domain; these genes were upregulated in ticks fed on tick-susceptible cattle. DEGs predicted to be non-secreted proteins included a small heat shock protein and the negative elongation factor B-like, both acting in a coordinated manner to increase HSP transcript levels in the salivary glands of the ticks fed on tick-susceptible cattle; the 26S protease regulatory subunit 6B and another chaperone with similarity to calnexin, also upregulated in ticks fed on tick-susceptible cattle; an EF-hand calcium binding protein and a serine carboxypeptidase (SCP), both involved in the blood coagulation cascade and upregulated in ticks fed on tick-susceptible cattle; and two ribosomal proteins, the 60S acidic ribosomal protein P2 and the 60S ribosomal protein L19. These results help to characterize cattle tick salivary gland gene expression in tick-susceptible and tick-resistant hosts and suggest new putative targets for the control of tick infestations, as those genes involved in the mechanism of stress response during blood feeding.

Prevalence and Identification of Major Ticks in Cattle in Damot Gale Woreda, Wolaita Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Across-sectional study was designed and conducted in Damot Gale district of Wolaita zone, south Ethiopia. The major objectives of the research were: to determine the prevalence of major ixodid ticks; to identify the collected ticks into their respective species; and to assess the risk factor influencing the prevalence of tick infestation in the study area. For this purpose, 384 heads of cattle maintained under traditional management system were selected using simple random sampling statistical technique. All visible ticks were collected from half body part of selected cattle, preserved in70% alcohol and transported to WSU-SVM for subsequent identification into species, based on key standards. Questionnaire survey was conducted to collect baseline information regarding farmers’ perceptions of the effects of ticks on livestock production. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version20.1) for descriptive and inference purposed. A total of 264 ixodid ticks were collected, which belonged to of Boophilus (59.85%), Rhippicephalus (25.38%) and Amblyomma (14.77%) genera, with the overall prevalence of tick infestation to be about 6%. At species level, Boophilus decoloratus (59.85), Rhippicephalusevertsievertsi (25.38%), Amblyomma variegatum (10.61%) and Amblyommagemma (4.16%) were the hard tick species identified during the survey period. Regarding spatial distribution, these ticks had the highest prevalence at Gacheno and Chocha and the lowest prevalence at Fate district. Regression analysis indicated that the prevalence of tick infestation did not reveal significant statistical difference between male and female sex groups (p>0.05). Nevertheless, adult cattle over the age of three years were more significantly challenged by tick infestation than young cattle (P<0.05). Similarly, the prevalence of tick infestation was significantly higher (p<0.01) in cattle with poor body condition than those with medium and good body condition score. In conclusion, the present research disclosed that tick infestation due to hard tick s is responsible for considerable pathogenic impacts and economic losses due to their deleterious effects on leather industry. Based on the present findings, it is recommended that integrate tick control efforts should be implemented, and the efficacy acaricides should be detected to control the risk of drug resistance in Damot Gale district.

A mini review of methods to control ticks population infesting cattle in Chhattisgarh with special emphasis on herbal acaricides

Ticks infestation is a major concern for the cattle industry in India. In Chhattisgarh, Hyalomma anatolicum and Rhipicephalus microplus are the two main ixodid tick affecting the animals. Ticks cause deterioration of the animal’s health and reduce their productivity. Controlling ticks is very much required for maintaining the wellbeing of animals and earning the livelihood by cattle rearing communities. The chemical acaricides have been used extensively for their promising results in controlling cattle ticks. However, these chemicals are comprised of certain side effects including reduction of meat quality, residues in body and affecting the environment. Most importantly, the ticks are getting resistant with almost all synthetic acaricides available in the market. Several organochlorine chemicals are banned due to their toxic effects. Chhattisgarh is the herbal state, numerous medicinal plants are growing in this geographical region that can be used as an effective and safe alternative to chemical acaricides against cattle ticks. Thus, in this review, we have introduced the type of ticks available in the Chhattisgarh. The possibility of herbal sources and other methods of controlling cattle ticks is also discussed.