Evaluation of Vectorial Potential of Ticks for the Spread of Hemoparasites in Bovines in KPK

Abstract

Prevalence and seasonal variation of ticks of family Ixodidae in cattle of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan Ixodid ticks are in varying distribution patterns throughout Pakistan. Livestock industry is badly affected by tick bites causing loss of hide and vector-borne disease transmission. This project was designed and managed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and three districts were selected for sampling. The samples were collected from March 2018 to February 2019 to determine the prevalence and seasonal variation of ixodid species of ticks in cattle population. 1145 ixodid ticks were picked from 434 infested animals of various breeds, age groups and sexes. Two genera and five species of hard ticks were identified. The results showed the highest prevalence of R. (B) microplus (76.70%) followed by R. (B) annulatus (69.80%), R. (B) decoloratus (53.70%), H. anatolicum (52.10%) and the least R. turanicus (11.50%), respectively. District wise, R. (B) microplus was the dominant tick in district Mardan, R. (B) annulatus in Kohat, R. (B) decoloratus, R. turanicus and H. anatolicum in district Swat, respectively. The prevalence of all ixodid tick species with exception of R. (B) decoloratus and R. (B) annulatus was associated significantly (p<0.05) with districts, breed, sex and age of cattle. Tick prevalence was highest in Achai and Friesian breeds, young stock and male animals. The highest prevalence in the Achai breed was unexpected because the infestation level normally remains low in local breeds of Pakistan. Tick occurrence was at its peak during the summer and rainy seasons and remained low during the winter season. Tick number was recorded highest over external genitalia (73.73%). Inner thigh (65%), back and neck regions (56.68%) dewlaps (62.21%), tail (34.56%), legs (13.36%), around eyes (16.13%), flanks regions (5.76%) and ears (11.06%) were the other body regions which were observed for tick infestation. Cattle tick R. (B) microplus is the dominant tick species infesting cattle among the study districts and tick burden is highest in the summer season is the conclusion of this study. Key words: Prevalence, Ixodid tick species, cattle, Season, KP.