Study on the distribution of ixodid ticks of cattle in pastoral areas of Yabello district, Borana zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Ticks and tick-borne diseases cause major losses in the livestock economy. From both human and veterinary viewpoints, ticks are very important vectors. Methods and results This cross-sectional research was conducted to study the prevalence, tick distribution, and related risk factors in the Borana pastoral region of the Yabello district, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 445 cattle were examined for the presence of tick infestation collected from different body parts of the cattle and 89.89% (400/445) of indigenous cattle harbor a total of 7,778 adult ticks belonging to four different genera of ticks namely Rhipicephalus (78.31%), Amblyomma (13.46%), Boophilus (7.01%), and Hyalomma (1.22%). Besides, Rhipicephalus pulchellus (73.17%) and Amblyomma varigatum (7.57%) were among the most prevalent tick species identified whereas Hyalomma dromedari (0.08%) was found to be the least one. In this study, high proportions of ticks were collected from the head and ear (34.57%) followed by anus and vulva (29.47%), scrotum/udder (19.18%), dewlap and neck (8.77%), brisket (7.16%) and belly and back (0.85%). Moreover, a high proportion of Amblyomma species were collected from scrotum/udder (47.76%) and brisket (38.01%); Rhipicephalus species from head and ear (41.14%), anus and vulva (33.64%); Hyalomma species from scrotum/udder (41.05%), anus and vulva (28.42%) and dewlap and neck (20%) whereas most Boophilus species were collected from anus and vulva region (32.48%) and head and ear (31.19%). A statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05) was observed among potential risk factors like age group being higher in adult animals and different kebeles such as Dharito kebele and Dida Tuyoura ranch. Conclusion The result of this survey indicates that economically important ticks are widespread throughout the study areas and their presence in abundance is alerting. To minimize losses attributed to ticks and tick-borne disease cost-effective control strategy should be designed.

Bovine Babesiosis and Distribution of Ixodid Ticks in Dasenech and Salamago District, Southern Ethiopia

“…However, this was not consistent with the previous report of Ayana et al [66] in the Yabello district stated a higher infection rate (93.27%) in adults than other age groups, Fesseha and Mathewos, [17] where a higher tick prevalence 28% (77/275) was recorded in adult one than other age groups, Shichibi et al [70] with a higher prevalence in adult (93.97%) than young (78.71%), Meaza et al [69] with high frequency with increasing age category; adult (62.7%) and young (85.1%), Ayana et al, [82] and Okello-Onen et al [83]. This may be related to the fact that the larger body size and the ticks feed on many surfaces of the body of the animals.…”

“…According to the current study, the prevalence of tick Infection was 86.17% (405/470). This was comparable with the previous finding of Ayana et al [66] In the present study, tick infection was higher at a young age (87.5%) which was agreed with the report of Kemal., et al [18] also stated an occurrence of 98.4% in Arbegona District, Southern Ethiopia, Yalew et al [81] described that young age cattle (43.41%) were highly affected than other age categories. There are several possible reasons such as young bulls are kept at home until they get better, so they are less likely to get ticks than adult cattle kept in an extensive husbandry system.…”

“…This was in line with the earlier report by Kemal et al [18] in Arbegona District, Wasihun and Doda [76] in Humbo district, Ayalew et al [15] in central Oromia, and Yehualashet et al [84] at Haramaya University where Amblyomma was identified as the major tick genera. In contrast to this result, Ayana et al [66] and Waktole et al [52] reported Rhipicephalus as the dominant tick genera. Wasihun and Doda, [76] also reported that only three tick species were predominantly found in Ethiopia.…”

“…Also, the majority of Rhipicephalus species were collected from scrotum/udder (32.91%) and dewlap and neck (27.09%). However, Ayana et al [66] from the Yabello district reported a high proportion of ticks from the Head and ear (34.57%) region. Furthermore, Amblyomma species were collected in a high proportion of from scrotum/udder and brisket, whereas Rhipicephalus species from head and ear and anus and vulva, Hyalomma species from scrotum/udder, anus and vulva and dewlap and neck, and Boophilus species from anus and vulva part of the body.…”

Study on Prevalence of Hard Ticks and Their Associated Risk Factors in Small Ruminants of Boloso Sore Districts of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

“…15 , 16 A. coherence, A. gemma, A. lepidium, H. marginatum rufipes, H. truncatum, and R. evertsi are also commonly found in Ethiopia. 17 …”