STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE AND IDENTIFICATION OF DIFFERENT TICK SPECIES IN CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOAT OF SINDH

Abstract

In our study the prevalence % species composition and attachment sites of hard ticks for domestic ruminants were studied in Sindh, province of Pakistan. There were 780 animals including 420 cattle, 210 sheep and 150 goats examined for ticks. The overall prevalence % of ticks were 43.8% on cattle, 24.8% on sheep and 50.7% on goats. Goats had highest prevalence % of ticks of all animals. The five species of hard ticks belonging to three genera were identified, such as Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma inermis anatolicum, Rhicephalus sanguines and Rhicipicephalus bursa. The Hyalomma anatolicum was the most prevalent species 69.8% for cattle, while Rhipicephalus bursa 43.8% were most prevalent for sheep and goats, respectively. Tick distribution on the host was different for different animal species. For cattle preferred place of attachment was udder 35% and head and neck 29%. The ears were the most heavily infested parts of the body, in sheep and goats, respectively, accounting for 40% and 61% of tick attached to them. The results indicate that there is high level of variation in tick prevalence, species distribution and tick attachment preference among domestic ruminants. Economically significant tick species predominantly in the study have pointed towards possible risk of tick borne disease and should urge for integrated surveillance of ricks, strategic application of acaridies and better management practices to minimize losses in production and reduce disease transmission in Sindh, province of Pakistan