2023, Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part A
Assessing the prevalence, identification, and associated risk factors of bovine ixodid ticks in Kurfa Chele district, eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia
Author(s): Abdusalam Yaya Yusuf and Mohammed Bedruddin Aliyi
Abstract: Bovine ticks infestation poses a significant threat to livestock health and productivity in many parts of Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, identification, and associated risk factors of bovine ixodid ticks in the Kurfa Chele District of Eastern Hararghe. A total of 384 cattle, comprising 348 local and 36 crossbreeds, were randomly selected and examined for tick infestation. The findings revealed an overall infestation rate of 53.6%, with 206 animals found to be infested by one or more tick species. A total of 1142 ticks were collected and identified, belonging to four genera: Amblyomma, Boophilus, Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma. Amblyomma was the dominant genus (44.83%), while Hyalomma was the least recorded (5.34%). Amongst the tick species identified, Amblyomma varigatum was the most abundant (35.11%) followed by B. decoloratus (23.12%), R. evertsi evertsi (17.69%), A. cohaerence (9.72%), R. Pullchelus (9.02%), and H. marginatum (5.34%). The prevalence of tick infestation was higher in lowlands (Dire Gudina) and midlands (Chafe Anani) than in highlands (Jiru Balina), albeit not significantly. There was also no statistically significant difference in tick infestation prevalence between local (54.30%) and crossbreed (47.20%) cattle. However, sex, age, body condition score, and management practices were identified as significant factors associated with tick infestation. The prevalence of tick infestation was highest among older cattle (69.4%), female animals (60.9%), and those in poor body condition (82.1%). The high prevalence of ticks in the study area was attributed to inadequate attention given to tick infestations, lack of awareness about their impact, poor management practices, and limited control efforts. Therefore, it is imperative to develop and implement an effective tick control program in the region, considering the distribution patterns of ticks and the identified risk factors.
Pages: 44-54 | Views: 113 | Downloads: 45
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How to cite this article:
Abdusalam Yaya Yusuf, Mohammed Bedruddin Aliyi. Assessing the prevalence, identification, and associated risk factors of bovine ixodid ticks in Kurfa Chele district, eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia. Zool Entomol Lett 2023;3(2):44-54.
