Abstract

Pawlos Wasihun* and Derese Doda

The distribution and abundance of cattle tick species in Humbo woreda, Wolaita zone, was studied over a period of 6 months from November, 2011 to April, 2012. Adult ticks were collected from seven main body regions of 384 cattle which were under extensive management system. Out of the total of 384 cattle examined, 238 (61%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. About 2,439 adult ticks were collected from the animal body parts and identified to genera and species level. Five tick species of three genera (Amblyomma, Boophilus and Rhipicephalus) were identified. The relative prevalence of each species was Boophilus decolaratus (30%), Rhipicephalus evertsievertsi (25%), Amblyomma varigatum (25%), A. cohaerence (11%), and A. lepidium (6%). The risk factors like sex and age of cattle did not show significant association with the infestation rate but there was association with both breeds and body conditions. The prevalence of tick infestation in medium body condition (78%), poor body condition (67%), and good body condition (57%) was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) among the three groups of body conditions. The prevalence of tick infestation was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) among the three breeds, with highest prevalence in exotic breeds (100%) than both cross (80%) and local breeds (58%). The result indicated that the favorable predilection sites of Amblyomma species are ventral body and perineum. B. decolaratus preferred dewlap, udder/scrotum, belly, leg/tail, head, and perineum. R. eversti-evertsi had a strong predilection sites for perineum, dewlap, udder/scrotum, and ears. The sex ratio of all tick species identified during this study periods was skewed towards male except for B. decolaratus. Considering the economic importance of tick and tick borne diseases (TBDs) in the Humbo district, also in the country, there should be country wide control strategy, taking into account acaricide residues in products.