Abundance and distribution of ixodid tick species Infesting cattle reared under traditional farming Systems in Tanzania
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Agricultural Research
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are serious constraints to livestock production in Tanzania and other
sub-Saharan African countries. Despite this, knowledge on the abundan ce of tick species infesting
cattle in most parts of Tanzania is insufficient or lacking. This study was conducted to identify species
and establish the abundance of ticks infesting cattle in Mara, Singida and Mbeya regions of Tanzania.
The ticks were collected from one side of the body, counted and identified, based on morphological
characteristics; to species level. The mean tick count per animal was significantly higher in Mara
(35.8±4.3, p=0.0001) as compared to Singida (12.9±2.1) and Mbeya (7.0±0.4) regions. Young animals in
Mara (24.7±6.0, p=0.0395) and Mbeya (5.4±0.3, p=0.0252) exhibited relatively lower mean tick counts
compared to the weaners (Mara = 33.8±6.5, Mbeya = 7.2±0.7) and adult animals (Mara = 46.3±8.4, Mbeya
= 7.8±0.7). Seven tick species from three different genera, namely Ambylomma, Hyalomma,
Rhipicephalus (including the subgenus Boophilus), were identified. However, only five species (A.
lepidum, A. variegatum, R. decoloratus, R. microplus and H. rufipes) were observed in all the three
regions. R. appendiculatus and R. evertsi were not found in Mbeya and Mara respectively. The most
prevalent species in Mara, Singida and Mbeya were R. appendiculatus (50.5%), A. lepidum (31.2%) and
R. evertsi (35.6%), respectively. This study showed the existence of a variety of tick species, most of
them being of veterinary importance. Therefore, strategic planning and cost-effective tick control
measures should be implemented in order to reduce losses caused by ticks and tick borne diseases in
the study area.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Ixodid ticks, abundance, distribution, cattle, Tanzania