Abstract

The distribution and abundance of cattle tick species in Soddo Zuria woreda, Wolaita zone, was studied over a period from November 2016 to April 2017. Adult ticks were collected from seven main body regions of 501 cattle which were under an extensive management system. Out of the total of 501 cattle examined, 327 (65.27%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. In this study, 3290 adult ticks were collected from the animal body parts and identified to genera and species level. Four tick species of three genera (Amblyomma, Boophilus, and Rhipicephalus) were identified. The relative prevalence of each species was Boophilus decolaratus (45%), Amblyomma varigatum (23%), A. cohaerence (17%), and Rhipicephalus evertsi-evertsi (13%). The risk factor like sex of cattle did not show significant association with the infestation rate but there was an association with age, breeds and body conditions. The prevalence of tick infestation in poor body condition (75%), medium body condition (61%) and good body condition (55%) were 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 the highest prevalence in local breeds (70%) than both exotic (62%) and cross breeds (54%). The result indicated that the favorable predilection sites of Amblyomma species were ventral body and perineum. B. decolaratus preferred dewlap, udder/scrotum, belly, leg/tail, head, and perineum. R. evertsievertsi had 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 Soddo Zuria district, also in the country, there should be country wide control strategy, taking into account acaricide residues in products.

Keywords:Attachment site; Cattle; Ixodidae; Prevalence, Soddo zuria woreda; Tick burden