Baseline survey of Ixodid Ticks Infesting Cattle in Northern State, Sudan

Background and objective: Ixodid ticks are serious obstacle to development and utilization of animal resource in tropical countries like Sudan. Over 70 species of tick are prevalent in the Sudan in diverse ecological zones. The aim of this study was to provide a baseline data on tick species infesting cattle in the Northern State, Sudan as a prerequisite to design tick control policy in the state as well as the whole country. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in April 2017 and included seven provinces of the state. Total body tick collection (n=1,098) was carried out from 365 heads of cattle. Tick identification to the genus and species level was carried out as well as statistical analysis using two-way ANOVA. Results: Nine tick species of two genera, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus, were identified. The genus Hyalomma represented 82% of the collected ticks. Hyalomma rufipes was the most common tick species (48.5%) followed by Rhipicephalus praetextatus (14.9%), H. anatolicum (14.4%), H. excavatum (12.8%), H. dromedarii and R. sanguineus (3.4% each), H. impeltatum (2.2%), H. marginatum (0.46%) and the least prevalent tick species was R. evertsi evertsi (0.09%). The prevalence of tick infestation significantly varied within the age groups for H. anatolicum, H. rufipes and H. excavatum. The mean tick infestation was found to be independent on breed and sex of the animals. Conclusion: It is concluded that there were nine ticks species distributed in the State. Among these species is H. anatolicum, which is the vector of two vital diseases, bovine tropical theileriosis and malignant ovine theileriosis. Thus, tick control strategy, and creation of awareness among animal breeders on the problem associated with tick infestation are recommended.