Prevalence of tick infestation among domestic animals in Sargodha, Khushab and Attock districts of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract The present study was designed primarily for the investigation of tick infestation in three districts (Sargodha, Khushab and Attock) of Punjab, Pakistan. Ticks are arachnids responsible for major economic losses in livestock industry. Anemia, abortion, anorexia, irritation and depression due to tick infestation is not only a problem for livestock sector but ticks are also responsible for the spread of various bacterial, protozoal and viral diseases. Tick infestation in animals have also public health significance as many zoonotic diseases are also spread by ticks. Ticks can act both mechanical and biological vectors. Main objective of the present study was the isolation and identification of different tick species infesting domestic animals in Sargodha, Khushab and Attock districts. Ticks were collected from 2148 animals including cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, horses and dogs out of total 4950 animals inspected from three districts. Overall prevalence of tick infestation among these animals was calculated to be 43.39%. Highest prevalence of tick infestation with 44.18% was observed in Attock. Cattle with the prevalence of 54.13% were the most infested animals in all three districts whereas lowest prevalence of tick infestation was observed in horses with prevalence rate of 10.67%. Sheep and goats showed almost similar prevalence rates of 44.90% and 45.97% respectively. 11.65% of dogs were found to be infested with ticks in present study. Five species of ticks namely, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhiphicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Riphicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, Rhiphicephalus sanguneus and Hemaphysalis spp. were identified morphologically. Most prevalent specie among these five was the Hyalomma anatolicum with the prevalence of 42.18%. High prevalence of Hyalomma anatolicumwas observed in Sargodha. Lowest identification rate of Hemaphysalis spp. was observed in all three districts with the prevalence of 4.59% in Attock and 4.00% in both Sargodha and Khushab districts. Data of tick infestation can be very handy while making control strategies for ticks. Many pandemics can be avoided by making policies keeping in view of the prevalence of ticks which are responsible for the spread of many pathogens including, protozoa, bacteria and viruses in animals and humans.