1
|
Lilak AA, Pecor DB, Matulis G, Potter AM, Wofford RN, Kearney MF, Mitchell S, Jaradat F, Kano A, Zimmerman DM, Hassell JM, Kumsa B, Kamau M, Linton YM, von Fricken ME. Data release: targeted systematic literature search for tick and tick-borne pathogen distributions in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa from 1901 to 2020. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:84. [PMID: 38389097 PMCID: PMC10885379 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06086-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surveillance data documenting tick and tick-borne disease (TBD) prevalence is needed to develop risk assessments and implement control strategies. Despite extensive research in Africa, there is no standardized, comprehensive review. METHODS Here we tackle this knowledge gap, by producing a comprehensive review of research articles on ticks and TBD between 1901 and 2020 in Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Over 8356 English language articles were recovered. Our search strategy included 19 related MeSH terms. Articles were reviewed, and 331 met inclusion criteria. Articles containing mappable data were compiled into a standardized data schema, georeferenced, and uploaded to VectorMap. RESULTS Tick and pathogen matrixes were created, providing information on vector distributions and tick-pathogen associations within the six selected African countries. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a digital, mappable database of current and historical tick and TBD distributions across six countries in Africa, which can inform specific risk modeling, determine surveillance gaps, and guide future surveillance priorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail A Lilak
- One Health Center of Excellence, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David B Pecor
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Graham Matulis
- One Health Center of Excellence, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alexander M Potter
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Stephanie Mitchell
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
| | | | - Arisa Kano
- George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Dawn M Zimmerman
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James M Hassell
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bersissa Kumsa
- Department of Pathology & Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Maureen Kamau
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Mpala Research Center, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Yvonne-Marie Linton
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael E von Fricken
- One Health Center of Excellence, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hrnková J, Golovchenko M, Musa AS, Needham T, Italiya J, Ceacero F, Kotrba R, Grubhoffer L, Rudenko N, Cerný J. Borrelia spirochetes in European exotic farm animals. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:996015. [PMID: 36246336 PMCID: PMC9554260 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.996015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks transmit a broad spectrum of pathogens, threatening both animal and human health. Tick survival and proliferation are strongly dependent on host selection and suitability. The hard tick Ixodes ricinus, which is widespread throughout most of Europe, is a host generalist capable of feeding on many different vertebrate species. Pasture-kept exotic farm animals may be at a high risk for tick and tick-borne pathogens infestations but research characterizing this is currently lacking. This study focused on the detection of Borrelia spirochetes (including Borrelia miyamotoi) in exotic farm animals. Using nested-PCR with Borrelia-specific primers, 121 serum samples from 54 exotic farm animals of several species bred in four different farms in Bohemia and Moravia (Czechia) were tested. Positive samples were sequenced for the identification of Borrelia species. The prevalence of Borrelia DNA in the samples ranged from 13 to 67%, depending on the sampling site. The sequencing results confirmed the DNA presence of multiple spirochete species from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Only one sample from an ostrich (Struthio camelus) was found to be positive for Borrelia myiamotoi. The results show that exotic farm animals can serve as hosts for hard ticks and can be infected by Borrelia spirochetes, transmitted by hard ticks. Therefore, these animals could play a relevant role in maintaining Borrelia spirochetes in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johana Hrnková
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Johana Hrnková
| | - Marina Golovchenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Abubakar Sadiq Musa
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tersia Needham
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jignesh Italiya
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Francisco Ceacero
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radim Kotrba
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czechia
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Natalie Rudenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jirí Cerný
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mapholi NO, Banga C, Dzama K, Matika O, Riggio V, Nyangiwe N, Maiwashe A. Prevalence and tick loads in Nguni cattle reared in different environmental conditions across four provinces of South Africa. Vet World 2022; 15:1943-1953. [PMID: 36313849 PMCID: PMC9615489 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1943-1953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: In tropical and subtropical countries, ixodid ticks are among livestock’s most economically important ectoparasites. Although Nguni cattle from South Africa have adapted to harsh environments, it is unknown whether they will be resistant to ticks, and the diseases carried by ticks under various climatic conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to compare tick load and estimate the prevalence of different tick species among Nguni cattle under different environmental conditions. Materials and Methods: Tick counts were conducted monthly under natural challenges over 2 years on 586 Nguni cattle located at ARC-Roodeplaat and Loskop farms (warmer climate), Mukhuthali Nguni Community and the University of Fort Hare farms (cooler climate). The generalized linear model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System was used to analyze the data. It fitted the location (farm), sex, year, month or season, and animal age as covariates. Results: The tick species (relative prevalence) observed were as follows: Amblyomma hebraeum (42%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (22%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. (16%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (11%), Hyalomma marginatum (5%), and Rhipicephalus simus (4%). Tick infestation was significantly affected by location, season, year, month of the tick counting and age of the animal. Loskop farm had the highest tick count (m = 30.69) and showed the largest variation in tick count. Compared to the other seasons, higher tick counts were seen during the hot-dry (September–November) and hot-wet (December–February) seasons. A. hebraeum was the dominant tick species across all four farms, followed by R. evertsi. The perianal region (under the tail head), the perineum and the belly body locations were the most preferred tick attachment sites. Conclusion: These results provide useful information for developing appropriate control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in these provinces of South Africa. Further work must investigate the feasibility of genetic improvement for tick resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - C. Banga
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa; Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - K. Dzama
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa
| | - O. Matika
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - V. Riggio
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - N. Nyangiwe
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa; Dohne Agricultural Development Institute, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - A. Maiwashe
- Agricultural Research Council, Irene, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Detailed new insights about tick infestations in domestic ruminant groups: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:526-601. [DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01460-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
|
5
|
Chepkwony R, van Bommel S, van Langevelde F. Interactive effects of biological, human and environmental factors on tick loads in Boran cattle in tropical drylands. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:188. [PMID: 33823921 PMCID: PMC8025487 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04683-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a serious threat to humans, wildlife and livestock, and cause severe economic losses in many tropical drylands. The effective control of TBDs has been constrained by limited understanding of what determines tick loads in animals. We tested interactive effects of several biological factors (sex, age and body condition), one environmental factor (rainfall) and one human factor (management type) on tick loads in animals. Methods We collected ticks on animals at four sampling sites in the semi-arid savanna area of Laikipia County, Kenya, of which two are commercial ranches and the other two are open pastoral grazing areas. From 2017 to 2019, we collected a total of 2038 ticks from 619 domestic animals from various cattle and camel herds and from 79 tranquilised wild animals. Results Generally, wild herbivores (zebras, rhinos and elephants) had higher tick loads than domestic animals. As 83% of the tick samples were taken from Boran cattle, we analysed tick load in these cattle in more detail. Boran cattle had high tick loads in the wet season, especially those animals in poor condition. No differences were found between female and male cattle, regardless of season. The calves had high tick loads during both the wet and dry seasons, whereas the sub-adult and adult cattle had less ticks during the dry season. Cattle on the intensively managed ranches had lower tick load than those in the transhumant management system. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of establishing effective control of ticks on domestic animals in transhumant management systems as tick loads were high on these animals in both the wet and dry season. Graphic abstract ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Chepkwony
- Kenya Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 40241-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Strategic Communications Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8130, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Severine van Bommel
- Strategic Communications Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8130, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Frank van Langevelde
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Associations between monthly rainfall and mortality in cattle due to East Coast fever, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Parasitology 2020; 147:1743-1751. [PMID: 32907657 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Weather conditions can impact infectious disease transmission, causing mortalities in humans, wild and domestic animals. Although rainfall in dry tropical regions is highly variable over the year, rainfall is thought to play an important role in the transmission of tick-borne diseases. Whether variation in rainfall affects disease-induced mortalities, is, however, poorly understood. Here, we use long-term data on monthly rainfall and Boran cattle mortality (1998-2017) to investigate associations between within-year variation in rainfall and cattle mortalities due to East Coast fever (ECF), anaplasmosis and babesiosis in Laikipia, Kenya, using ARIMAX modelling. Results show a negative correlation between monthly rainfall and cattle mortality for ECF and anaplasmosis, with a lag effect of 2 and 6 months, respectively. There was no association between babesiosis-induced mortalities and monthly rainfall. The results of this study suggest that control of the tick-borne diseases ECF and anaplasmosis to reduce mortalities should be intensified during rainy periods after the respective estimated time lags following dry periods.
Collapse
|
7
|
Katiyatiya CLF, Muchenje V, Mushunje A. Seasonal variation in coat characteristics, tick loads, cortisol levels, some physiological parameters and temperature humidity index on Nguni cows raised in low- and high-input farms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2015; 59:733-743. [PMID: 25172085 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-014-0887-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal variations in hair length, tick loads, cortisol levels, haematological parameters (HP) and temperature humidity index (THI) in Nguni cows of different colours raised in two low-input farms, and a commercial stud was determined. The sites were chosen based on their production systems, climatic characteristics and geographical locations. Zazulwana and Komga are low-input, humid-coastal areas, while Honeydale is a high-input, dry-inland Nguni stud farm. A total of 103 cows, grouped according to parity, location and coat colour, were used in the study. The effects of location, coat colour, hair length and season were used to determine tick loads on different body parts, cortisol levels and HP in blood from Nguni cows. Highest tick loads were recorded under the tail and the lowest on the head of each of the animals (P < 0.05). Zazulwana cows recorded the highest tick loads under the tails of all the cows used in the study from the three farms (P < 0.05). High tick loads were recorded for cows with long hairs. Hair lengths were longest during the winter season in the coastal areas of Zazulwana and Honeydale (P < 0.05). White and brown-white patched cows had significantly longer (P < 0.05) hair strands than those having a combination of red, black and white colour. Cortisol and THI were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in summer season. Red blood cells, haematoglobin, haematocrit, mean cell volumes, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils were significantly different (P < 0.05) as some associated with age across all seasons and correlated to THI. It was concluded that the location, coat colour and season had effects on hair length, cortisol levels, THI, HP and tick loads on different body parts and heat stress in Nguni cows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L F Katiyatiya
- Department of Livestock and Pasture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 57 00, Republic of South Africa
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Keesing F, Allan BF, Young TP, Ostfeld RS. Effects of wildlife and cattle on tick abundance in central Kenya. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2013; 23:1410-8. [PMID: 24147412 DOI: 10.1890/12-1607.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In African savannas, large mammals, both wild and domestic, support an abundant and diverse population of tick ectoparasites. Because of the density of ticks and the many pathogens that they vector, cattle in East Africa are often treated with acaricides. While acaricides are known to be effective at reducing tick burdens on cattle, their effects on the overall abundance and community composition of ticks in savanna ecosystems are less well understood. It is also not known how well tick populations can be maintained in the absence of large mammals. We evaluated the effects of wildlife and of acaricide-treated cattle on host-seeking tick populations in a long-term, exclusion experiment in central Kenya. Over seven years, we sampled larval, nymphal, and adult ticks monthly on replicated treatment plots that controlled for the presence of cattle and for the presence of two guilds of large wild mammals: megaherbivores (giraffes and elephants) and all other large wild herbivores (> 15 kg). Two species of ticks were found in this habitat; across all surveys, 93% were Rhipicephalus pulchellus and 7% were R. praetextatus. The presence of acaricide-treated cattle dramatically reduced the abundance of host-seeking nymphal and adult ticks but did not affect the abundance of host-seeking larval ticks. The abundance of larval ticks was determined by the presence of large wild mammals, which appear to import gravid female ticks into the experimental plots. On plots with no large mammals, either wild or domestic, larval and nymphal ticks were rare. Adult R. pulchellus were most abundant in plots that allowed wildlife but excluded cattle. Adult R. praetextatus were relatively abundant in plots without any large mammals. These differences suggest that these ticks utilize different members of the host community. The reduction in ticks that results from the presence of acaricide-treated cattle has potential health benefits for humans and wildlife, but these benefits must be weighed against potential costs, including reduced availability of food for birds such as oxpeckers that feed on ticks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Keesing
- Program in Biology, Bard College, P.O. Box 5000, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York 12504, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kabuusu RM, Alexander R, Kabuusu AM, Muwanga SN, Atimnedi P, Macpherson C. Effect of a Wildlife-Livestock Interface on the Prevalence of Intra-Erythrocytic Hemoparasites in Cattle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/ojvm.2013.38051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
10
|
Marufu MC, Qokweni L, Chimonyo M, Dzama K. Relationships between tick counts and coat characteristics in Nguni and Bonsmara cattle reared on semiarid rangelands in South Africa. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2011; 2:172-7. [PMID: 21890073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Indigenous Nguni cattle are adapted to the semiarid rangeland and appear to be resistant to ticks; however, the mechanism for tick resistance is yet to be established. To understand tick resistance in cattle, relationships among skin thickness, hair length, coat score, and tick counts were estimated in Nguni (n=12) and Bonsmara (n=12) heifers on semiarid rangelands of South Africa. The tick species observed to infest the heifers were Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (frequency: 76%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (9%), Amblyomma hebraeum (5%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (5%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (3%), and Hyalomma marginatum (2%). Nguni heifers had lower (P<0.05) log(10) (x+1)-transformed coat scores (0.6±0.01), hair length (1.4±0.01), and tick counts (1.4±0.03) than Bonsmara heifers whose log(10) (x+1)-transformed coat score, hair length, and tick count values were 0.7±0.01, 1.5±0.01, and 1.8±0.02, respectively. The skin thickness between the two breeds were similar (P>0.05). There was a positive linear (P<0.05) relationship between log(10) (x+1) tick counts and log(10) (x+1) coat score in the Nguni (y=1.90x-0.40) and a quadratic relationship in the Bonsmara (y=-7.98x(2)+12.74x-3.12) breed. It was concluded that the smooth coats may be one of the important mechanisms of tick resistance in the indigenous Nguni breed. Determination of genetic resistance to ticks in the Nguni breed is recommended as this will give more specific indication to the mechanism of host resistance in this breed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Munyaradzi C Marufu
- Discipline of Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marufu MC, Chimonyo M, Mapiye C, Dzama K. Tick loads in cattle raised on sweet and sour rangelands in the low-input farming areas of South Africa. Trop Anim Health Prod 2010; 43:307-13. [PMID: 20967568 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-010-9690-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare tick loads and prevalence in Nguni and non-descript cattle in the sweet (palatable throughout the year) and sour (palatable only in the rainy season) communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Engorged adult female ixodid ticks were collected and identified seasonally from 144 cattle raised on sweet and sour rangelands from August 2007 to April 2008. Three tick species were identified in the sweet and sour rangelands namely Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi with prevalences of 71.1%, 29.2%, and 40.2%, respectively. Hyalomma species (19.0%) occurred only in the sour rangeland. Higher tick counts were recorded in the hot-wet season than in the cool-dry season (P < 0.05). Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower tick loads than those in the sour rangeland in all the seasons except the hot-dry season. The Nguni breed had lower (P < 0.05) tick loads of R. appendiculatus in the hot-wet and post-rainy season and Hyalomma species in all seasons than the non-descript cattle. The use of a tick-resistant Nguni breed in the integrated control of ticks on cattle in the communal areas of South Africa is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Munyaradzi C Marufu
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, RSA, South Africa
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Survey of ixodid ticks in domestic ruminants in Bedelle district, Southwestern Ethiopia. Trop Anim Health Prod 2010; 42:1677-83. [PMID: 20563884 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-010-9620-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A survey aimed at determining the status of ticks in cattle, sheep and goats in Bedelle district (Southwestern Ethiopia) was carried out from November 2007 to April 2008. Out of the total 330 animals examined, 314 (95.2%) were found to be infested (harbouring of at least a single tick). High rates of infestations were recorded across all three host species. Factors like month of collection, age and sex of host species did not show significant association with infestation rates. A total of 5,507 ticks belonging to three genera (i.e. Amblyomma, Boophilus and Rhipicephalus) were collected during the study period of which six species were identified. The species of ticks encountered comprise of Amblyomma cohaerens (44.1%), Amblyomma variegatum (13.8%), Amblyomma lepidum (1.2%), Boophilus decoloratus (24.9%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (14.3%) and Rhipicephalus lunulatus (1.7%). As about 86.7% (4,772) of the ticks were collected from cattle, it was recognised that this could be an evidence of host preference where cattle are serving as principal host while sheep and goats serve as alternative hosts. The role of ecological factors and little attention paid by livestock owners for treatment of animals against ticks are suggested to result in the abundance of ticks. Acaricide spraying should be strategically applied to control ticks. Better result could be achieved if an emphasis is being put on spraying cattle. Studies on tick-borne diseases, involvement of wildlife species as well as related factors are recommended as they may provide a valuable basis for designing and launching an all-round control programme in the country.
Collapse
|
13
|
Tick susceptibility and its effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture. Animal 2008; 2:298-304. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731107001036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|