TICKS (ACARI: IXODIDAE) INFESTING CATTLE IN THREE NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA REGIONS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON

Abstract

Hard ticks are ectoparasites and vectors of many pathogens. Studies on hard ticks in cattle have rarely been conducted in northeastern Algeria. This study aimed to estimate the infestation rate, distribution, and biological diversity of hard tick species infesting 122 cattle in Mila, Jijel, and Guelma (northeast-ern Algeria) provinces during the summer of 2019. A total of 1,927 ticks belonging to two hard tick genera (Rhipicephalus; 85.83%, Hyalomma; 14.17%) and nine species were collected. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (54.5%) and Rhipicephalus bursa (28.18%) were widespread in northeastern Algeria. Several species were reported for the first time in the regions studied. In addition, the intensity of tick infestation did not vary according to breed, sex and age of cattle. The information gathered could help develop more effective tick control programmes in these regions. Further studies are needed in other regions of Algeria to generate a comprehensive national tick database.