Tick distribution and infestation among sheep and cattle in Baghdad’s south suburb

Abstract

The study was conducted in Aldoura region south Baghdad from January to December 2010  ; out of 284 animals , only 79 were infested ( 23 cattle and 56 sheep) . The total tick prevalence was 27.8% ( 19.7% and  8.1% for sheep and cattle respectively ) . Ticks predilection sites were more prevalent on cattle's udder (41%) and sheep's ear and tail  (38%) . The high number of infestation was  in May and July months respectively. 521 ticks were collected and  3 genera ( Hyalomma 70%, Rhipicephalus 25% and Boophilus 5% ) were recorded from April to October months of the year . The total tick index found 1.84 . 13 species were identified; H. anatolicum anatolicum had highest tick index 0.54  among all ticks, followed by H. anatolicum excavatum, H. asiaticum asiaticum , H. marginatum marginatum , Hyalomma marginatum turanicum, Hyalomma detritum ; Rhipicephalus turanicus  was  highest tick index of  Rhipicephalus genus ,then R. bursa, R. sanguineus ; B. annulatus was higher indexed than B. kohlsi among Boophilus genus; lowest index were found to Hyalomma spp. and B. kohlsi . Ticks spp. monthly distribution was significant (p.<0.001) . B. kohlsi , firstly record in Baghdad region and from sheep host. Given data might be aid in control ticks and minimize public and veterinary infections .