Survey of Ixodid Ticks on Cattle in Borana Pastoral Area, Ethiopia

This study was conducted from September 2011 to May 2012 in Borana pastoral area with the objectives of determining the distribution and relative abundance of Ixodid ticks on cattle in relation to short rain and major dry seasons, cattle age and sex. A total of 8,912 adult ticks belonging to genera of Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, Boophilus and Hyalomma were collected from 768 indigenous cattle. Rhipicephalus pulchellus and Amblyomma gemma constituted more than 70% of the total collection. Other identified species in order of abundance were Boophilus decoloratus, Amblyomma variegatum, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Amblyomma lepidium and Amblyomma cohearens. All species were collected throughout the study period, but showed higher overall mean tick burden (29.39±14.392) during short rain season than major dry (17.14 ±7.294). These variations were statistically significant (P< 0.05). The abundance and mean burden of each tick species was high in adult cattle than young and females than males; which also showed statistical significant variation (P<0.05) between cattle sex and age groups. The results of this study suggested that the two seasons, cattle age and sex were found to be determinant for dynamics of tick population during the study period. Therefore, strategic control using such seasonal dynamics of ticks, aimed at primarily reducing Rhipicephalus pulchellus and Amblyomma gemma burden on female and adult cattle, with the objectives of allowing maintenance of endemic stability are recommended.