Study on the prevalence of tick infestation of Cattle presented at Guder Mamo Mezemir Campus Veterinary Teaching Clinic, Guder, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Rebuma T, Berhanu G and Gemechu Z

Published on: 2024-07-03

Abstract

Tick infestation represents a significant parasitological challenge for cattle, particularly in Ethiopia, where livestock is crucial in agriculture. This study was conducted in the Toke Kutaye district of the West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, to investigate the prevalence of tick infestation and associated risk factors among cattle. A cross-sectional survey involving 384 cattle was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024, revealing an overall infestation rate of 58.9%. The predominant tick species identified included Ambylomma variegatum (46.5%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (35.0%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (14.8%), Ambylomma cohaerens (2.2%), and Haemaphysalis aciculifer (1.4%). Statistical analysis highlighted significantly higher infestation rates among adult cattle (71.4%) compared to young cattle (40.3%) (p = 0.000), with no significant differences observed by sex (p = 0.358) or breed (p = 0.565). These findings underscore the critical need for targeted tick control strategies adapted to local ecological conditions to minimize economic losses and bolster regional livestock productivity.