Emergence of Tick-Borne Zoonotic Parasites in Livestock and Companion Animals in Pakistan

Fareed J, Shafqat J, Zubair Z, Sabir M and Ullah K

Published on: 2024-07-18

Abstract

Ectoparasites like lice, ticks and mites depend on host organisms for survival and maturation. Among these Ticks are prevalent because of favourable climate conditions. Ticks are obligate blood feeding parasites that infest both livestock and companion animals transmitting pathogens across animals and humans. Tick fauna comprises at least 40 species mainly belonging to Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma,Rhiphicephalus, Ixodes, Ornithodoros, Otobius, Amblyomma and Dermacentor.Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria species are the major tick borne pathogens causing disease like Crimean – Congo haemorrhagic Fever,Theileriosis, Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis. Prevalence of ticks is highest in summer (June to September). Although ticks are crucial factor related to livestocks animals, there has not been enough Research done on ticks. Morphological examination along with techniques like PCR, PCR- RLB, Microscopy and ELISA have been used for identification of ticks. Pakistan is an agricultural country with significant presents of livestock which are crucial for livelihood of farmers. Ticks and Tick Borne Disease (TTBD) affect production of livestocks significantly on livelihood of farming communities. Livestock sector is an important part of Pakistan’s economy and a large number of cattles and sheep are being imported to meet increasing demands of milk products. Research must be done on ticks to gain further knowledge and precautionary measures must be taken. Just like Livestock animals, Companion animals like cats and dogs can also get infested with ticks, thus teaching their owners about the disease and parasites these companion animals bring with them are of paramount importance. Our Article is based on descriptive data rather than statistical data and aims to spread awareness about ticks and tbds.