Authors : G. Fentaye Kassa, Kalkidan Merid and Kindiye Amenu
Abstract: Tick infestations are the major animal health constraints in small ruminant’s production and contributing a great loss in their productivity. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019-May 2020 to determine the prevalence and to identify major tick species of small ruminant in and around Arba Minch. A total of 384 small ruminants (213 caprine and 171 ovine) were examined thoroughly for the presence of tick. Identification of ticks was performed using stereomicro scope and classified into different genera and species based on standard tick identification keys. The overall prevalence of tick infestation in the study area was 28.1% (n = 108/384). The prevalence of tick infestations in caprine and ovine was found to be 26.8% (n = 57/213) and 29.8% (n = 51/171), respectively. Among anticipated risk factors only sex, body conditions and management of the small ruminants showed statistically significant associations (p<0.05). Four species of ticks from each genera namely Rhipicephalus (R. evertsi evertsi, R. pulculles, R. guilhoni and R. annulatus), Amblyomma (A. variegatum, A. gemma, A. coherence and A.lepidum) and Hyalomma (H. truncatum, H. marginatum, H. excavatum and H. rufipes) were identified in this study. In addition, a total of 774 ticks were collected of which 520 and 254 were female and male, respectively. In conclusion, diverse species composition and prevalence of ticks were observed in Arba Minch which impliestick infestations are the major animal health constraints in small ruminant’s production and contributing a great loss in their productivity. Therefore, appropriate acaricides should be applied to infested small ruminant and to decrease effect of infestations.
G. Fentaye Kassa, Kalkidan Merid and Kindiye Amenu, 2020. Prevalence and Identification of Major Tick Species of Small Ruminant in and Around Arba Minch, Ethiopia. Veterinary Research, 13: 47-52.