Prevalence and identification of tick species (Ixodidae) on domestic animals in district Multan, Punjab Pakistan

Ticks are blood-sucking ecto-parasites and transmit pathogens to humans, wild and domesticated animals. Ticks also serve as a vector of many zoonotic diseases such as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and Lyme. Livestock play a key role in the rural economy of Pakistan as a source of food, and income for farmers. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and identification of tick species on domestic animals found in District Multan, Punjab Pakistan. For this purpose, a study was carried out from April 2017 to September 2017, a total of 1150 animals (buffaloes, cattle, sheep, and goats) were scanned randomly to collect ticks. A total of 200 specimens were collected from 1150 animals and identified to species using taxonomic keys. During the present study, Haemaphysalis punctata, Rhipicephalus singuanieus, Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hy. excavatum, Hy. anatolicum, and Rhipicephalus microplus were identified. Tick infestation was highest in buffaloes (87.55%) followed by cattle (63.33%), sheep (50%) and goats (40.30%). The female and young animals were more heavily parasitized with tick. Proper methodologies are needed to control ticks in the study area.