Spatio-temporal epidemiological survey reveals high infestation and extensive species diversity of hard ticks infesting camels from Pakistan

Camel production is severely hampered in Pakistan by a wide range of diseases, including ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Camels serve as hosts for various tick-borne pathogens that can lead to human illnesses. Thereby, it was necessary to identify tick species and their infestation prevalence on camels before recommendation of any tick control measures. A total of 1800 engorged and semi -engorged ticks were collected from 1000 camels. In total, tick infestation intensity and abundance were 3.191 and 1.8 ticks per animal, respectively. The ticks belong to six genera (Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Amblyomma, and Ixodes) and 13 species (Hyalomma dromedarii, Hy. anatolicum, Hy. excavatum, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Hae. punctata, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, R. annulatus, R. microplus, Dermacentor raskimensis, D. marginatus, D. circumguttatus, Amblyomma variegatum, Ixodes ricinus). Female camels recorded more infested hosts than males in the study area. The perineum was found to be a predilection site for ticks, while legs were not. According to camel breeds, Bagri/booja camels carried a high tick load, followed by marecha/mahra, brela/thalocha, gaddi, dhatti/thari, ghulmani, khader and maya types, while the lowest load was observed on the campbelpuri breed. A statistically significant difference was recorded in body conditions; ages were similar. Poor body condition implied a higher tick burden. Summer was considered the most favourable month for tick infestation, while winter was the least. These findings pave the way for more investigations on camels located in the studied regions as well as other parts of the country.

Automated summary

Camel production in Pakistan is hindered by various tick-borne diseases, with ticks serving as carriers of pathogens that can infect humans. This study aimed to determine the tick species and their infestation rates on camels in order to recommend appropriate tick control measures. A total of 1800 engorged and semi-engorged ticks were collected from 1000 camels, with a tick infestation intensity of 3.191 per animal. The ticks belonged to six genera and 13 species, with female camels showing higher rates of infestation. The perineum was found to be the preferred site for ticks, and tick burden varied among different camel breeds. Summer was the most favorable season for tick infestation. These findings highlight the need for further investigations on camels in different regions of Pakistan.