Tick distribution and infestation among sheep and cattle in Baghdad’s South suburb

Abstract EN

The study was conducted in Aldoura region south Baghdad from January to December 2010 ; out of 284 animals , only 79 were infested ( 23 cattle and 56 sheep) .

The total tick prevalence was 27.8 % (19.7 % and 8.1 % for sheep and cattle respectively).

Ticks predilection sites were more prevalent on cattle's udder (41 %) and sheep's ear and tail (38 %).

The high number of infestation was in May and July months respectively.

521 ticks were collected and 3 genera ( Hyalomma 70 %, Rhipicephalus 25 % and Boophilus 5 % ) were recorded from April to October months of the year .

The total tick index found 1.84.

13 species were identified; H.

anatolicum anatolicum had highest tick index 0.54 among all ticks, followed by H.

anatolicum excavatum, H.

asiaticum asiaticum, H.

marginatum marginatum, Hyalomma marginatum turanicum, Hyalomma detritum ; Rhipicephalus turanicus was highest tick index of Rhipicephalus genus ,then R.

bursa, R.

sanguineus ; B.

annulatus was higher indexed than B.

kohlsi among Boophilus genus ; lowest index were found to Hyalomma spp.

And B.

kohlsi.

Ticks spp.

monthly distribution was significant (p.

< 0.001).

B.

kohlsi, firstly record in Baghdad region and from sheep host.

Given data might be aid in control ticks and minimize public and veterinary infections.