Prevalence and intensity of Ixodidae in cattle, goats and sheep brought to the municipal slaughterhouse of Tadjenanet, in Mila, north-eastern Algeria

A four-month survey was carried out to study the prevalence, intensity and ecological indices of Ixodidae on cattle, goats and sheep brought to the slaughterhouse in the municipality of Tadjenanet, in north-eastern Algeria. Of the 447 animals examined, 67 (14.96%) were infested by one or more ticks. A total of 262 ticks were collected and ten species grouped under two genera were inventoried: Rhipicephalus spp. (79.77%) and Hyalomma spp. (20.23%). The tick spicies collected included Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma impeltatum, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupence, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This is the first time that Hyalomma impeltatum have been reported in Mila region. The most abundant species was Rhipicephalus bursa (41.22%). The presence of Hyalomma impeltatum in the study area was an interesting finding. The present study provides basic data on the status of the parasite in the province of Mila.

The Prevalence of Ticks Infestation of Dogs in Runjin Sambo Area of Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Ticks are still considered a major cause of zoonotic diseases most especially to dogs and other related animals. This study was conducted to assess the ticks infestation of dogs in Runjin Sambo area Sokoto. The sample was collected using hand picking and hair brushing method with the assistance of dog owners. A total of sixty dogs were randomly selected in four different sub areas in Runjin Sambo. The locality, sex and age of the dogs were noted. The ticks species were identified in the entomology laboratory using key devices. Four species of ticks namely, Amlyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Boophilus decolaratus and Hyalomma excavatum were identified. The 45 (75%) of dogs were found infected with prevalence of 11.67%, 21.67%, 25.00% and 16.67% in the four sub-areas respectively. The prevalence rate of infection was 31.67% in male dogs and 43.33% in female dogs. Similarly 55.00% and 20.00% in adult and puppy dogs respectively. Tick infestation of dogs seems to be due to poor and unhygienic condition of the dogs and can be reduced by proper sanitation, improve hygiene and health education.

Ticks and associated pathogens in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Riyadh province, Saudi Arabia

Background: Camel production in Saudi Arabia is severely affected by various diseases and by inadequate veterinary services. Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs ) affect the health and wellbeing of camels consequently diminishing their productivity and performances. In addition, camels may act as hosts for TBPs (e.g. Anaplasma phagocytophilum ) causing diseases in humans. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of ixodid ticks and molecularly investigate the associated pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia. Methods: Blood and tick samples were collected from camels ( n = 170) in Riyad Province of Saudi Arabia. Ticks were morphologically identified, and blood of camels were molecularly screened for apicomplexan (i.e. Babesia spp . , Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp.) and rickettsial parasites (i.e. Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp.). Results: Of the 170 camels examined, 116 (68.2%; 95% CI: 60.9–75.1%) were infested by ticks with a mean intensity of 2.53 (95% CI: 2.4–2.6). In total of 296 ticks collected, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent (76.4%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (23.3%) and Hyalomma excavatum (0.3%). Of the tested animals, 13 (7.6%; 95% CI: 4.3–12.8%) scored positive to at least one TBP, with Anaplasma platys (5.3%; 95% CI: 2.7–9.9%) being the most prevalent species, followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis (0.6% each; 95% CI: 0.04–3.4%). None of the camels were found to be co-infected with more than one pathogen. All samples tested negative for Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Conclusions: The present study reveals the occurrence of different tick species and tick-borne pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia. Importantly, these camels may carry A. phagocytophilum and A. platys , representing a potential risk to humans.

Ticks and associated pathogens in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Riyadh province, Saudi Arabia

Background Camel production in Saudi Arabia is severely affected by various diseases and by inadequate veterinary services. Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a major threat to the health of camels consequently affecting their productivity and performances. In addition, camels may act as hosts for TBPs (e.g. Anaplasma phagocytophilum ) causing diseases in humans. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of ixodid ticks and molecularly investigate the associated pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia. Methods Blood and tick samples were collected from camels (n=170) in Riyad Province of Saudi Arabia. Ticks were morphologically identified and blood of camels were molecularly screened for apicomplexan (i.e. Babesia spp ., Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp.) and rickettsial parasites (i.e. Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp.). Results Of the 170 camels examined, 116 (68.2%; 95% CI: 60.9–75.1) were infested by ticks with a mean intensity of 2.53 (95% CI =2.4–2.6). In total of 296 ticks collected, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent (76.4%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (23.3%) and Hyalomma excavatum (0.3%). Of the tested animals, 13 (7.6%; 95% CI: 4.3–12.8) scored positive to at least one TBP, with Anaplasma platys (5.3%; 95% CI: 2.7–9.9) being the most prevalent species, followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis (0.6% each; 95% CI: 0.04–3.4). None of the camels were found to be co-infected with more than one pathogen. All samples tested negative for Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Conclusions Current study reveals the occurrence of different tick species and tick-borne pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia. Importantly, these camels may carry A. phagocytophilum and A. platys , representing a potential risk to humans.

Ticks and associated pathogens in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Riyadh province, Saudi Arabia

Background Camel production in Saudi Arabia is severely affected by various diseases and by inadequate veterinary services. Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a major threat to the health of camels consequently affecting their productivity and performances. In addition, camels may act as hosts for TBPs (e.g. Anaplasma phagocytophilum ) causing diseases in humans. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of ixodid ticks and molecularly investigate the associated pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia.Methods Blood and tick samples were collected from camels (n=170) in Riyad Province of Saudi Arabia. Ticks were morphologically identified and blood of camels were molecularly screened for apicomplexan (i.e. Babesia spp ., Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp.) and rickettsial parasites (i.e. Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp.).Results Of the 170 camels examined, 116 (68.2%; 95% CI: 60.9–75.1) were infested by ticks with a mean intensity of 2.53 (95% CI =2.4–2.6). In total of 296 ticks collected, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent (76.4%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (23.3%) and Hyalomma excavatum (0.3%). Of the tested animals, 13 (7.6%; 95% CI: 4.3–12.8) scored positive to at least one TBP, with Anaplasma platys (5.3%; 95% CI: 2.7–9.9) being the most prevalent species, followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis (0.6% each; 95% CI: 0.04–3.4). None of the camels were found to be co-infected with more than one pathogen. All samples tested negative for Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.Conclusions Current study reveals the occurrence of different tick species and tick-borne pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia. Importantly, these camels may carry A. phagocytophilum and A. platys , representing a potential risk to humans.

Dynamique des populations de tiques infestant les ovins dans les steppes arides de Tunisie

Cette étude a cherché à déterminer la dynamique des populations de tiques infestant les ovins dans la région de Gafsa (centre de la Tunisie). Les tiques ont été prélevées sur 57‒64 moutons de race Barbarine choisis au hasard chaque mois pendant un an, d’octobre 2013 à septembre 2014. Au total, 560 tiques ont été collectées et identifiées. Elles appartenaient à deux espèces : Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (98,6 %) et Hyalomma excavatum (1,4 %). Les ovins n’ont été infestés que d’avril à octobre avec une prévalence maximale (nombre d’animaux infestés / nombre d’animaux examinés) en août pour R. sanguineus s.l. (83 %) et en mai pour H. excavatum (7 %). L’intensité d’infestation maximale (nombre de tiques / nombre d’animaux infestés) a été de 3,7 tiques par animal en août. Ces données seront très utiles pour les éleveurs d’ovins et les vétérinaires pour mettre en place des mesures de lutte efficaces contre les tiques et les pathogènes qu’elles transmettent.