Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Risk Assessment of Ixodid Ticks in Cattle of Mid Hill Zone of North - Western Himalayas

Ticks are obligatory blood suckers and require animal hosts for survival and propagation [1].Among all the ectoparasites of mammals, birds, and reptiles, ticks are considered the most harmful blood-sucking external parasites.Ticks rank first as arthropod vectors of pathogens in domestic animals [2].Ticks are distributed throughout the world particularly the tropical and sub-tropical regions including India.Nearly 80% of the world's cattle population is at risk of infection with ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) [3].The cost of control of TTBDs in the dairy sector of India has been estimated at $ 498.7 million annually [4].The mild temperate climate and environmental conditions of the mid-hill zone are favorable for the survival and propagation of ticks.