Epidemiology of ixodid ticks in cattle population of various agro-climatic zones of Punjab, India

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiology of ixodid ticks in bovines of different agro-climatic zones of Punjab state, India. METHODS: A total of 4 459 cattle of all age groups and sex were examined from eighteen districts of five major agro-climatic zones of Punjab state, India. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of ixodid ticks, Rhipicephalus microplus (R. microplus), Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (H. a. anatolicum) and mixed infestation were 58.06%, 50.16%, 11.34% and 3.45%, respectively. Among the various agro-climatic zones highest prevalence rate of R. microplus and H. a. anatolicum were recorded in submountain undulating region (79.36%) and western region (20.40%), respectively indicating that R. microplus prefers a hot and humid environment whereas, arid and semi arid conditions suit better for H. a. anatolicum. The overall prevalence of ixodid ticks was highest in monsoon season (83.74%), followed by summer (69.01%) and least in winters (31.64%) and a significant variation (P<0.01) was also observed; whereas, maximum prevalence of R. microplus and H. a. anatolicum were recorded in monsoon (72.42%) and summers (18.06%), respectively. Among the various age groups maximum tick infestation was recorded in calves <6 months of age (72.59%), followed by 6 months -1 year age group (61.74%) and least in >1year age group (55.02%) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Also a significantly higher (P<0.01) infestation rates of ixodid ticks was observed in males. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study would provide a basis for evolving effective control strategy for the management of ticks in bovines of the region.