A cross-sectional study on identification and prevalence of hard ticks parasitizing large and small domestic animals

Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites transmitting pathogens that cause anemia, skin damage, weight loss, reduced meat and milk production, morbidity, and mortality in livestock. This study identified tick species and their prevalence on buffaloes, sheep, cows, and goats in Multan and Muzaffargarh districts, Punjab, Pakistan (March 2018–March 2020). Of 2,852 ticks collected, 1,509 and 1,343 were from Multan and Muzaffargarh, respectively. Twelve species were identified: Amblyomma variegatum, Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hy. scupense, Hy. excavatum, Hy. marginatum, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Hae. punctata, Rhipicephalus microplus, R. turanicus, R. sanguineus s.l., and R. decoloratus. Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus were most prevalent, with Hy. anatolicum dominant (26.73% in Muzaffargarh; 25.64% in Multan). Neeli Ravi buffaloes (55.24%), Sahiwal cows (42.12%), Teddy goats (30%), and pure Kajla sheep (65.45%) were most infested. Females and young animals carried higher burdens. Buffaloes were most heavily infested, with udder (98%) as primary attachment site. Tick burden peaked in July, showing significant seasonal association (p < 0.001). Risk factors were strongly linked to infestation levels, which reduce productivity and increase disease incidence. Understanding tick distribution is essential for effective control strategies.