Prevalence of tick infestation of sheep and goats in Bui and Donga-Mantung Divisions of the North West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, intensity and management systems associated with tick infestation in sheep and goats from Bui and Donga-Mantung Divisions. A total of 704 animals consisting of 342 males and 362 females (463 adults and 241 young (kids/lambs) were physically examined for tick infestation, of which 383 were goats and 321 sheep aged 5 months to 7 years. Of the 704 animals examined, 651 were found positive with one or more ticks giving an overall prevalence of 92.5%. The highest prevalence was recorded in sheep (99.4%) while 86.7% was recorded in goats. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the prevalence and intensity of tick infestation of these ruminants in the study area. The overall intensity of infestation or tick burden was 1302 with the highest intensity observed in Boophilus geygei (416). Six species of ticks were identified which were Boophilus geygei, Boophilus annulatus, Boophilus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Hyalomma truncatum and Haemophysalis laechi with a high prevalence recorded for Boophilus geygei (29.5%) and the least recorded for Haemophysalis laechi (8.4%). Adults and females were the most infested compared to young stock and male animals. Concerning the various management techniques, the prevalence of tick infestation was higher in tethered animals (97.8%), followed by free-range grazing animals (89.8%). Animals confined in paddocks had the least prevalence (71.6%). This study provides an important step to reduce animal infestation and minimize economic losses in sheep and goats by providing information that will help farmers of these areas to use strategic treatment methods and medicinal plants to reduce parasite infestations on the animals and also to practice the right traditional management techniques.