Distribution and Seasonal Dynamics of Tick Species Infesting Cattle in Nocturnal and Daytime Systems of Livestock in the Far North Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Diseases transmitted by ticks constitute a threat to cattle in Cameroon, Far North Region. The objective of this study was to identify ticks and to determine the structure and seasonal variation of tick communities infesting cattle in two types of farming in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Investigation on cattle were conducted from August 2018 to July 2019. Thus, ticks were collected monthly from 108 cattle in three districts (Bogo, Pette, Kalfou). A total of 13151 adult ticks were collected. Identification revealed the presence of six tick species belonging to three genera whose relative abundance varied according to the different tick species: Amblyomma variegatum (39.88%), Hyalomma marginatum rufipes (33.43%), Hyalomma truncatum (14.70%); Hyalomma impeltatum (9.88%); Boophilus decoloratus (1.58%); Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.51%). Ticks were most abundant at the beginning of the rainy season (June-July) and least abundant during the dry season (October-April). There was no significant difference between the abundance of different tick species in the two farming systems. Older animals and females were the most infested with ticks. The most infested parts by ticks were udders and testicles (40.08%), anal region (18.04%), legs and armpits (13.27%) and chest (13.96%). This study can help in improving of appropriate strategies for the control of ticks infestation in cattle.