Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Tick Fauna in Bannu and Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Aims: This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the tick fauna of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, conducted across two districts. The study aimed to assess the diversity, relative abundance, and distribution of collected specimens to understand their patterns within the study area. Location and Duration of Study: Tick specimens were Collected from the Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, spanning from August 2021 to June 2022. Methodology: Visual encounter surveys were conducted, involving both daytime and nighttime observations, to collect specimens from diverse host animals, totaling 106, including cows, buffalo, goats, and dogs. Following the collection phase, a total of 312 specimens were carefully gathered and transported to the laboratory for further analysis. Upon arrival in the laboratory, the collected specimens were carefully arranged and preserved in Eppendorf tubes filled with a 70% ethanol solution. The preservation process aimed to maintain the integrity of the specimens for subsequent examination. The identification process involved a thorough morphological analysis, where authentic literature, updated taxonomic keys, and observation of morphological parameters were utilized. Results: The specimens subjected to examination and identification belonged to the Ixodidae family of hard ticks, encompassing two genera: Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Within these genera, eight distinct species were recognized in the current study in which a higher prevalence of female ticks across various species were observed. From the Hyalomma genus, the identified species were H. asiaticum, H. anatolicum, H. detritum, and H. impeltatum. The Rhipicephalus genus included R. haemaphysaloides, R. microplus, R. sanguineus, and R. turanicus. R. microplus emerged as the most dominant species, with a count of 126 individuals (SOR=100% and AQ=40.38%). Conversely, H. detritum, H. impeltatum, R. sanguineus and R. turanicus were identified as satellite species. Additionally, H. anatolicum, R. haemaphysaloides, and nymphs were categorized as co-dominant. Moreover, this study reports the first-ever occurrences of H. asiaticum and H. detritum in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically in the Lakki Marwat district. Furthermore, R. haemaphysaloides is possibly reported for the first time in both the Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts. Conclusion: This research presents preliminary findings on the diverse tick population in regions where animal husbandry plays a crucial role in the local economy. The Lakki Marwat district exhibited the highest diversity indices compared to Bannu. The observed prevalence of ticks in the studied areas emphasizes their significant impact on domesticated animals. Cattle exhibit the highest infestation rates, followed by buffalo and goats. The current taxonomic work may require improvement.