Title: Ovine Ixodid Ticks Infestation Prevalence in and Around Jimma Town, South West of Ethiopia
Abstract:A cross-sectional study carried out from April 2021 to May 2022 in order to determine the prevalence of tick infestation and associated risk factors in Sheep in and around Jimma Town, South West of Et...A cross-sectional study carried out from April 2021 to May 2022 in order to determine the prevalence of tick infestation and associated risk factors in Sheep in and around Jimma Town, South West of Ethiopia. Total of 384 Sheep of different age groups and body conditions were so selected, and 334 (86.98%) of them were harboring ticks. The high prevalence within age groups, sex and body condition score of animals showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) while statistical relationship between tick infestation and animal origin, insignificant (p > 0.05). High tick infestation rate recorded in sheep with adult of (88.5%) and old of (83.1%) than with young of (36.8%) age group. Similarly, high tick infestation of 89% noted in sheep with poor body condition while 87% & 74.8% of tick infestation verified in sheep with medium and good body condition, in that order. Five tick species, grouped under four genera, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Hyalomma truncatum, Amblyomma varigatum, Rhipicephalus pulchellus & Rhipicephalus (Bophilus) decoloratus of tick species identified along with the multi species of tick with 25.5%, 22.7%, 12.2%, 10.7%, 9.6% and 6.2% of prevalence, respectively. As an inference that ticks were the most important production and health problems for sheep in the study area. The ever-increasing threat of ovine ticks, so, warrants the systematic use of acaricides and the awareness of pet owners to prevent and control ticks, appositely.Read More