Distribution of hard ticks species of veterinary importance on cattle in Mubi North and Mubi South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the diversity and distribution of hard tick species of veterinary importance in Mubi North and South Local Government Areas, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify tick species, tick infestations by cattle breed and sex, and determine the distribution of ticks across various body sites of cattle. A random sample of cattle was collected across different herds, noting location, cattle breed, sex, and body site. Ticks were collected manually from cattle and preserved in 10% alcohol for identification. Tick species were identified using stereomicroscopy and standard taxonomic procedures. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0, with significance assessed at p<0.05. Results revealed significant species diversity between the two areas. In Mubi North, Rhipicephalus decoloratus and Rhipicephalus microplus were the most prevalent species, with a notable concentration in Gandu, where they accounted for 38.5% of the total ticks identified. In Mubi South, Hosere Muppa had the highest tick diversity, with R. decoloratus as the most prevalent species; Hyalomma marginatum was observed exclusively in some locations. Across both areas, R. decoloratus was the dominant species. The study also found that tick infestation was most common in the mammary gland (udder) (44.8%) and the scrotum (34.5%) of the cattle examined, highlighting these areas as critical for tick infestation. Breed susceptibility and infestation showed that the Red Bororo (40.4%) and the White Fulani (26.5%) were the most vulnerable cattle breeds to tick infestation in the study area. Female cattle were more susceptible to hard ticks than male cattle.