Investigating the Prevalence and Identification of Different Tick Species in Cattle: One Health Perspective

Abstract

Ectoparasites, particularly Ixodid ticks, present a major constraint to livestock production and health globally by causing severe tissue damage, blood loss, reduced milk yields, and transmitting pathogenic agents. Despite the economic reliance on livestock in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, systematic baseline data about host susceptibility and generic tick diversity remains insufficient. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted in Dera Ismail Khan. A total of 289 livestock animals were randomly selected and physically examined. Ticks were collected manually using fine-tipped forceps, preserved in 70% ethanol, and morphologically identified to the genus level under stereomicroscopy following standard taxonomic keys. An overall tick infestation prevalence of 47.40% (137/289) was recorded. Taxonomic characterization identified five tick genera: Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, and Dermacentor. Hyalomma was the dominant genus infesting large ruminants (55.88% in cows, 50.00% in buffaloes), while Haemaphysalis predominated in goats (33.33%). Amblyomma and Dermacentor were exclusively restricted to large ruminants, while Rhipicephalus showed a ubiquitous presence across all host species. Tick infestation is endemic in Dera Ismail Khan, with large ruminants bearing the heaviest parasitic burden. The widespread dominance of Hyalomma highlights its strong physiological adaptation to the region's semi-arid microclimate. Taxon identification was restricted to the generic level based on classical morphological keys without molecular confirmation (e.g., PCR or sequencing), and sampling was limited to accessible farming localities over defined operational periods. These findings bridge a crucial geographic knowledge gap and serve as an essential baseline for local veterinary authorities to implement targeted vector control programs, improve farmer awareness of acaricide application, and establish integrated surveillance for tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.