Andrew M Oroke | Nkechi Felicia Ekeh | Emeka B Ogbuene | Akatu Solomon Igoche | Felix E. Arcilla Jr.
A total of 200 cows were examined for ectoparasite from March to July 2018. 102 cows (51%) (67 cows out of 129 females and 35 cows out of 71 male cows) were infested. Ectoparasites were collected from different parts of the body of the animal using hand by wearing hand glove and preserved in 10% alcohol before there were snapped with the aid of a dissecting microscope and camera. Four species of ticks, namely Amblyomma variegatum, Amblyomma maculatum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus were identifed as the ectoparasite infesting cows in the area. Mean tick burden was high in case of A. variegatum (1.73 ± 0.0560), followed by A. maculatum (0.49 ± 0.001), R. (B.) annulatus (0.39 ± 0.0001) and R. (B.) microplus (0.06± 0.0001). Prevalence was signifcantly high in cows of 4-5 years of age and body size 1250cm2 to 1650cm2. Ticks were widely distributed in different parts of the host body such as the armpit, inner thigh, penis, udder, mammary gland, scrotum, vulva and ear of which inner thigh was mostly infested (51.90%), while ear was the least infected area (4.20%). Ticks were the main ectoparasite identifed in the at cows in Onueke town area, and constitutes a threat to the cows population irrespective of age, sex, body size and body parts hence best management practices, veterinary services and use of chemicals (acaricides) were recommended to minimize the spread of infestation which causes skin and hide quality degradation and disease transmission.
ISSN 2244-1581 (Online)
ISSN 2244-1573 (Print)
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