Abstract

The study was conducted on local breed cattle, found in and around Mesela (Shanan Dhugo) district, Western Hararghe from November, 2014 to April, 2015 to identify the major Ixodid ticks species and its prevalence. The sampled animals from peasant associations of Mesela (Shanan Dhugo) district were randomly selected by multistage sampling technique and then examined for tick infestation. Out of the total of 420 cattle examined, 120 (28.57%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. About 958 adult ticks were collected from the animal body parts and identified to genera and species level. Three tick species of three genera (Amblyomma, Boophilus and Rhipicephalus) were identified. The relative prevalence of each species was Amblyomma variegatum (61.18%), Boophilus decoloratus (34.59%), and Rhipicephalus evertsi-evertsi (4.21%). Amblyomma variegatum show higher preference to udder, scrotum and axial; B. Decoloratus were found prominently on dewlap and neck, and belly and groin; R. evertsi-evertsi show higher preference to perianal and vulva, and under tail regions of the body. Among different age and between sex groups of animals examined, infestation was found to be statistically insignificant (P >0.05) whereas, infestation was found statistically significant between body condition score (P <0.05). It is concluded that the prevalent tick species could also be responsible for transmission of tick borne diseases in addition to their physical damage to the skin. Therefore, further studies should be carried out on tick burden and tick borne diseases thereby mitigating for prevention and control strategies.