EPIDEMIOLOGY OF IXODID TICKS INFESTING CATTLE AND EFFICACY OF IVERMECTIN AND DIAZINON IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF HALABA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Ticks are prevalent in Ethiopia, particularly in Halaba zone climatic condition is favorable for tick perpetuation and propagation. A cross-sectional and questioner survey with randomized control trial was used on Ixodid cattle ticks from April 2022 to February 2023 in Halaba zone. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation, identify the existing and major Ixodid tick species, assessing risk factors associated with tick infestation, to asses Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of farmers on tick, tick control and prevention methods, acaricide usage and tick response to acaricides application together with assessing efficacy of Ivermectin and Diazinon. A total of 381 cattle and 394 respondents were used for this study. Tick species were identified using morphological identification keys under a stereomicroscope. In-person interview was carried out for questionnaire survey and for randomized controlled trial, FAO modified protocol for the AIT was used. Stata version 14 was used for analysis. The overall prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation was 27.82% (95%CI= 23.30-32.34). A total of four genera and five tick species of Ixodid were identified. A. varigatum (22.83 %; 95%CI=18.60-27.06) and R.(B) decoloratus (21.52%; 95%CI=17.37-25.66) were the predominant Ixodid tick species encountered. Tick infestation was found independently associated with season, age and body condition score significantly (p≤ 0.05). Accordingly, odds of Ixodid tick infestation was found higher in wet season (AOR=9.36; 95%CI=5.03-17.41), old age (AOR=2.95, 95%CI=1.19-7.28), poor (AOR=2.15; 95%CI=10.92-4.98) body conditioned cattle than their couter parts. All of farmers did not have adequate knowledge on ticks could transmit diseases to cattle and majoriy of them did not have adequate knowledge of tick will develop resistance against acaricides. In-vitro efficacy evaluation test revealed emergence of diazinon resistant A. variegatum, and Ivermectine and Diaznon resistant Rh. (Bo.) decoloratus. Ivermectine had more efficacy against Am. variegatum and Rh. (Bo.) decoloratus tick species as compared to Diazinon. Therefore, sound and effective tick control and prevention strategies and rational acaricide usage are needed to mitigate the risks of tick infestation in study area.