PREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF TICKS AMONG CATTLE IN THE SELECTED AREAS IN BATTICALOA DISTRICT , SRILANKA

Abstract

Tick infestations pose a significant challenge tn cattle management, with their effects influenced by various factors, including age, gender, vegetation, feeding habits, health conditions, predilection sites, and severity of infection. Despite the lack of published studies on this subject in the Batticaloa District, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence oftick species among cattle in the region. A total of l6 cattle were randomly selected from three study locations: the cattle farm at the Faculty of Agriculture (Palachcholai), Karadiyanaru, and vantharumoolai, from June to December 2024. A total of 587 ticks were collected from the selected cattle. Morphological identification revealed six tick genera: Boophilus sp., Haemaphysaris sp., Rhipicepharus sp., Amblyomma sp', Hyalomma sp., and Dermacentor sp. The analysis based on host gender indicated a higher prevalence of tick infestation in female cattle (62.g6%) compared to males (37.14%). Age-wise, adult cattle exhibited the highest infestation rate (60' r4%)' Female ticks were found to be more abundant than male ticks. Among anatomical predilection sites, the dewlap was the most aflecte d area,accounting for 32'37% of the total infestations. Geographically, Karadiyanaru recorded the highest prevalence rate (41.23yo), followed by the cattle farm (35.43%) and vantharumoolai Q334%\ Effective tick management strategies should include regular mass inspections, proper sanitary practices, and farmer education on infection control and prevention' Further sfudies are recofirmended to assess the economic impact of tick infestations on cattle farming in the Batticaloa Distoict and their potential role in zoonotic disease tansmission. This study highlights the necessity for comprehensive veterinary interventions to improve cattle health and mitigate the impact of tick infestations on livestock production.