Distribution of ixodid tick species parasitizing livestock in Sirumalai, The Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, South India and its implications for public health

Abstract

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are an important public health problem worldwide. In India, prevalence of many tick-borne pathogens such as Ganjam virus, Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus and Rickettsia conorii etc., have been documented. The species composition of ticks infesting domestic animals in the Sirumalai area of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, South India has been recorded. A total of 2851 tick specimens were collected, and taxonomical identification revealed that 14 species belong to four genera, viz., Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma and Hyalomma. Among the species, Haemaphysalis intermedia from goats and Rhipicephalus microplus from cattle account for 72.6% and 15.2%, respectively. Amblyomma integrum was collected only from cattle (n=22). Rhipicephalus simus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma hussaini and Hyalomma kumari have been recorded for the first time this area. The preliminary results confirms the occurrence of rich diversity of tick fauna in this area and recommend further studies to determine the role of these fauna and their public health relevance to livestock and residents.