PREVALENCE OF TICKS AND TICK BORNE INFECTIONS IN CATTLE AT DINAJPUR SADAR

Abstract

Prevalence of ticks and tick borne infections in cattle was studied at Dinajpur Sadar area and the duration of the study was one year from January-December in 2011. A total of 240 cattle were examined for tick infestation. Among these animal, 119 (48.75%) cattle were found positive to tick infestation and 119 tick infested cattle were examined for tick borne infections. The effect of breed, season and sex was observed in cattle during the study. Clinical features of the tick borne infection in cattle were also examined. Distant and close inspection was done to locate tick in the animal body. Blood samples were taken from the tick infested cattle. Samples were examined by Giemsa's stained blood smear method. The highest tick infestation was found in the summer season (77.5%). Female cattle were more susceptible to tick infestation than male. Indigenous cattle (51.02%) were more prone to tick infestation than cross breed. The highest tick load found in the animal body was in ear, udder and perineal region. The overall prevalence of tick borne diseases was 70.58% where theileriosis (35.29%) and anaplasmosis (30.25%) were predominant. Tick-borne diseases were predominant in summer season followed by rainy and winter seasons. Female animals (77.45%) were more susceptible to tick borne infections than male (29.41%). Cross breed cattle (77.55%) were more prone to tick borne infections than indigenous cattle (38.09%). From the present study, it could be stated that breed and season were the important predictor of tick borne diseases. The major clinical signs were fever (up to 41°C), anemia, anorexia, depression, weakness, cessation of rumination, hemoglobinuria and an increase in respiratory and heart rate.