Epidemiological study on Ixodid tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens on cattle in Awi Zone, northwest Ethiopia

Background: Tick and tick borne haemopathogens are the main challenge of livestock production and productivity in Ethiopia particular in northwest Ethiopia due to favourable climate condition. Objectives: The objectives of this study was to determining the prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens on cattle, identifying the existing Ixodid tick species, assessing seasonal variation and major risk factors associated with tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to july 2021 on Ixodid tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens on cattle in the northwest Ethiopia. A toatal of 384 cattle were used for this study. Tick species were identified using morphological identification keys under a stereomicroscope. Thin blood smear examination were conducted to assess tick borne haemopathogens. Results: The overall prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation and tick borne haemopathogens were 45% and 3%, respectively. Babesia bigemina was the only haemoparasite detected in the present survey. Potential risk factors were investigated for their association with tick infestation and B. bigemina using logistic regression and chi-square test, respectively. Accordingly, age, body condition, agroecological systems and season were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with tick infestation whereas season and body condition were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with B. bigemina infection. A total seven tick species were identified. Amblyomma varigatum (55%) and Boophihis decoloratus (15.7%) were the predominant Ixodid tick species encountered. A total of 128 blood samples were collected from Jawi district and examined using thin blood smear. Of them, 3% were infected by the B. bigemina Conclusions: Tick infestation in this study was high and seems to play vital role for the reduction of production, productivity and for the transmission B. bigemina. Therefore, sound and effective tick control and prevention strategies are needed to mitigate the risk factors for tick infestation and B. bigemina infection in Ethiopia.