In:
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, Medknow
Abstract:
Tick borne diseases (TBD) are becoming a major public and animal health problem in the Kerala. Recently, during 2021 – 2022, a new focus of tick nuisance and associated fever has been reported in some villages of Pathanamthitta district. Methods: The study on the diversity of tick fauna in Southern Kerala is limited. Therefore, a preliminary survey was carried out for the first time in this focus for implementation of future tick borne pathogen detection and control measures. This research may provide a proper understanding of tick density and acarological risk by tick ecology through surveillance and identification. A cross sectional study was conducted during the summer season of 2021 and 2022 in the tick bite infected area – Naduvathumoozhy, Vayakkara, Malayalappuzha and Pallikuzhi. Results: Ticks were manually collected from ruminants and by dragging method from vegetation. A total of 727 ticks of 8 different species were collected from the genus Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus. The most prevalent species were H. bispinosa and H.turturis, at 38.7% and 29.1%, respectively. Ticks were sampled from 197 animals with the proportion of infestation being 73.60%. It was highest in goats (85.9%), followed by buffalo (73.6%) and cow (65.4%). Interpretation & conclusion: The study concludes that, despite the absence of any TBD outbreaks, the Pathanamthitta district has a high diversity of tick fauna and a high rate of tick infestation in domestic ruminants, especially in goats. Hence active tick surveillance is necessary in order to prevent TBD outbreaks in future; the study also emphasizes the importance of performing tick surveillance in both KFD endemic and non-endemic regions.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0972-9062
DOI:
10.4103/0972-9062.393970
Language:
English
Publisher:
Medknow
Publication Date:
2024
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2453347-6
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