Prevalence of Tick Infestation and Its Associated Risk Factors in Small Ruminants Within Abuja, Nigeria

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 University of Maiduguri

2 University of Abuja

Abstract

Ticks are ectoparasites that infest livestock, causing significant economic losses due to reduced productivity, mortality, and transmission of tick-borne diseases. Sheep and goats are particularly susceptible to tick infestations, which can have devastating consequences on their health and productivity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ticks’ infestations in sheep and goats and identify associated risk factors in Abuja and environs. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Abuja and environs, involving 50 sheep and 50 goats per area council visited. Ticks were collected from the animals. Data on animal characteristics, farm management practices, and environmental factors were collected from the owners. The species that was most prevalent was Rhipicephalus sanguineus 66.67 %, followed by Hyalomma marginatum 20 %, and Amblyomma marmoreum was the least species encountered 13.33 %. The overall prevalence of ticks’ infestations in sheep and goats was 46% and 44%, respectively. The study revealed that animal age, breed, sex, and farm management practices (such as tick control measures and grazing management) were significant risk factors associated with tick infestations. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of ticks’ infestations in sheep and goats in Abuja and environs, with significant associations with animal characteristics and farm management practices. The findings highlight the need for effective tick control measures and integrated pest management strategies to reduce the burden of tick-borne diseases and improve livestock productivity in the study area.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics