Tick Infestation in Cattle and its Implication for Control; a Case Study of Certain Abattoirs in Anambra State Southeast Nigeria

Ogbuefi, E. O.¹ , Joe-Ikechebelu, N. N.^{2, 3, 4} , Umeh, B. C.¹ , Chidi-Okeke, C. A.⁵ , Emma- Ogbuefi, O. V.^{6, 7, 8} , Elosiuba N.V.¹ , Igwe, O. P.¹

¹Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State Nigeria

²Department of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care, College of Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Amaku Awka Anambra State, Nigeria

³Social Dimensions of Health Program (INTD), Public Health and Social Policy Department, Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

⁴Nigeria Coalition for EcoSocial Health Research, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka Anambra State, Nigeria

⁵Department of Public Health, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom.

⁶Department of Medical Services, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

⁷Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra Stat,e Nigeria

⁸Faith Hospital and Maternity Awka, Awka South L.G.A., Anambra State, Nigeria

Corresponding Author Email: oe.ogbuefi@unizik.edu.ng

DOI : https://doi.org/10.51470/eSL.2025.6.1.09

Abstract

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Introduction

All around the globe, amplifying climate and environmental fluctuations continue to errand increasing tick abundance, (1) infesting cattle, worsening emission of greenhouse gases (2), nonetheless, cattle remains a foremost font and source of animal protein, manure, pliable income, source of livelihood and farm energy. Ticks which are temporary, obligate and external vermin of backboned creatures which includes but not limited to reptiles, birds and mammals constantly requisite to nourish on lifeblood in order to remain alive and correspondingly breed. The scorching and humid ecological conditions positively favour their survival, whereas the truncated temperatures encumber and constrain their individual development and growth (3). Ticks largely fit into two foremost folks which include Ixodidae and Argasidae. Ixodidae is the greatest significant assemblage which is also being regarded as hard ticks because of the existence of a inflexible exoskeleton shield that concealments the all-inclusive adult’s dorsal surface. The supplementary kinfolk is the Argasidae which lacks a shield unlike their other colleague and thus also regarded as soft ticks (4). Furthermore, one species is attached to a third family named the Nuttalliellidae; to (5) alongside superfluous genera of veterinary importance (4). The most imperative soft ticks fit into the category known as Otobius Argas and Ornithodoros (5). These ticks belongs to one of the prime ectoparasites of public wellbeing and predisposes animals to veterinary glitches in the world. It is on records that they can influence the making of milk and production of meat, and adversely affect the vigor of animals through the consequence of their nibbles or circuitously by the contagious organisms they communicate (3). These diseases include but are not limited to rickettsiae, bacteria, protozoa and viruses (4). Ticks and their relative

analogous pathogenetic agents they diffuse have co-existed in symmetry with desolate creatures that function by way of both reservoirs then hosts at the matching interval. Typically circumstances of variability solitary happen once these reservoirs emanate into touching base through domesticated animals whichever through the contacting uninfested creatures to pest-ridden districts, or by the association of unhealthy faunas to non-infested areas (6). Suitable preclusion, managing and control of tick invasion and parasitism is grounded on obtainable facts and well- versed knowledge of dynamics that upsets equally the endurance of organisms cutting-edge the atmosphere and communication to the host. Accidentally, parasitic completely elimination is problematic by means of one technique of action and managing particularly in the present varying climatic circumstances. Nevertheless, the unadorned effects of cattle and parasites by the use of acaricides and other rheostat methods can be minimized. It is auspicious to thwart the manifestation of furthermost bloodsucking illnesses of in cattle and to inhibit their blowout. This can be made imaginable by enchanting prompt counteractive and avoidance measures such as, unconventional prophylactic inoculations and austere asepsis procedures (7).

Material and Methods Study Area

The survey was undertaken in tripatite dissimilar slaughter houses located in Awka, Amansea and Nkwor-Ogidi in Anambra State, Southeast part of Nigeria between the months of March and June, 2024. Awka being the center municipal of Anambra State, Nigeria (3) positioned in Awka South Local Government of the State which has lies between latitude 6 12’25’’N and longitude 7 04’ 04’’E and sited in a steamy gorge with a populaces predictable to be 150,000 to 180,000. The settlement is cutting-edge the sultry tropical forest region of Nigeria also the means of livelihood of Awka general public includes but not limited to farming, skilled iron works, civil service and trading (8). On the other hand, Amansea is situated in Awka North L.G. A. of Anambra State which remains surrounded by the Awka center terrain in addition to being confined to the South by Awka city, to the northern part by Mamu tributary, Ebenebe settlement, to the west by Mgbakwu and to the East by Ezinato/Ubibia watercourse. The metropolis is in the interior of the rainforest expanse of Nigeria by means of an yearly precipitation of 100-150m. The region lies between latitude 6° 26’ 32’’N and longitude 7° 12’ 64’’E with a inhabitants predictable designate 90,000 to 120,000 (17). Moreover, Ogidi is similarly an Igbo settlement which is the center of operations of Idemili North L.G.A. of Anambra State, Nigeria which has a likely total populace of about 70,000 with the aforesaid adjoining Abatete town and others (9). The region is branded by two distinct periods, a rainy period from April to October and an arid period from November to March with an expanse topographical coordinates between 6° 9′ 0″N and 6° 52′ 0″E (10).

Determination of Model Magnitude

Cattle used cutting-edge the current survey remained nominated over and done with a simple haphazard selection method of the abortions in the State however the determination of study model magnitude was done using the calculations specified by (11) as calculated viz:.  𝑛 = 𝑍2−𝑃𝑄

𝑒²

Anywhere Q= 1 − P,

Z = 1.96,

e = precision error (0.05), and

P = expected prevalence of about 50%.

Consequently, n = 1.96² × (0.5) (1 − 0.5) / (0.05²) = 158

Sample Collection and Study Design

Ticks for the current study were randomly composed in cooperation of previously slaughtered cattles and those that are alive awaiting slaughtering at the selected abattoirs between the months of March, 2024 and June, 2024. An aggregate number of one hundred and fifty (150) cattle stood scrutinized aimed at determining the manifestation of ticks whereas the models poised from every cattle stayed stowed inside a sampling carafe then labelled for analysis and other investigations. Records were auxiliary booked on the sex and strain of apiece cattle scrutinized where the complete physique superficial of the cows was scrutinized for the incidence of ticks. Afterward completely confining the cattles cattles that were alive during examination, entirely noticeable mature tick types stood detached by fingers then by means of forceps stock-pilling the basis rudimentary capitulum, consequently as not to mislay the opening parts of the ticks as designated by the method described by (12). Ticks on or after every animal existed and positioned in discrete prelabeled collective carafes comprehending 70% ethanol and conveyed on the way to the

Laboratory of the Department of Parasitology and Entomology of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State aimed at detailed documentation and further analysis.

Identification of Ticks

After assemblage and prior examination, the conserved ticks remained desiccated on filter paper beforehand supplementary scrutiny under a indicator lens and stereophonic optical microscope. They be situated independently categorized hooked on their corresponding groups level via the regular documentation kits of anatomical physiognomies viz: the dimension of the aperture, the colour of the physique, limb colour, existence and absenteeism of the eye sight, and form of back side as designated by (13).

Analysis of Data

The data assembled from the survey were stowed in the Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and scrutinized using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS). Chi-square data stayed rummage- sale towards assessment of the relationship amongst collected data and to correspondingly conclude on the level of significance of the study taking clue from the P value obtained.

Results

Figure 2: Overall Abundance of Tick Infestation in the Nominated Slaughter house in Anambra State, Nigeria

The survey outcome in Figure 2 displays that owing to the 150 cattle scrutinized intended for tick plague, 76% (114/150) were pest-ridden by means of dissimilar groups of tick however 24% (36/150) were not infested.

(p > 0.05), p= 0.199, X² (4) = 6

The survey outcome in figure Figure 3 spectacles that five (5) genera of tick remained detected from the study comprising and ranging from Amblyomma with 49% infestation to Hyalomma with

18% infestation. The statistical analysis showed that there was no significance significant alteration in the abundance of plague by dissimilar tick genres.

(p > 0.05), p=0.220, X² (16) = 20

The survey outcome in figure 4 displays the figure of ticks recovered at the sites of predilection on the scrutinized cattle. The body location mostly involved by the plaque was found out that 25% of the tick were located at the udder/scrotum while the least abundance of tick 6.6% habours at the ear        with                  is                  statistical significance         (p                  =                  0.00).

(p < 0.05), p=0.189, X² (4) = 20

The survey outcome in figure 5 displas that Amblyomma devours other sites of attachment with a percentage prevalence of 30.6% whereas Hyalomma was the opposite 12% prevalence. The arithmetical scrutiny expresses that there is significance (p = 0.013) which means that infestation of ticks is strongly dependent on the site of attachment.

(p < 0.05), p=0.013, X²(4) = 3.706

The survey outcome in figure 6 displays that the diverse varieties of cattle documented in the study were White Fulani which had the highest infestation abundance of 77% whereas the least Red Fulani had 73.8% although with no arithmetical implication (p = 0.199).

(p > 0.05), p=0.220, X² (16) = 20

The survey outcome in figure 7 displays that male cattle had a greater tick frequency of 77.8% whereas the female counterpart had 70.2% although data analysis showed no arithmetical implication (p = 0.157).

X² (1) = 2, p= 0.157 (p > 0.05)

Discussion

From the study on tick infestation, an aggregate number of 150 cows stayed scrutinized and 76% were established designate infested with any or otherwise of tick categories. This result stays cutting-edge congruence with the studies of (13) and (14) who conveyed an over-all percentage infestation of 63.4% and 88.5% of tick in Maiduguri and Nsukka, Nigeria correspondingly nevertheless divergences through a transnational report of (9) that designated 59.6% infestation in an Ethiopia region named Harri. The reason for the contrast could be owing in the direction of the dissimilarity in region reportage of the study area and the agroecology attainable therein. Additionally, it possibly will also stand owing toward disparities in availability and usage of chemicals use which is targeted against ticks (16). This is because biochemicals remains a foremost arsenal aimed at controlling and effective management of ticks in that region of the world. The survey auxiliary displayed that the furthermost predominant tick genera was Ablyomma with 49% abundance. This report is in disparity with the studies conducted by (17) and (18) who recorded that 32.5% of the ticks collected were categorized under Hyalomma as the most prevalent tick genera in different States of Anambra, Enugu and Plateau State of Nigeria. As observed from the survey, the genres by means of the least lowest percentage of invasion was Hyalomma with 18% abundance rate, this could be as a result of difference of in auspicious meteorological settings that facilitated to upsurge their frequency of continued existence even though there was no substantial alteration in the predominance of incursion by dissimilar genres of ticks. With respect to varieties of oxen, the infestation rate of ticks was to some extent greater cutting-edge the White Fulani breed with 77% than Red Fulani with 73.8%. This report contrasts by means of the study done by (14) where a greater predominance in Wadara with 66.7% in Maiduguri and 66.1% in Kuri, Nigeria. The survey outcome proposes that not an iota of this varieties remain absolutely resilient to tick plague by way of all the breeds remain louse-ridden in capricious echelons as was observed after these wide-ranging surveys, besides there was no substantial difference in the tick incursion in relation to diverse strains of bullocks from our study. As observed from the survey, greater number of the ticks were recuperated from unalike and diverse body sites where the preference spot by means of the premier numeral of ticks plaque hooked to was the udder/scrotum with 25.5% prevalence, whereas the earlobe had 6.6% as the site with the least numeral of attachment. The observation supplementary ratifies that there is substantial variance in the tick incursion in respect to sites of attachment (p < 0.05). As was detected from the studythat that the attachment of ticks on steers was exceedingly hooked on the favorite locations on the bullocks as was also described

by means of study done by (19). We also detected that macho steers with 77.8% had to some extent lower incursion proportion than that of the female counterpart with 70.2% abundance which is in track by means of the results of the study conceded by (20) who similarly described that macho steers are supplementary verminous by way of ticks swarm than the female counterpart since greatest of the male bullocks moved from one place to another in search of food and are essentially used for farming activities. In the process of this movements, they get infested with ticks whereas the female counterpart are restricted for refinement drives besides are not as much of unprotected to tick incursion. Although However there remained no substantial variance amongst the dual sexual category (p >0.05) which displays that there is no sexual characteristics predilection in relation tofor tick incursion as observed from our current survey.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The current study shows an extraordinary burden of tick infestation which invariably indicates the high prevalence of parasitic diseases. Unvaryingly, weather warming up besides additional ecological vicissitudes have backed up to the extension of the variety of numerous tick species into greater spaces. The concentration of these vermin to in steers tips to the enfeeblement in worth of food source and over-all fiscal forfeiture. Utmost of these fleas can infect man over and done with the intake of non properly cooked meat, thus tagged zoonotic and consequently satisfactory eradication and elimination actions must stand executed. Evidence from our study therefore indorses that flea management plans like usege of appropriate chemicals ought to remain exaggerated through an improved regularity exclusively throughout rainy periods and appropriate grassland managing in foraging zones should stay fitting. Whereas finger pick of ticks on or after the physique of the cattle had better be ready recurrently, the cow herders have a duty to be educated on the significance of appropriate public health practices in the slauther houses. Bullocks possessors ought to consequently remain equipped with current information on the practice of chemotheraupic remedies. Moreover, veterinary provision conveyance scheme ought to remain adopted aimed at the identification and management of zoonotic and opportunistic ailments. In addition, advance all-encompassing investigation must stand accepted in the survey zone so as to generate a appropriate and adequate mechanism agendas.

Acknowledgements:

The researchers are obliged to and sincerely acknowledged the cows herders at the nominated slaughter housess for their support throughout the assemblage of the sample.

Author contributions: OEO, JNN and UBC wrote the first draft and edited the original manuscript, CCA and EOV developed the protocol, ENV and IOP oversaw study implementation and monitoring.

Conflict of Interest: The writers affirm that they do not have any clashes of interest.

Funding: The authors declare that they received no specific funds for this research work.

Data availability: All pertinent statistics are within the manuscript and its subsidiary statistics records. Nevertherless datasets rummage-sale or analyzed through the current survey are accessible from the the writers after judicious entreaty.

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