Ecological and epidemiological survey of Tick species: Prevalence and identification on Cattle and Buffaloes in Nanded region of Maharashtra, India

This research gives an important seasonal assessment of tick prevalence and type of infestation caused to cattle and buffaloes in Nanded district. Earlier studies suggest that ticks may be linked to diseases affecting cattle and buffaloes. Taxonomical identifyingkeys have not received much attention from researchers. This study not only looks at the seasonal prevalence of ticks on cattle and buffaloes but also compares which animal is more heavily infested. It also shares details on the different tick species found in thesamples. This work offers a new method for measuring prevalence by using a simple formula intended. The percentage of cattle was found to be 30.26%, with the monsoon season marking a significant surge in this prevalence. On the other hand, the summer and winter seasons, recording 20.51% and 20.32%, respectively. 34.49% of buffaloes were found to be present, with the monsoon season showing the highest incidence. The prevalence showed little variation between summer and winter, with rates of 34.29% and 32.59%, respectively. Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Haemophysalis longicornis are the four species that have been identified within the Rhipicephalus genus.