INFESTATION OF NATIVE CATTLE WITH SOME ECTOPARA-SITES IN DIYALA GOVERNORATE-IRAQ

The native cattle in Diyala are infected with various kinds of ectoparasites. Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of ectoparasites infestation of cattle within Diyala governorate and their distribution according to seasonal variation. One hundred fifty cows were examined randomly. overall infestation rate with ectoparasites,101/150 (67.33%). The ectoparasites included ticks, lice, bot flies, and mange, specifically: Hyalomma anatolicum (23.33%), Hyalomma turanicum (8.66%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (6%), Haemaphysalis spp. (2%), Haematopinus bovis (6.6%), Damalina bovis (5.3%), Hypoderma bovis (4.6%), Sarcoptes scabiei (7.3%), and Psoroptes spp. (3.03%). The higher rate of ectoparasites in Diyala domestic cattle was recorded for Hyalomma anatolicum, which is known as a more affecting vector and leads to livestock health disorder. Current study concluded that ectoparasites infestation, mainly genus Hyalomma appeared to be a critical problem in local society in Diyala governorate. Owners should implement a recent strategic plan to eliminate the ectoparasite infestation.