Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bovine Hard Ticks in and around Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study employing a random sampling technique was conducted from September 2024 to May 2025 in three Kebeles within and around Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia. The primary objectives were to identify and determine the prevalence of, and assess risk factors associated with bovine ixodid tick infestations. Adult ixodid ticks were collected from 384 randomly selected local and crossbred cattle using forceps and preserved in separate bottles containing 70% ethanol. Identification was carried out under a stereomicroscope based on morphological features to the genus level. Statistical package for social science (SPSS version20) and Descriptive were performed to describe the data. The results revealed an overall tick infestation prevalence of 275 out of 384 cattle (71.6%). Four genera of ixodid ticks were identified: Ambylomma (575/759, 75.75%), Boophilus (130/759, 17.12%), Rhipicephalus (41/759, 5.40%), and Hyalomma (13/759, 1.71%). Amblyomma was the most prevalent, while Hyalomma was the least. Analysis of risk factors indicated that sex, breed, body condition, season, and management system had statistically significant associations with tick infestation (p < 0.05). In contrast, age and collection site (Kebele) did not show significant associations (p > 0.05). Accordingly, it is recommended that appropriate tick control measures be implemented by local communities and animal health extension services to mitigate these impacts and improve cattle health and productivity.