Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 7, No. 1, 2025
Pages 212-216
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/5202.70.0102
STUDIES ON IXODID TICKS OF RUMINANTS IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA, NIGERIA
Ejiofor, C.E., & Bawa, S.H.
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Ticks are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of vertebrates and play significant roles as vectors of zoonotic pathogens. This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of ixodid ticks infesting ruminants in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja Nigeria. A total of 700 ruminants comprising 500 cattle, 150 sheep, and 50 goats were examined between December 2022 and January 2023 across seven locations. Ticks were collected from predilection sites, preserved in 10% formalin, and identified morphologically using standard taxonomic keys. A total of 754 ticks were recovered: 613 (81.3%) from cattle and 141 (18.7%) from sheep and goats. Three genera of ixodid ticks were identified—Boophilus (45.63%), Amblyomma (37.14%), and Hyalomma (17.23%). Adult ticks constituted 71% of total collections, with more males (42.1%) than females (28.9%). The highest prevalence was observed in cattle, followed by sheep and goats. The study highlights the predominance of Boophilus spp. in small ruminants and Amblyomma spp. in cattle. These findings emphasize the need for improved tick control strategies and routine surveillance to mitigate the risk of tick-borne diseases in livestock production within the Federal Capital Territory.
Keywords: Ixodid ticks, Ruminants, Gwagwalada, Prevalence, Amblyomma, Boophilus, Hyalomma.