Epidemiology of Ixodid tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens in small ruminant from Enarje Enawuga, North Western Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Small ruminant playing significant economic development and cultural roles for smallholders and reared in different agroecological systems in Ethiopia. However, ticks and tick‐borne haemopathogens are major threats to the health of small ruminants leading to loss of production and productivity in Ethiopia especially in north‐western Ethiopia, due to climate and agroecological system favourable to the tick survival in the area. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens, to identify the existing Ixodid tick species and to investigate major risk factors associated with tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted on 396 small ruminants (sheep =198 and goats = 198). Ticks were identified to the species level according to their morphological key structures. Thin blood smear were prepared and laboratoricaly examined to investigate tick‐borne haemopathogens. Logistic regression was employed to assess the association between potential risk factors with tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens were 47.22% and 4.29%, respectively. Age, species, body condition, agroecological system and season were found significantly (p < 0.05) associated with tick infestation. Season was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with occurrence of tick‐borne haemopathogen. Amblyomma variegatum (18.2%) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (13.4%) were the predominant tick species encountered. Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma marginale and Babesia ovis were prevalent tick‐borne haemopathogens. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reported that there was higher tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens infections on small ruminants in the study area. Therefore, based on tick epidemiology, a strategic tick control programs were needed in this region. Further detailed studies on the role of Ixodid tick species in causing tick‐borne diseases in small ruminants and their economic impact on livelihoods should be conducted.