Household-Based Epidemiology of Bovine Ixodid Tick Infestation and Associated Risk Factors in Endamehoni, Raya-Azebo and Enderta Districts, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Ticks are among the most important ectoparasite of cattle, causing economic losses through reduced productivity, skin damage and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Information on tick epidemiology, community awareness and attachment-site preferences remains limited in many parts of Ethiopia, including Tigray Region.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence, species composition, risk factors, community knowledge and attachment-site preferences of bovine ticks in selected districts of Tigray, northern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts of Tigray, northern Ethiopia. A total of 1023 cattle were clinically examined for tick infestation, and collected ticks were identified using standard morphological keys. Household surveys were administered to 422 cattle owners to assess knowledge and control practices. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with tick infestation.

RESULTS

Overall, 41.5% (424/1023) of cattle were infested with ticks. A total of 2952 ticks were collected and identified as Rhipicephalus (75.9%), Hyalomma (21.7%) and Amblyomma variegatum (2.4%), with Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (26.2%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (25.9%) and Rhipicephalus pulchellus (23.8%) being the predominant species. Tick infestation varied significantly among kebeles. In the multivariable analysis, poor housing (odds ratio [OR] = 10.54), poor body condition (OR = 7.72), herd management practices and cattle breed were significantly associated with infestation, whereas owner literacy was protective (OR = 0.55). Most respondents (91.5%) recognized tick infestation, but only 28.0% associated ticks with disease transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Tick infestation remains widespread among cattle in Tigray and is influenced by animal-, management-, and environment-related factors. Limited awareness of tick-borne diseases highlights the need for improved farmer education. Integrating community knowledge with species-specific tick ecology could enhance the effectiveness of targeted tick control strategies.