High Prevalence of Ixodidae Ticks in Dogs Across Diverse Agro-Climatic Zones of Western Maharashtra
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.21.2.19Keywords:
Ixodidae, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Tick prevalence, Western MaharashtraAbstract
This research work highlights the alarming prevalence of Ixodidae ticks infesting dogs across four distinct agro-climatic zones of Western Maharashtra. A total of 220 dogs were screened, resulting in 100 tick samples identified through rigorous methods. Findings revealed a concerning overall prevalence of 45.5% (100/220) of Ixodid ticks in the region, with Rhipicephalus sanguineus as the predominant species, comprising 53% (53/100) of the samples. Remarkably, dogs aged 1 to 3 years showed the highest infestation rate at 49.4% (38/77). Male dogs were disproportionately affected, with a prevalence of 52% (53/102). Stray dogs emerged as particularly vulnerable hosts, exhibiting an alarming infestation rate of 57.4% (39/68). Among breeds, the Greyhound demonstrated the highest prevalence at 63.3% (19/30). Moreover, skinny dogs faced the most significant tick burden, with a striking 70% (7/10) infestation rate. The ear was identified as the most common attachment site for ticks, accounting for 43% (43/100) of occurrences. This comprehensive study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to combat tick infestations in dogs across Western Maharashtra.Downloads
References
Abd Rani, P.A.M., Irwin, P.J., Coleman, G.T., Gatne, M., & Traub, R.J. (2011). A survey of canine tick-borne diseases in India. Parasites & Vectors, 4(1), 1-8.
Abdullah, S., Helps, C., Tasker, S., Newbury, H., & Wall, R. (2016). Ticks infesting domestic dogs in the UK: A large-scale surveillance programme. Parasites & Vectors, 9(1), 1-9.
Adetayo, O.A., Makinde, O.E., Odeniran, P.O., & Adetayo, C.O. (2021). Prevalence and risk factors of tick infestation in dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Biomedical Research, 24, 135.
Adsule, N.D., & Gavhane, U.V. (2022). Prevalence and distribution of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in domestic animals from Solapur District, Maharashtra, India. International Journal of Zoological Investigations, 8(2), 874-884.
Arong, G.A., Shitta, K.B., James-Rugu, N.N., & Effanga, E.O. (2011). Seasonal variation in the abundance and distribution of ixodid ticks on mongrel, Alsatian and mixed breeds of dogs (Canisfamiliaris) in Jos, Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria. World Journal of Science and Technology, 1(4), 24-29.
Beck, S., Schreiber, C., Schein, E., Krücken, J., Baldermann, C., Pachnicke, S., & Kohn, B. (2014). Tick infestation and prophylaxis of dogs in northeastern Germany: A prospective study. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 5(3), 336-342.
Bhadesiya, C.M., & Modi, D.V. (2015). Correlation of epidemiology of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and canine Ehrlichiosis in nine different localities of middle Gujarat. International Journal of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, 3(1), 2320-3730.
Boruah, D., Barua, A., Das, B.C., Lahkar, D., Kr, M., Nath, K.B., & Dutta, R. (2021). A study on prevalence of tick infestation in dogs in Guwahati, Assam. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 9(5), 232-235.
Dantas-Torres, F. (2010). Biology and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Parasites & Vectors, 3(1), 1-11. Diniz, P.P.V., Beall, M.J., Omark, K., Chandrashekar, R., Daniluk, D.A., Cyr, K.E., & Breitschwerdt, E.B. (2010). High prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in dogs from an Indian reservation in northeastern Arizona. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 10(2), 117-123.
Eichenberger, R.M., Deplazes, P., & Mathis, A. (2015). Ticks on dogs and cats: A pet owner-based survey in a rural town in northeastern Switzerland. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 6(3), 267-271.
Ghosh, S., & Nagar, G. (2014). Problem of ticks and tick-borne diseases in India with special emphasis on progress in tick control research: A review. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 51(4), 259-270.
Hadi, U.K., Soviana, S., & Pratomo, I.R.C. (2016). Prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Indonesian dogs. Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology, 7(3), 1-7.
Laxmi Bai, (2019). Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick prevalence in Ehrlichia canis infected dogs. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 7(1), 1516-1518.
Melo, A.L., Martins, T.F., Horta, M.C., Moraes-Filho, J., Pacheco, R.C., Labruna, M.B., & Aguiar, D.M. (2011). Seroprevalence and risk factors to Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. in dogs from the
Pantanal Region of MatoGrosso State, Brazil. Ticks and Tick borne Diseases, 2(4), 213-218.
Modu, K.A., Babagana, M., Kyari, F., & Modibbo, L.M. (2021). Assessment of tick infestation rate among local and exotic dog breeds in Kano Municipal, Kano State, Nigeria. International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, 6(2), 35-38.
Raghavan, M., Glickman, N., Moore, G., Caldanaro, R., Lewis, H., & Glickman, L. (2007). Prevalence of and risk factors for canine tick infestation in the United States, 2002-2004. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 7(1), 65-75.
Raut, P.A., Maske, D.K., Jayraw, A.K., & Sonkusale, V.G. (2006). Ectoparasitism in dogs from the eastern zone of Maharashtra state. Journal of Parasitic Diseases, 30(2), 138-141.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
