Agro-Climatic Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Control Practices of Hard Tick Infestation in Cattle in Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background: Hard tick infestation in cattle was investigated across seven agro-climatic zones of Gujarat, India, to determine prevalence, genus-level distribution, seasonal patterns, host- and management-associated factors, and farmer-reported control practices. Aims: To determine the prevalence, agro-climatic distribution, tick-genera pattern, host- and management-associated factors, seasonal variation, and farmer-reported tick-control practices in cattle across seven agro-climatic zones of Gujarat, India. Study Design: Cross-sectional field epidemiological survey with morphological identification of collected hard ticks and a structured owner questionnaire. Place and Duration of Study: Cattle herds located in seven agro-climatic zones of Gujarat were surveyed. Morphological identification was undertaken at the Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Navsari. The research period was July 2023 to July 2026 Methodology: Hard ticks were collected using forceps, maintained in labelled ventilated vials, and identified morphologically using standard taxonomic keys. Information on age, sex, housing, floor type, feeding pattern, season, body condition, conjunctival colour, ectoparasites and tick-control practices was recorded. Prevalence was expressed as percentages. Chi-square tests were calculated from the aggregate animal counts for age, housing, floor, feeding, season, body condition and conjunctival colour. Results: Overall tick prevalence was 59.19% (1,311/2,215). Prevalence was highest in Middle Gujarat (65.65%), Southern Gujarat (64.72%) and North Saurashtra (64.44%), and was lowest in Southern Hills (47.00%). Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was the predominant category (27.36%), followed by Hyalomma spp. (17.83%), Haemaphysalis spp. (9.89%) and mixed infestation (4.11%). Infestation declined with age (73.33% in <1 year, 61.66% in 1–3 years and 48.74% in >3 years; P < .001). Higher prevalence occurred in Kachha housing (71.76%), earthen floors (84.40%), group feeding (69.46%), poor body condition (80.50%) and pale conjunctiva (84.79%); each association was significant (P < .001). Summer prevalence (70.00%) exceeded monsoon (63.02%) and winter (43.71%) prevalence (P < .001). Conclusion: Hard tick infestation is widespread in cattle in Gujarat and varies substantially with agro-climatic setting, host condition and animal husbandry. The findings support zone-specific surveillance, improved housing and hygiene, targeted farmer guidance, and integrated tick management coupled with acaricide-resistance monitoring.