Microorganisms 2026, 14(5), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14051046 (registering DOI) - 6 May 2026
Abstract
Generally, ixodid ticks are important ectoparasites of cattle, including those in smallholder production systems in the Eastern Cape Province, where varying environmental conditions influence their distribution and feeding behaviour. This study investigated ecological variation in tick species composition and attachment site preferences in
[...] Read more.
Generally, ixodid ticks are important ectoparasites of cattle, including those in smallholder production systems in the Eastern Cape Province, where varying environmental conditions influence their distribution and feeding behaviour. This study investigated ecological variation in tick species composition and attachment site preferences in Bos taurus cattle across coastal and inland areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Ticks were collected from cattle of different ages, sexes, breeds, and body condition scores. Sampling was conducted prior to acaricide treatment, and ticks were manually removed from standard predilection sites on each animal. Specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol and later identified morphologically at the Döhne Agricultural Development Institute Laboratory. Data were analysed using generalized linear mixed models with a negative binomial distribution to assess the effects of host and environmental factors on tick burden. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise species composition, while inferential statistics were applied to evaluate differences in infestation levels across host-related and spatial variables. A total of 3250 adult ixodid ticks were collected from cattle. The most prevalent species was Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (39.7%), followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (21.0%), Amblyomma hebraeum (17.7%), Hyalomma rufipes (5.8%), Ixodes pilosus (5.8%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (4.5%), R. appendiculatus (3.0%), and R. simus (2.5%). Tick burdens were significantly higher in the coastal zone (85 ± 7.5) than in semi-arid inland areas (62 ± 5.9). Attachment site analysis showed significantly higher infestation levels (p < 0.05) on the udder/scrotum compared to other body regions. This study provides baseline information on tick species composition and attachment site ecology in cattle, contributing to improved understanding of host–parasite interactions and supporting the development of targeted, region-specific tick control strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology)
►
Show Figures
Figure 1
