ABSTRACT
A cross- sectional study was conducted in and around Bahir Dar, from November, 2016 to April, 2017 to estimate the prevalence of major ixodidea ticks on bovine and to identify ticks on the species level. Study animals were selected randomly. Out of the total of 384 cattle examined, 157(40.9 %) were found to be infested. About 822 adult ticks were collected both sides of animal body parts, then preserved with 70% alcohol within universal bottle and were identified to species level by using stereo-microscope. From the total ticks collected, four genera and species namely; Amblyomma varigatum, Boophilus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus evertsis and Hyalomma marginatu were identified and account for 45.3, 22.9, 15.8 and 17.03%, respectively. From different variables (sex, age, breed and body condition), body condition and predilection sites were statistically significant with tick infestation (p< 0.05). The prevalence of tick infestation was found highest in poor body condition animals (16.9%) while in medium and good body condition, it was found (14.58%) and (9.36%), respectively. It has also been evident that the favorable predilection sites of A.varigatum ticks were preferred scrotum/udder and pernial region. B.decoloratus preferred dewlap, scrotum/udder and Rh.evertis had a strong affinity on anus, dewlap and tail tip. H.marginatum the perineum region and dewlaps were its hiding sites. From this study we can make a conclusion that the prevalent ticks could also be responsible for transmission of tick borne diseases in addition to their physical damage