Questionnaire-based Risk Assessment of Exposure to Ticks - and Arthropods - bites among Hunters in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hunting profession as an outdoor activity has been done over the years with the attendant risk of exposure to various hazards
among which is the acquisition of diseases through arthropod bites. The effect of these biting and stinging vectors cannot be
overemphasised considering the results in terms of diseases and risk they pose to hunters. The need for the knowledge
assessment of these hunters – an at-risk population is required to help in proper health education for possible control and
reduction of risks. A Questionnaire-based risk assessment study was carried out among hunters in Ogun state, Nigeria to
determine their exposures to tick and other arthropod bites while hunting. Two hundred and fifty-eight hunters were
interviewed 255 (99.0%) male and 3 (1.0%) females on their experiences and practise while hunting. Out of the study
population 96.0% reported having been bitten by arthropods during hunting. The arthropods mentioned were mosquitoes
(Culicidae) (75%), Ticks (Acarina) (56%), Tsetse flies (Glossina) (40%), Blackflies (Simulium) (30%), Culicoides (Biting
midges) (21%), Bees (Aphis) (18%), and Wasps (Vespula vulgaris) (14%). Sleeping overnight in the bush without
appropriate shelter was a risk factor associated with a bite in 175 (68%) of respondents. Furthermore, owning hunting dogs,
(<0.001); the presence of tick on hunting dogs (<0.001) and on hunted games (0.004) were also mentioned as possible risk
factor to bites. Hunters used local herbs as preventive measures against tick and other arthropods bites. This study confirmed
that hunters are exposed to tick-and other arthropod bites, which could result in tick- and arthropod-borne infections. There is
need to educate hunters on how to prevent tick and arthropod bites while on hunting expedition and further studies are
required to assess the status of the hunters for possible arthropod- and/or tick-borne diseases.