Seasonal Variation in the Abundance and Distribution of Ixodid Ticks on Mongrel, Alsatian and Mixed Breeds of Dogs (Canis familiaris) in Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the variation, abundance and distribution of ticks on 300 Mongrels, Mixed and Alsatian breeds of dogs (Canis familiaris) in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The population of ticks was higher during the rainy months than the dry months. A total of 1,146 ticks of three species, belonging to the family Ixodidae were identified of which Mixed breed recorded 425 ticks, Mongrels had 408 while the Alsatian breed had 313. In order of abundance, Rhipicephalus sanguineus recorded 40.58%; Boophilus decoloratus, 33.50% and Haemaphysalis , 25.92%. The analysis showed that abundance and distribution of different tick species varied between Jos North and South LGAs and between seasons. Infestation by ticks did not differ (P > 0.05) among different breeds of Canis familiaris. Of the 154 male dogs examined, 70 (45.16%) and 146 female dogs, 85 (54.84%) were infested with ticks. Adolescent dogs were more susceptible to tick infestation, 47.10% than the adult hosts 30.90% when compared to young dogs or puppies, 22.00%. Statistical analysis showed that infestation rate between sexes of dogs and among tick species differed significantly (P < 0.05) but no such difference was observed in ages of dogs and tick species (P > 0.05). Any strategy intended to mitigate the problems of tick infestation of dogs in Jos Plateau should take into account the identified tick species and their season of abundance.

Keywords: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Boophilus decoloratus, Haemaphysalis leachii, Canis familiaris, tick infestation

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [1] March 2011, pp.7-10