PREVALENCE OF ECTOPARASITES (TICKS) OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS SUCH AS CATTLE IN MAKURDI AND DOGS IN BURUKU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE NIGERIA.

Abstract Ectoparasites show a variegated geographical distribution, mainly influenced by the environmental and biotic factors influencing their epidemiology. This aim to investigate the prevalence of ectoparasites of domestic animals such as cattle Makurdi and dogs Buruku Local Government Area in Benue State Nigeria. The tick specimens were collected from markets in Buruku and Makurdi Local Government Area. The dogs and cattle were examined for ticks on the face, ears, neck, belly, back and limbs (interdigital spaces) and the number of ticks were recorded. Simple random sampling was use to select the various markets. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and chi square analysis test distribution of the ectoparasites in the study locations. Three tick species were identified and recorded in this study, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis respectively. Out of the three species two were recorded in Buruku and all the species were present in Makurdi. A total of 160 animals were examined both involving cattle in Makurdi and dogs in Buruku. Out of 100 cattle, 66 cattle were infested with ticks 121 (48.802%) while 36 out of 60 dogs were infested with 131(51.98%) tick respectively. Among the markets examined in Buruku, Ichahul 11(30.55%) had the highest number of infested dogs, while Ikpa 7(19.44) respectively. There was no significant difference among the markets in relation to ticks’ infestations (p=0.213, df=9, x2=12.0). The rate of tick infestation was high in male dogs 19(52.77%) while female 14(38.88%) had the least (p=0.092, df=1, x2=8.000). The infestation rate of tick on cattles based on gender shows Wurukum and North Bank market had high female 22(57.89%), 16(57.14%) while male 16(57.14%), 12(42.86%) infestation. There was no significant difference between the genders in the markets. P=1.00, df=1, x2=0.000. Proper awareness should be created among owners on how to manage tick infestation.