ABSTRACT:

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites and key vectors of pathogens that pose significant risks to humans and livestock. Hard ticks (Ixodidae) and soft ticks (Argasidae) differ significantly in appearance, behavior, and growth. Ticks from the genera Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma within the Ixodidae family are particularly significant. The objectives of the current study were to assess the prevalence of ticks on the western side of the Indus Highway in District Karak, KPK, Pakistan, based on host type, age, gender, month, and area. A survey was conducted between August 2020 and January 2021 in District Karak to investigate the role of ticks as disease vectors in livestock. The study involved the random observation of 397 animals. Results showed peak tick prevalence in August (97%) and September (95%), with the lowest rates in December (33%) and January (20%). Livestock over 5 years old had the highest prevalence (93.02%), while animals under 1 year old had the lowest (38.09%). Female animals had a higher prevalence (88.65%) than males (77.35%). Among 14 villages on the western side of the Indus highway in District Karak, Dabber Banda had the highest prevalence (99.90%), and Ahmed Wala had the lowest (58.30%). Two tick genera, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma, were identified in the study. The study found a significant prevalence of tick infestation in cows, sheep, and goats, with cows having the highest infestation rates. These results highlight the importance of further research to determine the economic losses associated with tick infestation and offer valuable insights into the varying levels of tick prevalence, emphasizing the need to understand the tick infestation on livestock in the region.

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