Altitudinal and seasonal differences of tick communities in dogs from pastoralist tribes of Northern Kenya

Veterinary Parasitology
Gianluca D'AmicoAndrei D Mihalca

Abstract

Studies regarding the distribution and ecology of ticks in dogs from Eastern Africa are scarce. Our research was based on a long-term screening of ticks parasitising the domestic dogs living with indigenous people around Lake Turkana, Mt. Kulal and Mt. Nyiru areas, Northern Kenya. A total of 9977 ticks were collected from 1464 dogs of all ages and both sexes. Identification was performed using morphological keys and data were analyzed using the Repeated Measures ANOVA, post-hoc Scheffe test and F test, relating independent variables as seasons and regions. Final results were translated to maps using GIS software. Five species of ticks were identified: Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Rhipicephalus armatus, Amblyomma gemma and Hyalomma truncatum. Our results suggest a statistical difference of the tick community structure related to seasonal and altitudinal distribution. Parasitism with R. armatus and R. pulchellus was higher in September-October than in January, whereas, R. sanguineus s.l. was not influenced by the season. Rhipicephalus armatus was present exclusively on dogs living in semi-desert areas, while R. sanguineus s.l. was the dominant species present on the shores of Lake Turkana....Continue Reading

References

May 29, 1976·Journal of Medical Entomology·C M CliffordH Hoogstraal
Jan 1, 2011·The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research·Bersissa E Kumsa, Shewit Mekonnen
Feb 19, 2013·Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases·Jeremy GrayMichael Levin
Jun 5, 2013·Geospatial Health·Gianluca D'AmicoDavid Modrý
Jun 12, 2013·Emerging Infectious Diseases·Javier MillánLawrence Mugisha
Jan 11, 2014·Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases·Mariano MastropaoloAlberto A Guglielmone
Jan 13, 2015·Veterinary Parasitology·Filipe Dantas-Torres, Domenico Otranto

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