Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Tick Species, Dermatophilosis, and Cochliomyia Larvae Infestation in Cattle from Gashaka Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ticks and associated ectoparasites caused major constraints
to cattle productivity and health in tropical regions. This
study assessed the prevalence and distribution of tick species,
dermatophilosis, and Cochliomyia larvae infestations
among cattle in Mayo-Selbe and Gumti communities of
Gashaka Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria.
Ticks were collected through physical inspection and
manual removal using forceps. All collected ticks were
preserved in labeled vials containing 70% ethanol for
identification using standard morphological keys. A total
of 596 cattle belonging to Sokoto Gudali (34.4%), Red
Bororo (35.1%), and White Fulani (30.5%) breeds were
examined through physical inspection. The prevalence of
dermatophilosis was 16.8% (100/596), while Cochliomyia
larvae infestation was 18.8% (112/596), consisting of mild
(64.6%), moderate (27.3%), and severe (8.1%) intensities.
Eight tick species were identified, with Amblyomma
integrum (63.8%) and Robertiscus elephensis (85.4%) being
the most abundant. Significant associations were found
between tick infestation and cattle breed, sex, and location
(p < 0.001). Dermacentor andersoni and Amblyomma
variegatum occurred more frequently in Gumti. These
findings demonstrate a high ectoparasite burden among cattle in the study area and emphasizing the need for
targeted tick control, improved pasture management, and
routine surveillance to mitigate economic losses.