Shri R.L.T. Science College, Akola, Maharashtra, India.

Corresponding author email: rashmisawalkar75@gmail.com 

Article Publishing History

Received: 25/03/2026

Accepted After Revision: 17/06/2026

ABSTRACT:

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of major veterinary importance, responsible for significant economic losses and the transmission of numerous tick-borne pathogens. The present study investigated the species diversity and prevalence of ticks infesting cows and buffaloes in Agar and Ugwa villages of Akola district, Maharashtra, during 2024–2025. Random sampling was employed, and animals were examined across all seasons. Ticks were collected manually, preserved in 70% ethanol with glycerol, and identified morphologically using standard taxonomic keys. A total of 377 ticks belonging to three genera—Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis, and Rhipicephalus—and six species were recorded. Hyalomma spp. were predominant, with Hy. truncatum, Hy. marginatum isaaci, and Hy. anatolicum excavatum collectively exhibiting the highest prevalence (53.65%). This was followed by Rhipicephalus spp. at 33.36%, and Haemaphysalis punctata at 10.98%. Host-wise prevalence revealed higher infestation in buffaloes (41.46%) compared to cows (18.34%). During seasonal analysis, the peak infestation was reported during the monsoon, decreased in winter, and remained relatively stable in summer, reflecting the influence of humidity and temperature on tick activity.The findings highlight substantial tick burdens in the study area and underscore the need for season-specific, species-targeted tick control strategies to safeguard livestock health and productivity.

KEYWORDS:

Ticks; Livestock; Prevalence; Hyalomma spp., infestation.

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Joshi R. P. Diversity and Distribution of Ixodidae Ticks among Cattle from Agar and Ugwa Villages in Akola District, Maharashtra. Biosc.Biotech.Res.Comm. 2026;19(2).

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Joshi R. P. Diversity and Distribution of Ixodidae Ticks among Cattle from Agar and Ugwa Villages in Akola District, Maharashtra. Biosc.Biotech.Res.Comm. 2026;19(2). Available from: <ahref=”https://shorturl.at/T04Jf“>https://shorturl.at/T04Jf</a>

INTRODUCTION

The ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites and blood feeders on vertebrate hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Ticks are classified as Arthropods (Arachnida, order: Acarina). They are important vectors of various major diseases in birds, reptiles and mammals (humans included) and therefore pose a medical, veterinary and economic threat. One of the most significant restrictions to cattle productivity is endemic diseases, including parasitic infestation (both external and internal parasites), inadequate veterinary services, and a lack of government attention (Jemal et al 2021  Duguma and Janssens 2021 and  Fentie et al 2026).

There are three tick families worldwide, namely: Argasidae, Ixodidae and Nutalliellidae. Though there are three families, two are important for domestic animals, Sonenshine (2014). Since the beginning of the 20th century, few experts have studied ticks from different parts of India (Dhanda and Rao 1964; Kumar et al., 2002; Patel et. al., 2013; Singh and Rath, 2013), and reported 109 species. Out of the 28 species of ticks reported to be documented from Maharashtra by Srivastava  & Wattal  (1973), Raote (1983), Shahardar (1988), and Varghese and Dhanda (1995).

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) are a major problem to livestock health in the world, and their severity depends on region, species involved, host population, and socioeconomic and technological advances in control measures. By identifying the tick genus or species, the potential risk to animals and humans, as well as the potential disease prevalence in tick-infested areas, may be assessed and thus more adequately controlled. Investigating tick species in this study area is crucial for the up-to-date status of ticks and developing more cost-effective tick and tick-borne disease control and eradication programs. As a result, if the common ticks are known in an area and their favoured hosts, it is possible to devise an intervention to lower tick load and reduce their impacts, including the disease they are likely to transmit.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted during 2024–2025 in Agar and Ugwa villages of the Akola district, Maharashtra, using a random sampling technique. Cattle and buffalo were examined across all seasons to determine the prevalence of tick infestation. Each selected animal underwent a physical examination with specific attention to common tick predilection sites.

Ticks observed on the host were removed carefully using forceps to prevent damage to diagnostic structures and were preserved in glass vials containing 70% ethanol with 5% glycerol. Each vial was labelled with host details, date, and location. Specimens were identified under a stereo-zoom microscope using standard morphological and identification keys. (Sonenshine  2014; Walker et. al. 2003; Parasitology 2002 Available from: (Google search), Soulsby. 1982; and Arthur  1962) by focusing on features of the scutum, leg pigmentation, body morphology, coxae, and dorsal, ventral, and lateral characteristics. Identified ticks were photographed using a digital microscopy system to document diagnostic traits for further analysis.

Sample collection from infested cows and buffalo from Agar and Ugwa villages.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

According to Table I and Fig. I, in the study area, it is reported that there are three genera of ticks, viz., Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis and Rhipicephalus. From these three genera, the study reported three different species of the genus Hyalomma as Hy. anatolicum, Hy. truncatum, Hy. marginatum isaaci. From the genus Rhipicephalus, the two species were reported as R. decoloratus and R. microplus. From the genus Haemaphysalis, the species reported was H. punctata. All six species were reported in the year from both villages.

According to Table I and Fig. I, the total number of species recorded from the genus Hyalomma in both villages was 40 samples of Hyalomma anatolicum, 86 ticks of the species Hy. truncatum, and 76 of Hy. marginatum isaaci with an infestation rate of 53.65%.  The species Hy. marginatum showed the highest prevalence in the study area in the year 2024-25.

Similarly, 42 ticks of the species H. punctata were reported with a prevalence of 10.98% from both villages.  About 69 ticks of the species R. decoloratus and 64 ticks of the species R. microplus (Boophilus) were reported, with a prevalence of 33.36%. The highest prevalence reported was the genus Hyalomma, and the lowest was the genus Haemaphysalis.

Table 1. The Generic and Species diversity of ticks from Agar and Ugwa villages 2024-2025.

Ticks Genus Ticks Species Agar Village Ugwa village Total  1. Hyalomma  Hy. anatolicum 23 17 40 Hy. truncatum  47 39 86 Hy. marginatum isaaci 35 41 76 Infestation rate 52.5% 54.80% 53.65% 2. Haemaphysalis  H. punctata   27 15 42 Infestation rate 13.5% 8.47% 10.98% 3. Rhipicephalus  R. decoloratus (Boophilus)  37 32 69 R. microplus (Boophilus) 31 33 64 Infestation rate 34% 36.72% 33.36% Grand Total 200 177 377

Figure 1.

Table 2. Seasonal Infestation of ticks from Agar and Ugwa villages in the year 2024-25.

Place/ Area Host Animals Seasonal Infestation Individual

Infestation

(%)

Means of infestation

  (Mean ±SE)

Monsoon Winter Summer Agar Cow Total 30 25 25 80 26.66 Infestation 25 18 22 65 21.66 Prevalence 83.33% 72% 88% 76.47% 25.49% Buffalo Toal 33 25 32 90 30 Infestation 27 14 21 62 20.66 Prevalence 81.81% 56% 65.62% 68.88% 22.96% Ugwa Cow Total 41 40 39 120 40 Infestation 37 33 34 104 34.66 Prevalence 90.24% 82.5% 87.17% 86.66% 28.88% Buffalo Toal 37 21 29 87 29 Infestation 33 07 23 63 21 Prevalence 89.18% 33.33% 79.31% 72.41% 24.13%

Table 3. Host-wise prevalence of ticks:

Host Total animals inspected Tick Infested Non-Infested Prevalence % Cow 200 169 31 18.34 Buffalo 177 125 52 41.46

Host-wise Seasonal Prevalence of ticks in the study area: Table 2 summarises the seasonal prevalence of tick infestation in cows and buffaloes surveyed during 2024–25 in Agar and Ugwa villages. In Agar, 65 of 80 cows were infested, resulting in an overall prevalence of 76.47%, with the highest infestation recorded during summer (88%). Among buffaloes, 62 of 90 animals were infested, yielding a prevalence of 68.88%, with peak infestation during the monsoon season (81.81%). In Ugwa village, tick infestation was observed in 104 of 120 cows (86.66%), with the highest prevalence during the monsoon (90.24%). Similarly, 63 of 87 buffaloes were infested (72.41%), and the monsoon recorded the highest prevalence (89.18%). Overall, cows showed a higher prevalence of tick infestation than buffaloes, with infestation rates generally highest during the monsoon season.

Tick prevalence in livestock during 2024–25: According to Table III, the prevalence of ticks was reported in livestock through a survey, and samples were collected from cows and buffalo in each season. A total of 200 cows were inspected, and 169 were found infested. Similarly, 177 Buffalo were inspected, out of which 125 were found to be infested. The prevalence in the study area was reported as 18.34% in Cows and 41.46% in buffalo in the year from Agar and Ugwa village in Akola district, Maharashtra.

In the study area, diverse tick species were observed amongst different cattle like cows and buffalo. The diversity of tick species might be due to the climatic conditions, which are favourable for the development of many tick species (Bacon et. al., 2022). The ticks identified in this study are known to facilitate several tick-borne infections Ghafar et al., (2020). Several tick species that belong to the genera Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes have been reported previously. (Ramzan et al., 2020; Sajid et al., 2009; Iqbal et al., 2013; Telmadarraiy et al., 2015; Urquhart et al., 1987). 

The findings in study showed that 41.46% of buffalo 18.34% of cows were infested with ticks.  Moreover, tick infestation rate varied depending on the local climatic and environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and the presence of host animals Perveen (2011). Durrani et. al., (2009) reported that Hyalomma’s highest rate is due to the favourable climate in both areas. The maximum number of eggs is laid at a temperature of 34◦C and the lowest at 15◦C, and hatched around 32◦C and 85% humidity. 

The present study showed that the livestock were mostly infested with Hyalomma ticks, viz., Hy. truncatum, Hy. marginatum, and Hy. anatolicum showed the highest prevalence, 53.65%, and Rhipicephalus decoloratus and R. microplus (Boophilus) showed 35.36% of prevalence, followed by Haemaphysalis punctata with a prevalence of 10.98 %.21 species of ixodid ticks were collected. In an earlier survey of some parts of Nagpur, Srivastava & Wattal (1973) had recorded 10 species of ixodid ticks. Mishra, Dhanda and Kulkarni (1977) recorded 11 species, mostly immature stages, from Western Ghats in Poona District. Ramzan et. al. (2020) and Adil  et.al. (2021) reported the same pattern in the previous studies.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the prevalence of tick infestation was evaluated in cattle and buffalo agro-ecological zones in the villages of Agar and Ugwa in the district of Akola, Maharashtra. Six tick species from three genera were identified. All of these tick species can transmit a variety of tick-borne pathogens to livestock and humans, which pose a substantial threat to the community. The findings of this study will help to develop locally appropriate tick control strategies based on habitat, animal host, and tick species in both villages. 

Photo-plate I: Tick specimens collected from Agar and Ugwa villages in 2024-2025.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author is grateful to the cattle owners from both villages for the facilities and to the field staff for their timely assistance during the study. Thanks to the Department of Zoology (Entomology), Shri R.L.T. College of Science, Akola, for Lab assistance.

Conflict of Interest

The author declares that there is no conflict of interest

Data availability: All data are available with the corresponding author on reasonable request

Funding Agency-Nil

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