Prevalence, seasonal distribution, and diversity of tick species in Bié Province, Angola.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Livestock is vital to Angola's economy, with cattle farming being especially important in Bié Province. Productivity is hampered by tick (Ixodida: Ixodidae) infestation, causing damage and potential transmission of pathogens. Despite known tick diversity in Angola, recent data for Bié Province are lacking. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to August 2024 in Bié Province across 11 localities, covering commercial and family-based cattle systems. Systematic random sampling was used to examine 686 cattle for ticks during early dry and rainy seasons. Ticks were collected from 7 anatomical regions and morphologically identified; the data were analyzed for seasonal variation, spatial distribution, and gender ratio. RESULTS: A total of 3,136 adult ticks were collected from 686 cattle (30.3% infestation rate). Ten species across 3 genera were identified, namely Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, and Hyalomma. Rhipicephalus evertsi mimeticus was the most prevalent (27.9%), followed by R. evertsi evertsi (13.2%), R. (Boophilus) decoloratus (13.1%), and Amblyomma variegatum (12.3%). Tick abundance was quite similar between seasons, and females predominated (51.1%). Infestation varies by commune. CONCLUSIONS: The findings reveal substantial tick diversity in Bié Province and confirm ongoing exposure of cattle to multiple species.