Abstract:
Tick infestations pose a significant challenge tn cattle management, with their effects
influenced by various factors, including age, gender, vegetation, feeding habits, health
conditions, predilection sites, and severity of infection. Despite the lack of published
studies on this subject in the Batticaloa District, the present study aimed to assess the
prevalence oftick species among cattle in the region. A total of l6 cattle were randomly
selected from three study locations: the cattle farm at the Faculty of Agriculture
(Palachcholai), Karadiyanaru, and vantharumoolai, from June to December 2024. A
total of 587 ticks were collected from the selected cattle. Morphological identification
revealed six tick genera: Boophilus sp., Haemaphysaris sp., Rhipicepharus sp.,
Amblyomma sp', Hyalomma sp., and Dermacentor sp. The analysis based on host
gender indicated a higher prevalence of tick infestation in female cattle (62.g6%)
compared to males (37.14%). Age-wise, adult cattle exhibited the highest infestation
rate (60' r4%)' Female ticks were found to be more abundant than male ticks. Among
anatomical predilection sites, the dewlap was the most aflecte d area,accounting for
32'37% of the total infestations. Geographically, Karadiyanaru recorded the highest
prevalence rate (41.23yo), followed by the cattle farm (35.43%) and vantharumoolai
Q334%\ Effective tick management strategies should include regular mass
inspections, proper sanitary practices, and farmer education on infection control and
prevention' Further sfudies are recofirmended to assess the economic impact of tick
infestations on cattle farming in the Batticaloa Distoict and their potential role in
zoonotic disease tansmission. This study highlights the necessity for comprehensive
veterinary interventions to improve cattle health and mitigate the impact of tick
infestations on livestock production.
