Vol. 11, Special Issue 1 (2026)

Author(s): K Sumathi, N Jeyathilakan, T Anna, A Ramesh, M Chandrasekar, M Boopathy Raja and A Sangaran

Abstract: Tick infestation remains a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in southern India, particularly in the context of emerging Oriental theileriosis. The present study investigated the prevalence, species composition, and patterns of single and mixed ixodid tick infestations in theileriosis suspected cattle across four southern districts of Tamil Nadu between January 2024 and August 2025. Of the 525 cattle examined, 410 were infested with ticks, yielding an overall prevalence of 78.10%, with no significant district wise variation. Single species infestations predominated (61.71%), while mixed infestations accounted for 16.38% of cases. Rhipicephalus microplus was the dominant species across all districts, followed by Haemaphysalis bispinosa and Hyalomma marginatum, exhibiting strong ecological clustering. Several district specific mixed tick infestations were observed, indicating localized ecological influences on tick coexistence. The findings highlight a stable yet heterogeneous tick fauna in southern Tamil Nadu and emphasize the need for region wide integrated tick management strategies to mitigate tick borne disease transmission, including Theileria orientalis.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2026.v11.i1Sa.2942