Composition and Structure of Ectoparasites in Cattle in Setif Region - Algeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the infestation of cattle by ectoparasites in the region of Setif (Algeria). Over a three-year period (2016-2018), a total of 2200 cattle were examined, revealing five species of insects (four species of lice and one myiasis) and seven species of ticks (Ixodidae). Our results indicate that 66.07% of cattle were infested with one or more ectoparasites. Among these, ixodid ticks were the most prevalent, accounting for an overall infection rate of35.30%. The dominant tick species were Rhipicephalus turanicus (12.89%)and Hyalomma marginatum (10.05%), followed by Hyalomma excavatum and Rhipicephalus bursa at (9.4% and 8.9%, respectively). The species Hyalomma scupense, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, and Haemaphysalis sulcata had the lowest prevalence rates (5.65%,2.02%, and1.47%, respectively). Additionally,783 cattle were affected by phthiriosis, with the dominant louse species being Bovicola bovis (19.82%), followed by Haematopinus quadripertusus, Solenopotes capillatus, and Linognathus vituli (at12.77%,8.15%, and7.7%, respectively). In contrast, only244 cattle were affected by a single species of myiasis (Hypoderma lineatum), with2034 larvae. The seasonal dynamics of ectoparasites were evident, with seven tick species showing activity during spring and summer. All four louse species caused winter disease, while Hypodermosis due to Hypoderma lineatum occurred predominantly in spring and summer, extending into autumn. Interestingly, the topographical region did not significantly influence lice and Hypodermosis infestations. However, it did create a favorable environment for tick activity. There was also a racial predisposition observed in lice and ticks, in contrast to Hypodermosis, where racial factors had no impact. Finally, the influence of age and sex on ectoparasite diseases closely correlated with the breeding system.