Identification and Morphological Key of Pakistani Ticks

Abstract

are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites of wild and domestic animals as well as poultry birds. These are the major threat to the livestock industry across the globe. They are the most significant ectoparasites in tropical and subtropical countries, causing considerable economic losses both directly by blood-sucking and indirectly as infection vectors. In endemic locations across the world, tick-borne diseases have become a public health issue. Ticks, as possible vectors for helminth parasites and haemoprotozoa, cause blood loss. The weight reduces due to blood-sucking and causes anaemia in domestic animals, while tick bites impair the quality of hides and skin. The milk and meat production of animals reduces during high tick infestation. Ticks badly effect host health even mortality and morbidity occur. The present study was, therefore, conducted to know the ticks associated with animals in Pakistan and prepare the morphological key for the identification of ticks. During the study eight genus ( Amblyomma, Boophilus, Dermacentor , Hyalomma, Haemophysalis, Ixodes, Margaropus and Rhipicephalous ) were identified found in domestic animals of Pakistan. This key will be helpful for the acarologists especially in Pakistan.