Epidemiological study on ticks in farm animals in selected areas of Sri Lanka

Ticks are the most important ecto-parasites of livestock in tropical and subtropical areas, and are responsible for severe economic losses in livestock. Ticks are a major veterinary concern as they transmit pathogens, produce tick paralysis or toxicosis, and reduce production in livestock. The cost of worldwide economic losses and the additional burden of protecting livestock against ticks and tick-borne diseases are now estimated to be billions of dollars annually. The main objective of this study was to determine the tick diversity in farm animals from selected areas of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the possibility of the introduction of tick species from wildlife into livestock was also investigated. Ticks were collected from livestock in 30 locations in the Wet zone and 30 locations in the Dry zone (representing both rural and urban regions), covering most parts of Sri Lanka, during the years 2009 and 2010. Eighteen (18) tick species were recorded in the present study, indicating a fair increase in tick species reported in livestock in Sri Lanka. The findings included rare tick species, which has been previously reported only on wild animals. Some tick species showed a host preference while others have expanded their geographical and host range.