Seasonal dynamics of the infestation of cattle by ticks (Ixodoidea) in the western high plateaus of Cameroon. II. Traditional extensive stockfarm

Abstract

The dynamics of cattle ticks in traditional extensive stockfarm was studied for one year each site for six different sites covering the western high plateaus of Cameroon. Boophilus decoloratus is found on all sites throughout the year. B. annulatus is limited to low areas, where it can transmit babesiosis during the transhumance, in the dry season. Amblyomma variegatum is more prevalent in lower parts, with the larva wave in November and December, the nymph one from January to April and the adult one from March to June. Although Cowdria infection rate may be high, clinical cases are not frequent. Dermatouhilosis has a heavy incidence. Rhipicephalus lumdatus and Rh. sulcatus spread on all sites during the rainy season. Rh. longus appears in the beginning of the rainy season on the Sabga plateau. Haemaphysah aciculifer, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, H. nitidum and Ixodes cumulatimpunctatus are very low incidence. While in improved stock-breeding, the fight against ticks should be done the whole year round, in traditional extensive stock-farm, acaricide treatments may be applied only from March to July.