First Report of Theileria Annulata in Nigeria: Findings from Cattle Ticks in Zamfara and Sokoto States

Abstract Background Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a significant economic burden to cattle farming in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. However, in the northern part of this country, where the largest livestock population reside, little is known about the contemporary diversity of ticks and TBPs. This area is particularly vulnerable to climate change, undergoing marked transformation of habitat and associated flora and fauna that is also likely to include ticks. This study aimed to document the occurrence of tick species and Apicomplexan TBPs in cattle from North-Western Nigeria. Methods In 2017, ticks were collected from cattle in Zamfara and Sokoto States and identified morphologically. Additionally, a subset of ticks were screened molecularly for the detection of Apicomplexan DNA. Results A total of 494 adult ticks were collected from 80 cattle in Zamfara and 65 cattle in Sokoto State. Nine tick species were encountered, including seven Hyalomma spp. (i.e. Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma impeltatum, Hyalomma impressum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum and Hyalomma turanicum), Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus. All species were present in Zamfara, whereas only five species were found in Sokoto. Hyalomma rufipes was the most prevalent tick infesting cattle in Zamfara State (76.2%), while H. dromedarii was the most prevalent in Sokoto State (43.7%), confirming the widespread transfer of this species from camels onto livestock and its adaptation to cattle in the region. Of 159 ticks screened, 2 out of 54 (3.7%) from Zamfara State and 29 out of 105 (27.6%) from Sokoto State harboured DNA of Theileria annulata, the agent of tropical theileriosis.Conclusions This study confirms the presence of a broad diversity of tick species in cattle from North-Western Nigeria, providing the first locality records for Zamfara State. The occurrence of H. turanicum, recorded for the first time in Nigeria, indicates a distribution of this tick beyond Northern Africa. This study provides the first report for T. annulata in Nigeria. Given its enormous burden on livestock farming in North Africa and across Asia, further investigations are needed to better understand its epidemiology, vector transmission and potential clinical significance in cattle from Northern Nigeria and neighbouring Sahelian countries.

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First report of Theileria annulata in Nigeria: findings from cattle ticks in Zamfara and Sokoto States

10.1101/2020.11.10.376624 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Adamu Haruna Mamman ◽

Vincenzo Lorusso ◽

Babagana Mohammed Adam ◽

Abraham Goni Dogo ◽

Kevin J Bown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tick Species ◽

Theileria Annulata ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Livestock Farming ◽

Tropical Theileriosis ◽

First Report ◽

Cattle Ticks ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Hyalomma Rufipes ◽

North Western

AbstractBackgroundTicks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a significant economic burden to cattle farming in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. However, in the northern part of this country, where the largest livestock population reside, little is known about the contemporary diversity of ticks and TBPs. This area is particularly vulnerable to climate change, undergoing marked transformation of habitat and associated flora and fauna that is also likely to include ticks. This study aimed to document the occurrence of tick species and Apicomplexan TBPs in cattle from North-Western Nigeria.MethodsIn 2017, ticks were collected from cattle in Zamfara and Sokoto States and identified morphologically. Additionally, a subset of ticks were screened molecularly for the detection of Apicomplexan DNA.ResultsA total of 494 adult ticks were collected from 80 cattle in Zamfara and 65 cattle in Sokoto State. Nine tick species were encountered, including seven Hyalomma spp. (i.e. Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma impeltatum, Hyalomma impressum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum and Hyalomma turanicum), Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus. All species were present in Zamfara, whereas only five species were found in Sokoto. Hyalomma rufipes was the most prevalent tick infesting cattle in Zamfara State (76.2%), while H. dromedarii was the most prevalent in Sokoto State (43.7%), confirming the widespread transfer of this species from camels onto livestock and its adaptation to cattle in the region.Of 159 ticks screened, 2 out of 54 (3.7%) from Zamfara State and 29 out of 105 (27.6%) from Sokoto State harboured DNA of Theileria annulata, the agent of tropical theileriosis.ConclusionsThis study confirms the presence of a broad diversity of tick species in cattle from North-Western Nigeria, providing the first locality records for Zamfara State. The occurrence of H. turanicum, recorded for the first time in Nigeria, indicates a distribution of this tick beyond Northern Africa.This study provides the first report for T. annulata in Nigeria. Given its enormous burden on livestock farming in North Africa and across Asia, further investigations are needed to better understand its epidemiology, vector transmission and potential clinical significance in cattle from Northern Nigeria and neighbouring Sahelian countries.

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First report of Theileria annulata in Nigeria: Findings from cattle ticks in Zamfara and Sokoto States

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-021-04731-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Adamu Haruna Mamman ◽

Vincenzo Lorusso ◽

Babagana Mohammed Adam ◽

Goni Abraham Dogo ◽

Kevin J. Bown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tick Species ◽

Theileria Annulata ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Livestock Farming ◽

Tropical Theileriosis ◽

First Report ◽

Cattle Ticks ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Hyalomma Rufipes ◽

North Western

Abstract Background Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a significant economic burden to cattle farming in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. However, in the northern part of this country, where the largest livestock population resides, little is known about the contemporary diversity of ticks and TBPs. This area is particularly vulnerable to climate change, undergoing marked transformation of habitat and associated flora and fauna that is also likely to include ticks. This study aimed to document the occurrence of tick species and Apicomplexan TBPs in cattle from north-western Nigeria. Methods In 2017, ticks were collected from cattle in Zamfara and Sokoto States and identified morphologically. Additionally, a subset of ticks was screened molecularly for the detection of apicomplexan DNA. Results A total of 494 adult ticks were collected from 80 cattle in Zamfara and 65 cattle in Sokoto State. Nine tick species were encountered, among which the presence of one, Hyalomma turanicum, had not previously been recorded in Nigeria. Hyalomma rufipes was the most prevalent tick infesting cattle in Zamfara State (76%), while Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent in Sokoto State (44%), confirming the widespread transfer of this species from camels onto livestock and its adaptation to cattle in the region. Of 159 ticks screened, 2 out of 54 (3.7%) from Zamfara State and 29 out of 105 (27.6%) from Sokoto State harboured DNA of Theileria annulata, the agent of tropical theileriosis. Conclusions This study confirms the presence of a broad diversity of tick species in cattle from north-western Nigeria, providing the first locality records for Zamfara State. The occurrence of H. turanicum indicates a distribution of this tick beyond northern Africa. This study provides the first report for T. annulata in Nigerian ticks. Given its enormous burden on livestock farming in north Africa and across Asia, further investigations are needed to better understand its epidemiology, vector transmission and potential clinical significance in cattle from northern Nigeria and neighbouring Sahelian countries.

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Correction to: First report of Theileria annulata in Nigeria: Findings from cattle ticks in Zamfara and Sokoto States

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-021-04818-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Adamu Haruna Mamman ◽

Vincenzo Lorusso ◽

Babagana Mohammed Adam ◽

Goni Abraham Dogo ◽

Kevin J. Bown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Theileria Annulata ◽

First Report ◽

Cattle Ticks

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

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A comparison between tick species collected in a controlled and control free area on a game ranch in South Africa

Journal of the South African Veterinary Association ◽

10.4102/jsava.v84i1.907 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 84 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Bradley Schroder ◽

Brian K. Reilly

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Tick Species ◽

Rhipicephalus Appendiculatus ◽

Limpopo Province ◽

Ixodid Ticks ◽

Boophilus Decoloratus ◽

Haemaphysalis Elliptica ◽

The Difference ◽

Hyalomma Rufipes ◽

And Control

Despite the large number of collection records, there are no recent collections of ixodid ticks of this magnitude in the Waterberg area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Free-living ticks on a commercial game farm were obtained by a total of 432 drag-samples in eight sample sites from September 2003 to August 2008. The ticks were collected to establish the difference between tick species and densities associated with acaricide-controlled (semi-intensive) and control-free areas on a game farm in the Thabazimbi District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A total of eight tick species were collected, namely Amblyomma hebraeum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Haemaphysalis elliptica, Hyalomma rufipes, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus zambeziensis and Rhipicephalus spp. The most abundant tick species collected was Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus. The difference in species and numbers reflects the effectiveness of acaricide treatment against ticks and its relevance to tick numbers on a game farm.

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Cattle ticks and associated tick-borne pathogens in Burkina Faso and Benin: apparent northern spread of Rhipicephalus microplus in Benin and first evidence of Theileria velifera and Theileria annulata

Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases ◽

10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101733 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 101733

Author(s):

Achille S. Ouedraogo ◽

Olivier M. Zannou ◽

Abel S. Biguezoton ◽

Kouassi Patrick Yao ◽

Adrien Belem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Burkina Faso ◽

Rhipicephalus Microplus ◽

Theileria Annulata ◽

Cattle Ticks

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Serological survey and metagenomic discovery of potato viruses in Rwanda and Burundi reveals absence of PVY in Burundi and first report of TRV in potatoes in sub Saharan Africa

Virus Research ◽

10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198487 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 198487

Author(s):

Joshua Sikhu Okonya ◽

Heidy Gamarra ◽

Anastase Nduwayezu ◽

Astere Bararyenya ◽

Jürgen Kroschel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Serological Survey ◽

First Report ◽

Potato Viruses ◽

Sub Saharan

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Molecular survey of cattle ticks in Burundi: First report on the presence of the invasive Rhipicephalus microplus tick

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0261218 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. e0261218

Author(s):

Lionel Nyabongo ◽

David O. Odongo ◽

Gad Milton ◽

Eunice Machuka ◽

Patrick Vudriko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Tick Species ◽

Rhipicephalus Appendiculatus ◽

Rhipicephalus Microplus ◽

Babesia Bovis ◽

12S Rrna ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Babesia Bigemina ◽

Cattle Ticks ◽

Agroecological Zones

A recent research study on prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in Burundi reported high prevalence and endemicity of Theileria parva, Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina infections in cattle. Detailed information about tick species infesting animals, their distribution and genetic diversity in Burundi is outdated and limited. This study therefore assessed the prevalence and genetic diversity of tick species infesting cattle across agroecological zones (AEZs) in Burundi. A cross-sectional study on the occurrence of tick species was conducted in 24 districts of Burundi between October and December 2017. Differential identification and characterization of ticks collected was conducted using tick morphological keys and molecular tools (cox1 and 12S rRNA gene). Chi-square test was used to test for association between agroecological zones and the prevalence of tick species. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using bayesian and maximum likelihood algorithms. A total of 483 ticks were collected from the five AEZs sampled. Six tick species comprising of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R. sanguineus, R. evertsi evertsi, R. microplus, R. decoloratus and Amblyomma variegatum were observed. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus were the most prevalent ticks (~45%). A total of 138 specimens (28%) were found to be Rhipicephalus microplus, suggesting an emerging threat for cattle farmers. Twelve R. appendiculatus cox1 haplotypes were obtained from 106 specimens that were sequenced. Two cox1 haplotypes of R. microplus which clustered into previously reported Clade A were observed. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. evertsi evertsi ticks, the vectors of numerous zoonotic pathogens, were collected from cattle, which constitute a high risk for public health. These findings reveal an overlapping distribution of tick vectors in Burundi. The design of ticks and tick-borne diseases control strategies should consider the distribution of different vectors across the AEZs particularly the presence of the highly invasive R. microplus tick in Burundi and the potential risk of introducing the pathogenic Babesia bovis.

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Contrasting population genetics of cattle- and buffalo-derived Theileria annulata causing tropical theileriosis

10.1101/2020.01.10.902031 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Umer Chaudhry ◽

Qasim Ali ◽

Lynn Zheng ◽

Imran Rashid ◽

Muhammad Zubair Shabbir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cytochrome B ◽

Water Buffalo ◽

Theileria Annulata ◽

Tropical Theileriosis ◽

Multiple Introductions ◽

Individual Host ◽

Mitochondrial Cytochrome B ◽

Different Strains ◽

The Individual ◽

High Level

AbstractThe present study was designed to improve understanding of Theileria annulata in sympatric water buffalo and cattle in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The prevalence of tropical theileriosis is high, buparvaquone resistance is widespread, and vaccine protection is poor in the field. Better understanding is, therefore, needed of the factors that influence the genetics of T. annulata populations both within its hosts and in its overall populations. Here we utilise a panel of six satellites and a mitochondrial cytochrome b marker to explore the multiplicity of T. annulata infection and patterns of emergence and spread of different parasite genotypes. Parasite materials were collected from infected animals in defined regions, where water buffalo and cattle are kept together. Our results show that T. annulata is genetically more diverse in cattle- than in water buffalo-derived populations (the mean numbers of unique satellite alleles were 13.3 and 1.8 and numbers of unique cytochrome b locus alleles were 65 and 27 in cattle- and water buffalo-derived populations, respectively). The data show a high level of genetic diversity among the individual host-derived populations (the overall heterozygosity (He) indices were 0.912 and 0.931 in cattle, and 0.874 and 0.861 in buffalo, based on satellite and cytochrome b loci, respectively). When considered in the context of high parasite transmission rates and frequent animal movements between different regions, the predominance of multiple T. annulata genotypes, with multiple introductions of infection in the hosts from which the parasite populations were derived, may have practical implications for the spread of parasite genetic adaptations; such as those conferring vaccine cross-protection against different strains affecting cattle and buffalo, or resistance to antiprotozoal drugs.

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Control of tick (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation by application of ear tags impregnated with acaricides to cattle in Africa

Bulletin of Entomological Research ◽

10.1017/s0007485300015868 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 75 (4) ◽

pp. 609-619 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

A. S. Young ◽

J. J. De Castro ◽

P. P. Kiza-Auru

Keyword(s):

Rhipicephalus Appendiculatus ◽

Synthetic Pyrethroid ◽

Zebu Cattle ◽

Highly Efficient ◽

Boophilus Decoloratus ◽

Cattle Ticks ◽

Efficient Control ◽

Degree Of Control ◽

Chemical Groups ◽

Amblyomma Cohaerens

AbstractNine types of plastic ear tags impregnated with organophosphorus, amidine or synthetic pyrethroid compounds were applied to both ears of groups of five Maasai zebu cattle in Narok District, Kenya, and grazed together with five untagged cattle to which no acaricides were applied. Most of the tag types gave highly efficient control of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann attaching to the head and ears of the cattle, which lasted up to 160 days after application and often completely prevented tick engorgement. All the chemical groups were effective. The most effective tag was a combination of amitraz and permethrin which gave better control than either chemical on its own. Control of Boophilus decoloratus (Koch), Amblyomma cohaerens Dönitz, A. variegatum (F.) and R. evertsi evertsi Neumann attaching to the bodies of cattle was less effective, although most of the tags exerted some effect. Rainfall appeared to reduce the degree of control by the tags. A role for such impregnated ear tags for the control of cattle ticks in Africa is suggested.

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