Analysis of seasonal effect on tick infestation in vechur and crossbred cattle of Kerala

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBD) are important risk factors in cattle production which causes enormous economic loss. There are several other factors responsible for tick infestation - sex, age, lactation, pregnancy and environmental factors. The present study was aimed to analyze the seasonal effect on tick infestation in Vechur and Crossbred cattle of Kerala. The population under study comprised of 45 Vechur and 74 crossbred cattle from the farms of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. Tick counts were taken during summer (March to May, 2019) and rainy (June to August, 2019) seasons from the selected animals. Subsequently, the animals were grouped into the four classes on the basis of the tick infestation level and subjective qualification of the larvae and nymph infestation. However; we could not find any tick infestation on any animal during summer and rainy seasons. Therefore, all the animals were grouped in the class: no infestation (absence of adult ticks, nymphs, and larvae).On inquiry, it was revealed that the farm authorities had stopped letting animals for grazing in the field as a measure to control tick infestation in animals. Hence, it is presumed that the absence of field grazing of cattle has drastically curtailed tick infestation.