1. Impact of Farm Management Practices on Tick Infestation in Punjab's Livestock: A Comprehensive Epidemiological Study.
- Author
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Alvi, Muhammad Husnain Ali, Rehman, Abdul, Jamil, Tariq, Iqbal, Muhammad Zahid, Durrani, Aneela Zameer, Khan, Aman Ullah, Usman, Muhammad, Sauter-Louis, Carola, and Conraths, Franz J.
- Subjects
FARM management ,EXTREME weather ,TICK control ,LIVESTOCK farms ,FOREST litter ,TICK infestations - Abstract
Simple Summary: This cross-sectional study evaluated management factors contributing to tick infestation in 96 livestock farms in Punjab, Pakistan. Data collected via in-person interviews and statistical analysis revealed soft bedding as a significant risk factor. Other factors included lack of quarantine, improper drainage, infrequent veterinary visits and hot seasons. Strict quarantine practices, hard bedding, improved farm structure and a combination of tick control remedies were emphasized. Collaboration among farmers, veterinarians and researchers was deemed essential. Tick infestation poses an important challenge to livestock in Pakistan. Farm management practices and environmental variables can influence tick infestation prevalence in animals. To this end, a cross-sectional survey of 96 farms in four different geographical districts (24 farms from each district) was conducted in Punjab, Pakistan, between October 2021 and January 2022. An epidemiological questionnaire was designed focusing on farm management practices and their impact on tick infestations at these farms. Data were collected via in-person interviews. Regional and farm-specific variables' associations were evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test and Fischer's exact test, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify significant risk factors. This study identified that using soft bedding materials, e.g., wheat straw, leaf litter or plain soil posed a significant risk of tick infestation. Additionally, the absence of quarantine measures, open sheds and inadequate drainage were found as contributing factors in univariable analysis. Higher tick prevalence in the hotter seasons highlighted the influence of Punjab's extreme weather on tick infestation. Despite regular veterinary visits and the use of acaricidal drugs, the prevalence of tick infestation at these farms suggested potential drug resistance in the ticks. The study recommended establishing quarantine practices, improving farms' drainage systems and bedding and using a combination of chemical and traditional remedies to tackle drug resistance in ticks. Education and awareness programs on tick-borne diseases and control measures are advocated to reduce the tick infestation burden on animals. Further research on longitudinal studies to better understand tick population dynamics and develop effective acaricides is encouraged. This called for collaborative control efforts among farmers, veterinarians and research institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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