Abstract:
Ticks are important vectors and reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens worldwide. Some African
countries including Ghana have reported tick-borne infections like Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic
fever, however, there is scarce data on the tick vector in Ghana. This study was aimed at
determining the distribution, abundance of tick species and preferred sites of attachments in six
selected study sites. Ticks were collected from cattle in two ecological zones in Ghana (Guinea
Savannah and Coastal Grasslands). The tick samples were grouped by species and sites of
attachment and morphologically identified. The data obtained was collated and analyzed. A total
of 1,625 sampled ticks were collected and morphologically identified. The combined results
showed that Amblyomma (73.66%), Rhipicephalus (15.51%) and Hyalomma (10.83%) genera
were predominant in the study sites. A total of 883 ticks were collected in the Guinea savannah
sites and the species distribution was Amblyomma (84.7%) and Hyalomma (15.3%). A total of 742
ticks were collected in the Coastal Savannah sites and the species distribution was Amblyomma
(60.5%), Rhipicephalus (34.0%) and Hyalomma (5.5%). The Amblyomma variegatum (73.66%)
species was the most common in both ecological zones while the Rhipicephalus genus was absent
in the three Guinea savannah sites. A total of 1416 ticks were assessed for the preferential sites of
attachment. The results showed that overall, the most preferred site of attachment was the
udder/scrotum area where 49.72% of ticks were collected from. This preference of attachment
was consistent for all the tick species found except for the Hyaloma rufipes where 70% were
found in the anal region. All the tick species found in the sites are all implicated vectors of immense
public health importance. The knowledge of the distribution, abundance and prefered sites of
attachment is useful in the application of effective tick control measures. The study highlights the
need for continuous tick surveillance for the formulation of future strategies.
