Distribution of Ixodid ticks in cattle across different zones of Telangana State, India

Distribution of ticks infesting cattle was studied in six districts of three agro- climatic zones of Telangana state, India. Nine species of ticks under five genera were identified based on morphological features of which Rhipicephalus microplus (51.3%) was the most predominant followed by Hyalomma anatolicum (19.3%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (15.8%), Hy. marginatum (8.8%), R. haemaphysaloides (7%), R. sanguineus (4.1%), Hy. hussaini (2%), Amblyomma integrum (0.67%) and Nosomma monstrosum (0.5%) respectively. Rhipicephalus microplus (59.5%), Ha. bispinosa (20.5%), A. integrum (2%) and N. monstrosum (1.5%) were more prevalent in central zone. Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (11%) and R. sanguineus (6%) were more prevalent in north zone, while Hy. anatolicum (28%), Hy. marginatum (16.5%), and Hy. hussaini (6%) in south zone. Hyalomma hussaini was recorded only in Mahaboobnagar district. Amblyomma integrum (2%) and N. monstrosum (1.5%) were found only in Khammam district.