A cross-sectional survey among herdsmen regarding tick-infestation in livestock in Punjab, Pakistan

Recent global changes have led to an increase in the spread of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) affecting domestic ruminants and humans. Increased awareness among livestock owners regarding tick and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) is needed to prevent and reduce disease incidence. Keeping this in view, we designed a study and selected 96 livestock farms (having up to 20 animals) in six districts of Punjab, Pakistan and a well-structured questionnaire was organized among the owners. Of the 96 livestock owners, 71.9% (n=69) kept cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats together, and 38.5 % (n=37) did not consider tick infestation as health-related issue. Almost 29.1 % (n=28) were unaware of acaricidal use against ticks in their animals. Only 18.8 % (n=18) were consulting veterinarians regarding tick infestation for their animals. Our study highlighted the association between livestock owner’s consultation with veterinarians and appropriate acaricidal use on their farm (P =0.003). Most of the respondents, 66.7 % (n=64), were practicing manual tick removal (i.e. with bare hands), and our study found a significant association between tick-bites and manual tick removal as a result of this high-risky practice (P=0.012). Our study highlighted that lack of awareness and unrecognized health related issue of tick-infestation among livestock owners causes a high level of disease burden and economic loss, also increasing the possibility of zoonotic TBD transmission. An integrated approach is required for the control of TBD, particularly those of zoonotic concern. For disease management and control, it is important to use One Health approach through unifying efforts of physicians and veterinarians.