Abstract:
Ectoparasite infestation is one of the major problems affecting livestock industries in many parts of the world. Ticks considered as one of the important. and harmful blood sucking ectoparasites of livestock and human around the world after the mosquitoes (Zahir and Rahuman, 2012).
The most economically important tick. Species that parasitize domestic animals in Africa include Rhipicephalus spp„ Boophilus spp., and Embryoma spp (De Castro). These tick vector parasites cause fatal diseases such as theileriosis; babesiosis; anaplasmosis and cowdriosis. The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus is one of the most important. ectoparasites of cattle and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions including Uganda.
Rhipicephalus: appendiculatus causes huge economic loss in cattle production by reducing weight gain, milk production and causing tick worry, blood loss, hide damage and injection of toxins. Further, indirectly they also involve in disease transmission like East Coast Fever,
Keeping in view the impact of ticks and tick-borne diseases on the individual and national economics the developing world should focus on tick control on a priority basis.
