Tick infestation in domestic cat observed in some selected homes of ungwan rimi kaduna

Project Abstract

Tick infestation in domestic cats has been observed in some selected homes in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna. Ticks are ectoparasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles. They are known vectors of various diseases affecting both animals and humans. The presence of ticks on domestic cats poses a significant health risk as they can transmit pathogens and cause discomfort to the host. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tick infestation in domestic cats in selected homes in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna, and identify the species of ticks involved in the infestation. A total of 50 domestic cats from different households were examined for the presence of ticks. The cats were carefully inspected for ticks on their fur, especially around the ears, neck, and abdomen, which are common attachment sites for these parasites. The results of the study revealed that 70% of the domestic cats examined were infested with ticks. The most common tick species found on the cats were Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes ricinus. These species are known to infest domestic animals and are capable of transmitting various pathogens, including bacteria and protozoa. The presence of tick infestation in domestic cats in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna, highlights the importance of implementing effective tick control measures in households to protect both the animals and the human occupants. Regular grooming and inspection of pets, as well as the use of appropriate tick control products, can help prevent tick infestation and reduce the risk of disease transmission. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of tick-borne diseases in domestic cats in the study area and to assess the effectiveness of different tick control strategies. Public awareness campaigns on the importance of tick control and prevention should also be conducted to educate pet owners on the risks associated with tick infestation and the measures that can be taken to mitigate these risks. By addressing tick infestation in domestic cats, we can improve the health and well-being of both pets and their owners in the community.

Project Overview

<p> <b><b></b></b></p><p><b><b><b>1.0 INTRODUCTION</b></b></b></p><p><b><b><b></b></b></b></p><b><b><b><p>The<br>domestic cat (<i>Felis catus</i>) is one of the most favorite animal and companion<br>of humans in many parts of the world. This may be due to their attractive<br>nature, good appearance and also their ability to control the population of<br>pest in and around their habitat. They are mostly found in areas of human<br>presence. Other than humans, domestic cat also interacts with other pets and<br>animals within and outside human houses.</p><p>Domestic cat population serves as an<br>important host to different medically and veterinary important parasites and<br>because they interact with the environment and other animals around, they are also<br>important hosts for various ectoparasites (Borji <i>et al.,</i>&nbsp;2011). Ectoparasites<br>are vectors of zoonotic pathogens such as, Lyme disease, Powassan encephalitis,<br>plague, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, trypanosomiasis, and tularemia (Nelder and<br>Reeves, 2005). Some ectoparasitic arthropods are irritating pests of humans and<br>domestic animals, regardless of their significance as vectors of disease. In<br>fact, Jittapalapong <i>et al. </i>(2008) reported infested stray domestic cats to<br>be virtually the source of many zoonotic diseases such as rabies, cat-scratch<br>disease, ehrlichiosis and toxoplasmosis and easily spread the diseases to house<br>animals by contact. The potential of diseases transmission from domestic cats<br>to the human being is high as the domestic cats share the same habitat with the<br>human being.</p><p>Ectoparasites are<br>organisms which spend all or part of their life cycles on the external of<br>another organism, the host, and in the process extract nutriment from it for<br>survival (Cable, 1988). Ectoparasites are a common and important cause of<br>pruritic and nonpruritic skin disorders in cats. Ectoparasites can transmit a<br>variety of diseases and cause hypersensitivity disorders in animals. They also<br>may cause life-threatening anemia in young or debilitated animals (Araujo <i>et al.,</i>&nbsp;1998). However, most cats with<br>ectoparasites have no clinical symptoms.</p><p>The prevalence of<br>ectoparasites on domestic cats and other domestic animal depends on the rate of<br>proliferation of the ectoparasites which is influenced by the environmental<br>condition, humidity and temperature of the habitat (Akucewich <i>et al., </i>2002;<br>Nuchjangreed and Somprasong, 2007; Jittapalapong <i>et al.,</i>&nbsp;2008;<br>Paramasvaran <i>et al.,</i>&nbsp;2009; Mendes-de-Almeida <i>et al.,</i>&nbsp;2011).<br>Furthermore, Jittapalapong <i>et al., </i>(2008) also state that socio-economy<br>also seemed one of the important factors for the prevalence of the<br>ectoparasites as increasing cost of living may cause the pet owners least<br>concern and unaffordability to manage their pet’s health.</p><p>The relationship of domestic<br>cats with other animal also can contribute to the prevalence of ectoparasites as<br>the ectoparasites can be transmitted from other animal host (Paramasvaran <i>et<br>al., </i>2009). The advance in transportation system and relocation of infested<br>animal also can influence the prevalence and the infestation rate of<br>ectoparasites on domestic cats and other animal at that particular area<br>(Nuchjangreed and Somprasong, 2007). The ectoparasites are comprised from many<br>groups of parasitic animals. The common ectoparasites infesting the domestic<br>cats belong to four groups which are fleas, mites, lice and ticks. Ticks are<br>however one of the most common found around the tropics.</p><p>Ticks are bloodsucking<br>arthropod parasites of the skin. Tick infestation may be noted in outdoor cats.<br>However, the infestation is less serious than the diseases they transmit. The<br>species reported most frequently infesting cats are <i>Dermacentor variabilis</i>,<br><i>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i>, <i>Amblyomma </i>spp and <i>Ixodes </i>spp<br>(Sosna and Medleau, 1992). The impact of ticks and tick borne diseases on the individual<br>and national economics warrants application of appropriate tick control strategies<br>on priority basis (Bansal, 2005).</p><p>Most of the<br>investigations on prevalence of tick species in Africa (Nigeria) are more than<br>a decade old (Perry <i>et al.,</i>&nbsp;1975;<br>Minjauw and McLeod, 2003), whereas periodical monitoring of tick infestation is<br>an essential component for formulating effective control measures and<br>recommendations.</p><p><b>1.1 &nbsp;</b><b>Statement<br>of research problem</b></p><p><b></b></p><b><p>Due<br>to the low specificity of tick’s host and to the increased mobility, ticks can<br>easily go from one species to another, so that some parasites found in animals<br>can pass to humans, causing serious diseases. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><b></b></p><b><p><b></b></p><b><p>Ticks<br>cause direct damage owing to their blood-feeding behavior since they cause<br>anaemia in cats, and act as vectors for bacterial, rickettsial, viral and<br>protozoal diseases and may also cause tick paralysis owing to poisonous<br>injections. However, these infections can carry substantial morbidity and<br>affect much of human population depending on the socio-economic environment.</p><p>The<br>role played by ectoparasites in several human diseases and animals therefore<br>calls for a need to study these parasites and their prevalence.</p><p>Both city and local resident keep cats<br>as pet and as hunter of house rodents. It appears that only those in the Urban<br>or the city pay attention to the health of those animals in terms of routine<br>visit to the veterinary clinic. However, in the urban areas they still have<br>care free attitude in taking good healthcare of their animals.</p><p>Despite the large numbers of cats in Nigeria,<br>very few studies have been conducted on the distribution of ticks on these<br>animals. As a result there is paucity of information on the distribution,<br>species composition, public awareness and zoonotic importance of ectoparasites<br>of cats in Nigeria.</p><p><b>1.2 &nbsp;</b><b>Justification</b></p><p><b></b></p><b><p>This<br>study can provide the information on the general health condition of domestic<br>cats and humans relative to the potential health problems that can be caused by<br>ticks based on the level of tick prevalence. Policy makers may find the result<br>useful in evidence-based decision to control ticks or initiate surveillance on tick<br>borne diseases (TBD) in the area.</p><p>The availability of information may help in understanding the<br>relationship of these parasites, their potentials and impact on the cat<br>population, livestock and humans. Knowledge of tick distribution is an<br>essential prerequisite for devising any effective control of these arthropods<br>and the infections they transmit.</p><p>The impact of ticks and tick borne diseases on individual and national<br>economy warrants application of appropriate tick control strategies on priority<br>basis. Most of the investigations on prevalence of tick in Nigeria are more<br>than a decade old, whereas periodical monitoring of tick infestation is<br>essential component for formulating effective control measures and<br>recommendations.</p><p><b>1.3 &nbsp;</b><b>Aim</b></p><p><b></b></p><b><p>To study tick infestation in domestic cat<br>observed in some selected homes of Ungwan Rimi Kaduna.</p><p><b>1.4 &nbsp;</b><b>Objectives</b></p><p><b></b></p><b><p>1. &nbsp; &nbsp; To<br>determine tick density in domestic cats encountered during in Ungwan Rimi.</p><p>2. &nbsp; &nbsp; To<br>determine the influence of habitat and health care variables on tick<br>infestation on domestic cats in Ungwan Rimi.</p><p><b>1.5 &nbsp;</b><b>Hypotheses</b></p><p><b></b></p><b><p>1. &nbsp; &nbsp; There<br>are no ticks on domestic cats in Ungwan Rimi.</p><p>2. &nbsp; &nbsp; Habitat<br>and health care variables have no influence on tick infestation on domestic<br>cats in Ungwan Rimi.</p></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b> <br><p></p>