Ticks of camels, sheep and goats in northwestern Kenya rangelands

Abstract

A survey to determine the species of ticks infesting camels, sheep and goats in the semi‐arid rangelands of Kenya showed that Hyalomma trancatum, Hyalomma dromedarii and Rhi‐picephalus pravus were the most abundant, in that order. Most of the ticks were restricted to the predilection sites with evidence of tissue damage. When this occurred on the lower extremities of the limbs, abscesses and lameness developed. In camels, ticks attached on the eyelids causing excessive irritation, lacrimation and conjunctivitis. Thin and thick blood smears were negative for hae‐moparasites, and during the study period no animals died as a result of ticks and tick‐borne diseases. The absence of tick‐borne diseases and the low numbers of ticks in the hosts demonstrated that the indiscriminate use of acaricides, especially on camel herds, is unnecessary. Conventional methods of herd spray are suggested, but the use of slow‐release devices and pour‐ons would be more suitable in this environment if it can be demonstrated that they are economically justifiable.