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Published on: June 1, 2019
Association between ecological factors and the presence of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus larvae in Puerto Rico
José Urdaz-Rodríguez1, Geoffrey Fosgate, A Rick Alleman
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. tuatero@yahoo.com
Experimental & Applied Acarology
|May 29, 2012
Summary
Tick larvae, specifically Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, were surveyed in Puerto Rico. Infestation was significantly higher during the dry season, with cattle presence and dense shrubbery increasing risk.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Parasitology
- Ecology
Background:
- Tick-borne diseases pose a significant threat to livestock and public health.
- Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a major cattle tick, impacting animal welfare and agricultural economies.
- Understanding tick population dynamics and ecological associations is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of tick larvae in Puerto Rico.
- To compare Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus larval infestation rates between dry and wet seasons.
- To identify ecological factors associated with the presence of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus larvae.
Main Methods:
- A prevalence study utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based sampling method.
- Ninety-six sites were sampled twice, once during the dry season (March 2007) and once during the wet season (August 2007).
- Larval tick presence was assessed using a tick drag method with a white flannel cloth.
Main Results:
- Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus larvae were identified at 15 sites during the dry season and 5 sites during the wet season.
- Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens larvae were identified at 9 sites during the dry season and 5 sites during the wet season.
- A significant difference (P = 0.031) in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus infested sites was observed between seasons, with higher prevalence in the dry season.
Conclusions:
- Ecological factors associated with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus larval presence included wind speed (>4.0 km/h), presence of bushes/shrubs (>25%), and cattle presence.
- Higher wind speeds were associated with decreased risk, while dense vegetation and cattle presence increased the risk of infestation.
- Findings highlight the importance of seasonal variations and habitat characteristics in tick population dynamics, informing targeted control measures.
