Identification of ectoparasites of camels in Sabzevar City, Iran

Ectoparasite infestation can transmit pathogens. They also cause economic losses and sometimes can cause mortality and reduce growth rates. Therefore, the objective of the present study was the determination of ectoparasite infestations on camels (C. dromedarius) in Sabzevar city, Iran. This survey was conducted from April 2017 to March 2018. A total of 75 camels were examined for ectoparasite infestation. All ectoparasites were collected in vials containing ethyl alcohol (70%) and were brought to the laboratory. The results showed that 25 camels (33.33%) were infested with hard ticks. There was not any infestation by other external parasites (mite, lice, flea, myias). The whole detected ticks were 130. The hard ticks on camels were identified as follows: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (37/69%), Hyalomma dromedarii (34/61%), Rhipicephalus bursa (27/69%), In conclusion, appropriate tick control programs in Sabzevar city would seem a prerequisite for progressing camel milk and meat production.