Identification et Ecologie des Tiques Infestant les Bovins et les Ovins dans les Ecosystèmes de Savane et de Forêt à l’Ouest de la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC)

Abstract

Identification and ecology of tick infesting cattles and sheeps in savannahs and Forest ecosystems in western Democratic Republic of Congo An investigation was conducted in two ecosystems (savannas and forests) in western DRC to identify tick species circulating in cattle and sheep in order to update tick mapping in this part of the country, to assess their abundance and the risks they can cause on these animals, in order to propose a control program adapted to local conditions. These investigations were conducted at the Batéké Plateau (Savannah Zone) and the Mushie Ranch
(Forest Zone) for six months, from November 2012 to April 2013. Out of 938 ticks harvested, three types were
recorded using identification keys; they are Amblyomma sp (89.1%), Rhipicephalus sp (10.5%) and Hyalomma sp
(0.4%). A strong predominance of Amblyomma variegatum was observed in both ecosystems. Thus, the three
genera identified were present at the Batéké Plateau, whereas only one genus (Amblyomma) was found in Mushie
and on animals, most ticks were collected on the ventro-genital part (75%). These results could already be a breach
for updating tick mapping in western DRC.

Good breeding behavior and weekly application of acaricides on animals in the form of bathing or
spraying are solutions considered in the first line in the fight against ticks.