Alvi Muhammad Husnain Ali, Rehman Abdul, Jamil Tariq, Iqbal Muhammad Zahid, Durrani Aneela Zameer, Khan Aman Ullah, Usman Muhammad, Sauter-Louis Carola, Conraths Franz J
Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54100, Pakistan.
Animals (Basel). 2024 Aug 22;14(16):2437. doi: 10.3390/ani14162437.
Tick infestation poses an important challenge to livestock in Pakistan. Farm management practices and environmental variables can influence tick infestation prevalence in animals. To this end, a cross-sectional survey of 96 farms in four different geographical districts (24 farms from each district) was conducted in Punjab, Pakistan, between October 2021 and January 2022. An epidemiological questionnaire was designed focusing on farm management practices and their impact on tick infestations at these farms. Data were collected via in-person interviews. Regional and farm-specific variables' associations were evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test and Fischer's exact test, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify significant risk factors. This study identified that using soft bedding materials, e.g., wheat straw, leaf litter or plain soil posed a significant risk of tick infestation. Additionally, the absence of quarantine measures, open sheds and inadequate drainage were found as contributing factors in univariable analysis. Higher tick prevalence in the hotter seasons highlighted the influence of Punjab's extreme weather on tick infestation. Despite regular veterinary visits and the use of acaricidal drugs, the prevalence of tick infestation at these farms suggested potential drug resistance in the ticks. The study recommended establishing quarantine practices, improving farms' drainage systems and bedding and using a combination of chemical and traditional remedies to tackle drug resistance in ticks. Education and awareness programs on tick-borne diseases and control measures are advocated to reduce the tick infestation burden on animals. Further research on longitudinal studies to better understand tick population dynamics and develop effective acaricides is encouraged. This called for collaborative control efforts among farmers, veterinarians and research institutions.
蜱虫侵扰对巴基斯坦的牲畜构成了重大挑战。农场管理实践和环境变量会影响动物身上蜱虫侵扰的流行率。为此，2021年10月至2022年1月期间，在巴基斯坦旁遮普省对四个不同地理区域的96个农场（每个区域24个农场）进行了横断面调查。设计了一份流行病学调查问卷，重点关注农场管理实践及其对这些农场蜱虫侵扰的影响。通过面对面访谈收集数据。分别使用Pearson卡方检验和Fisher精确检验评估区域和农场特定变量的关联。使用多变量逻辑回归模型来确定显著的风险因素。本研究发现，使用柔软的垫料，如麦秸、落叶层或普通土壤，会带来蜱虫侵扰的重大风险。此外，在单变量分析中，发现没有检疫措施、开放式畜棚和排水不足是促成因素。较热季节蜱虫流行率较高，突出了旁遮普极端天气对蜱虫侵扰的影响。尽管定期进行兽医检查并使用杀螨药物，但这些农场蜱虫侵扰的流行率表明蜱虫可能存在耐药性。该研究建议建立检疫措施，改善农场的排水系统和垫料，并使用化学和传统疗法相结合的方法来应对蜱虫的耐药性。提倡开展关于蜱传疾病和控制措施的教育和提高认识项目，以减轻动物身上的蜱虫侵扰负担。鼓励进一步开展纵向研究，以更好地了解蜱虫种群动态并开发有效的杀螨剂。这需要农民、兽医和研究机构之间的合作控制努力。
