Attachment preferences of Hyalomma truncatum and Hyalomma marginatum rufipes ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on two sheep breeds.

Hyalomma ticks were collected from Merino and black-headed Dorper sheep and their attachment preferences determined. The preferred site of attachment for Hyalomma marginatum rufipes on both Dorper and Merino sheep was the anogenital and inguinal areas (75-76%). On Dorper sheep, H. truncatum attached predominantly to the anogenital and inguinal areas (67.7%). On Merino sheep, most adults of this species attached to the feet (26%). Almost equal percentages also attached to the anogenital/inguinal and brisket areas (21.6 and 22.9%, respectively). These differences should be considered when pour-on acaricides are applied to different breeds of sheep.