Identificação morfológica de carraças (Acari: Ixodidae) em bovinos nos matadouros de Maputo

Abstract

Ticks are one of the main threats to livestock production in Mozambique, acting as vectors of various pathogens and causing significant economic losses. The present study aimed to determine the composition, distribution and intensity of tick infestation in cattle slaughtered in Maputo slaughterhouses. The study was carried out between 2023 and 2025, in the Maputo Municipal and Machava Slaughterhouses, examining 64 adult cattle of the Landim breed, of both sexes, from 12 districts in the provinces of Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane. The ticks were collected manually, preserved in 70% ethanol and identified morphologically using a stereomicroscope (Zeiss®, Stemi DV4-Germany-2000) and specific taxonomic keys. 2997 ticks were collected, distributed among three genera (Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma) and seven species. The genus Amblyomma was the most prevalent (47.9%), followed by the genera Rhipicephalus (45.5%) and Hyalomma (6.6%). The most abundant species were Amblyomma hebraeum (42.0%) and Rhipicephalus microplus (38.5%). The average infestation intensity was 46.8 ticks per animal, being significantly higher in the rainy season (68.8 ticks/animal) than in the dry season (22.1 ticks/animal). A statistically significant association was observed between tick species and the variables: tick sex (p < 0.001), infested body region (p < 0.001), province (p < 0.001), and district of origin of the cattle (p < 0.001). The dewlap region was the most infested (23.1%), followed by the limbs (20.7%) and the trunk (20.6%). Gaza province contributed the majority of ticks (52.1%), with particular emphasis on the districts of Mapai (23.5%) and Panda (8.3%). The results demonstrate the high diversity and prevalence of ticks in cattle in southern Mozambique, with a predominance of the species A. hebraeum and R. microplus, species of recognized veterinary importance as vectors of diseases such as ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. Seasonality, with higher infestation during the rainy season, and preferences for specific anatomical regions are relevant factors for the design of integrated control strategies. The implementation of continuous epidemiological surveillance programs and the adoption of integrated tick control practices are recommended, including the rational and rotational use of acaricides, as well as conducting complementary studies with molecular methods for a more detailed characterization of the species and associated pathogens. (TRADUÇAO NOSSA)