A yearlong survey was conducted between March 2019 to February 2020 to study the influence of animal factors like age, breed,

sex and managemental practices on the prevalence of Ixodid ticks on cattle in Telangana State, India. An overall prevalence of 63.4% of tick infestation was recorded where as it was significantly higher in cross bred cattle than indigenous animals. Among cross breeds, 80 % of prevalence was recorded in Holstein Friesian and 77.24% in Jersey cross with a non-significant difference. Among the indigenous, non-descriptive cattle showed significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence (53.2%) than Sahiwal (39.6 %) and least in Gir (21%). Age wise studies indicated more tick infestation in less than 1year age cattle (70.4%) followed by above 3 years (63.4%) and >1-3-year age group (51.6%). Female cattle were more prone to tick infestation (67.3%) than males (49.9%). Cattle reared under unorganized farms (71.3%) were more infested than in organized farms (50.7%). The current information on regional prevalence is essential for development and modulation of tick control measures for better production and economic stability.

Highlights

• Calves less than 1year age and female cattle were more prone to tick infestation.
• When compare to all breeds of cattle under study HF cross was more susceptible to tick infestation.