Sites of attachment and intraspecific infestation densities of the brown paralysis tick (Rhipicephalus punctatus) on Angora goats

Abstract

Significant differences in the distribution of brown paralysis ticks on various age classes of Angora goats were recorded. In kids, most (greater than 98%) of the ticks attached to the head and ears, whereas in older groups, in addition to the ears, a high proportion (greater than 20%) of ticks also attached to the ventral side of the neck. There were significant differences in the mean infestation densities of both male and female R. punctatus in kids and older animals. These differences were, however, only significant for the first two sample dates involving kids, and are probably related to behavioural attributes of the kids which enhance tick/host contact. Newly born Angora goat kids are considered a high-risk group with regard to paralysis caused by the brown paralysis tick. Methods of avoiding mortality amongst kids are suggested.