Intraspecific polymorphic variation in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (ticks) isolated from Capra aegagrus hircus (goats) in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines

• Main Author: Swann, Priscilla Hope
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2014
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/4622
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study assessed the prevalence of tick infestation in goats in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Goats were de-ticked during collections on June 16, July 14, and September 22, 2012. Tick specimens were placed in Boardman's solution to prevent leg curling before being fixed in 80% EtOH + 5% glycerol. The developmental stage of each specimen, the sex of adult specimens, the total number of ticks isolated per goat was recorded, and the male and female tick specimens were classified as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus based on morphological characters. Intraspecific polymorphic variations were documented as well. From 18 goats, a total of 207 tick specimens were collected. The prevalence of Rh. (Bo.) microplus was 72.2%, with an average relative tick density of 8 ticks/goat. Male Rh. (Bo.) microplus manifested variation in the distinctness of ventral anal plate spurs (88.2%), and exhibited variation in the dorsal visibility of ventral anal plate spurs. Intraspecific polymorphic variation in the shape of the genital aperture lips was noticed in 37.5% of the female Rh. (Bo.) microplus examined. This documents the first report of Rh. (Bo.) microplus infestation in goats in the Philippines.