Study on goats tick fauna and seasonal variations of tick population in Zanjan province

The present investigation was performed In order to determine the tick species of goats، reared in cities of Zanjan province، from October 2006 (Mehr1386) to September 2007 (Shahrivar 1386). Seasonal variation of tick population and tick species on goats body surface were also searched. Overall 1800 goats of both sexes were examined for tick infestation from 7 cities and their suburbs in Zanjan province. The results were statistically analyzed by infestation. the results revealed 106 (5. 89%) goats were infested by ticks. The highest percentage of the goat tick infestation was observed during june 2007 (Khordad1386)، while the lowest percentage was observed during February 2006 (Bahman1385). There was a significant difference (p<0. 005) in the tick population of goats during the seasons and months of the year under study ou t of 405 ticks collected from goats. The identified species were as follows: Rhipicephalus bursa (32. 59%)، Rh. sanguineus (18. 27%)، Hy. an. anatolicum (15. 06%)، D. marginatus (14. 57%)، Hy. an. excavatum (12. 1%)، O. lahorensis (2. 96%)، Ha. punchtata (2. 72%) and Ha. sulcata (1. 73%). Distribution of ticks over different parts of goat body surface were respectively as follows، according to its frequencies: Ear and surrounding areas of ear (28. 88%)، tail region (28. 15%)، inguinal region (25. 92%) and axillary region (17. 04%). The difference of tick site preference was significantly (p<0. 05) moticeble.