Abstract:
In total 7 567 were collected from 121 dip tanks in 12 districts representative of Zimbabwe’s five ecological
regions between September 2013 and May 2014. Based on morphological traits four genera and 13 species of
ticks were identified. Amblyomma hebraeum (60.3%), Rhipicephalus microplus (58.7%), Rhipicephalus
decoloratus (47.1%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (56.2%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (67.8%),
Rhipicephalus (near) punctatus (13.2%), Hyalomma truncatum (38%) and Hyalomma rufipes (46.3%) were
found in all the ecological regions of the country. Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus compositus
(0.8%) were only found in the north central part of the country while Rhipicephalus simus (5%) had a sparse
distribution. The Haemaphysalis leachi group (1.7%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (1.7%) were found
whenever dogs were sampled suggesting these could be widespread throughout the country. The study
confirmed the continued limited distribution of Amblyomma variegatum (3.3%) in the north central parts of the
country, whereas A. hebraeum was found to have a wide distribution also encroaching areas of high rainfall and
lower temperatures where it was not previously recorded. A parapatric relationship existed between these two
Amblyomma species. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was also widely distributed although its presence was
dominant in the cooler and wetter parts of the country. The traditionally held view that Hyalomma species and
R. evertsi evertsi can survive well under diverse conditions is upheld in this study. Rhipicephalus microplus was
also present in dry regions but its adaptability to these regions requires further investigation.
