Dynamics of Boophilus Ticks and its Role in Transmission of Piroplasms at Behaira District

Dynamics of Boophilus tick was investigated at Behaira district. A total number of (86) out of (839) cattle (10.25%) were infected with Boophilus spp. The prevalence of Boophilus spp infection predominated in summer season (21.33%) followed by autumn (10.78%) and last spring (6.34%) and the lowest burden was in winter. Concerning the locality, El- Dalangat was representing the highest locality infected with tick vector (17.39%) and according to age, the animals less than one year was the lowest one infected with tick (5.17%) then animals which were aged 1-3 years (9.8%) and animals more than 3 years (10.75%).The neck and dewlap representing the highest predilection seats of Boophilus spp. (81.39%) in cattle and the lowest one was udder (2.94%). Hemolymph and salivary gland samples of 56 Boophilus spp were extracted, stained by Giemsa and microscopically inspected under oil immersion lens. the total infection of Hemolymph with ookinete was (28.57%) that increased in summer season (32.14%) and according to salivary gland smears of Boophilus spp. showed that the total infection rate was (21.43%) and increased in summer (25%) also winter had no infection for both. Electron microscopic examination of salivary gland of Boophilus spp. showed a prescence of electron-dense and more irregular-shaped sporozoites were detected in some infected cells.