Microscopic view inside a tick showing cattle disease DNA in Benin landscape.

Hidden Threats: What Ticks Can Tell Us About Cattle Diseases in Benin

Elliot Brynn in Science & Nature September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the secrets of tick-borne diseases in Benin's cattle using Amblyomma variegatum as key indicators."

For cattle farmers in Benin, as in many parts of Africa, tick-borne diseases (TBDs) represent a significant and persistent threat to their livestock and, consequently, their livelihoods. Diseases like babesiosis, theileriosis, anaplasmosis, and heartwater can devastate herds, leading to substantial economic losses. Regular monitoring and understanding of these diseases are crucial, but traditional methods like blood collection from cattle can be challenging due to reluctance from some livestock owners.

In a recent study published in Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, researchers took a novel approach to overcome this hurdle. Instead of directly sampling cattle blood, they turned to the ticks themselves, specifically Amblyomma variegatum, one of the most abundant tick species in Africa. By analyzing the DNA within these ticks, scientists were able to gain valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of various tick-borne pathogens affecting cattle in Benin.

This innovative method offers a less invasive and potentially more efficient way to conduct epidemiological surveys, providing crucial information for targeted disease control and prevention strategies. Let's dive into the details of this study and explore what these tiny creatures can reveal about the health of Benin's cattle.

Decoding Ticks: What the Study Revealed About Cattle Diseases

Microscopic view inside a tick showing cattle disease DNA in Benin landscape.

The research team collected 910 adult Amblyomma variegatum ticks from cattle across eight different locations in North East Benin. After extracting the DNA from these ticks, they used highly sensitive PCR assays to detect the presence of several pathogens, including Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, Theileria taurotragi, T. annulata, T. orientalis, T. parva, T. mutans, Anaplasma marginale, and Ehrlichia ruminantium. The results painted a detailed picture of the pathogens circulating in the region.

The study found that over 20% of the ticks carried at least one pathogen. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:

Anaplasma marginale: Was the most prevalent pathogen, found in over 15% of the ticks.
Ehrlichia ruminantium: Was the second most common, detected in over 6% of the ticks.
Babesia bovis: Was present in just over 1% of the ticks.
Babesia bigemina and Theileria mutans: Were less common, each found in only a small fraction of the ticks.

Interestingly, some pathogens were localized to specific areas. Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, and T. mutans were found in only one location each, while A. marginale and E. ruminantium were more widespread, appearing in ticks from almost all of the surveyed locations. Coinfections, where a single tick carried multiple pathogens, occurred in about 7% of the positive ticks.

What This Means for Cattle Farmers and Disease Control

This study underscores the role of ticks, particularly Amblyomma variegatum, in transmitting diseases to cattle. While ticks are often viewed as pests, this research highlights their potential as valuable sources of epidemiological data. By studying ticks, scientists can gain a better understanding of the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens, even when traditional methods of blood collection are difficult to implement. This information is crucial for developing effective disease control strategies and protecting the livelihoods of cattle farmers in Benin.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.10.006, Alternate LINK

Title: Identification And Genetic Characterization Of Piroplasmida And Anaplasmataceae Agents In Feeding Amblyomma Variegatum Ticks From Benin

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni, Huanping Guo, Yang Gao, Mingming Liu, Aaron Edmond Ringo, Eloiza May Galon, Patrick Vudriko, Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji, Noboru Inoue, Hiroshi Suzuki, Xuenan Xuan

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the major tick-borne diseases (TBDs) that impact cattle in Benin, and why are they a significant concern for farmers?

In Benin, cattle are threatened by several tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including babesiosis, theileriosis, anaplasmosis, and heartwater. These diseases are a significant concern for farmers because they can devastate herds, leading to substantial economic losses. The diseases directly impact the health and productivity of the cattle, affecting milk production, weight gain, and reproductive success, all of which are essential for the farmers' livelihoods.

How did the study in Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports investigate tick-borne pathogens in cattle, and what was the innovative approach used?

The study in Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports investigated tick-borne pathogens in cattle by analyzing the DNA found within the ticks themselves, specifically Amblyomma variegatum. The innovative approach involved collecting 910 adult Amblyomma variegatum ticks from cattle across eight locations in North East Benin, extracting their DNA, and using PCR assays to detect pathogens. This method avoided the need for direct blood collection from cattle, which can be challenging due to livestock owners' reluctance. This approach offers a less invasive and potentially more efficient way to conduct epidemiological surveys.

What specific pathogens were identified in the Amblyomma variegatum ticks, and what were their prevalence rates?

The study identified several pathogens within the Amblyomma variegatum ticks. Anaplasma marginale was the most prevalent, found in over 15% of the ticks. Ehrlichia ruminantium was the second most common, detected in over 6% of the ticks. Babesia bovis was present in just over 1% of the ticks. Babesia bigemina and Theileria mutans were less common, each found in only a small fraction of the ticks. Coinfections, where a single tick carried multiple pathogens, occurred in about 7% of the positive ticks.

How can the study of Amblyomma variegatum ticks help in developing effective disease control strategies for cattle in Benin, and what are the benefits of this approach?

Studying Amblyomma variegatum ticks can help in developing effective disease control strategies by providing crucial epidemiological data. This allows scientists to gain a better understanding of the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens, even when traditional methods of blood collection are difficult. This information is critical for targeted disease control and prevention strategies, such as selective use of acaricides, strategic grazing practices, and the development of vaccines. The benefits include protecting the livelihoods of cattle farmers, reducing economic losses from disease, and improving the overall health of cattle herds.

Why is it important to understand the localized distribution of pathogens like Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, and Theileria mutans, and what implications does this have for disease management?

Understanding the localized distribution of pathogens such as Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, and Theileria mutans is crucial because it allows for targeted interventions and resource allocation. If a pathogen is found in only one specific location, control efforts can be concentrated in that area, making them more efficient and cost-effective. This targeted approach can involve quarantine measures, localized treatment programs, or specific vector control strategies. It prevents the unnecessary use of resources in areas where these pathogens are not present, thus optimizing disease management practices and reducing the overall impact of tick-borne diseases on cattle populations.