Prevalence of ticks parasitic on dogs in Lahore

The study was carried out to record the species and prevalence of ticks parasitizing pet dogs from 12 localities of Lahore. The ticks were collected from different body parts of dogs and preserved in 70% alcohol. Permanent slides were prepared. A total of 191 specimens belonging to 4 genera Amblyomma, Boophilus, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus of the family Ixodidae were collected. Five species of these genera i.e. Amblyomma javanense, Boophilus microplus, Rhipicephalus sangunieus sanguneus, R. sanguineus truanicus and R. appendiculatus were identified whereas the specimens of genus Hyalomma were identified upto generic level only. These species have been recorded for the first time on dogs in Pakistan. Morphological variations where present have also been recorded.