Emerging of Hyalomma Species Infestations on Animal in Different Region of Iraq: A Review

Abstract

This review article aims to cover some published research of the ticks of the genus Hyalomma which is endemic in Iraq, and known of its direct and indirect impact on both humans and animals. About 13 species of the ixodid tick of two genera Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma are recorded in Iraq that transmits a wide range of etiological agents. Being a multi-host species, ticks are considered the major challenge for enhancing livestock health and productivity especially around in development countries. The Hyalomma spp. assign of their veterinary significance as the high ability for transmit haemoprotozoan parasite of Babesia and thieleria species. The manuscript cover some regional and local medical studies of tick borne diseases (TBD) caused by either viruses or bacteria, that impact human which receintilly gained additional attention. Various confirmed cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in 2022 over governorates in the southern of Iraq mainly, Dhi Qar and Maysan, which is considered the largest outbreak recorded since the disease was first reported forty years ago. The diagnosis and identification of ticks usually, depend on the morphological characterizations however, Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) found to be more accurate for identifying a variety of tick genera and species. The use of chemical acaricides is the fundamental strategy of ticks control, however, this traditional method started to be ineffective and switched to alternative tick control after the successful development of vaccines against cattle tick.