Intraspecific variation in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks (Family Ixodidae) isolated from goats raised in a small private farm in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Central Luzon, Philippines

Abstract

This study was carried out to ascertain tick infestation of goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) grown in a small private farm in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Central Luzon, Philippines. Prevalence of infestation was assessed and ticks examined based on their developmental stages and sex were identified as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Adult ticks displayed intraspecific polymorphic variations (ISPV). Male Rh. (Bo.) microplus manifested variations in the distinctness of the ventral anal plate spurs (88.2%), and in the visibility of these same spurs when specimens were viewed dorsally. ISPV was detected in the shape or contour of the genital aperture lips in 37.5% of female ticks. To our knowledge, this study represents the first documentation of Rh. (Boophilus) microplus infestation in Philippine goats vis-à-vis demonstration of intraspecific polymorphic variations between male and female individual ticks