Prevalence of tick fauna and KAP study on commonly used acaricides in the tribal belt of Khandesh region

The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of tick infestation in cattle and assess tribal farmers' awareness of and practices regarding acaricide usage in the tribal sub-plan (TSP) areas of the Khandesh region, Maharashtra. A total of 737 cattle were screened, with 74 found infested, resulting in an overall tick prevalence of 10.04 percent. A structured Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey among twelve tribal respondents revealed no significant resistance to deltamethrin, suggesting less exposure to chemical acaricide to the animals. However, limited awareness of resistance risks among farmers indicates a need for continuous awareness programs to prevent future resistance development. This study provides critical insights into tick prevalence and acaricide resistance patterns in the Nandurbar district, emphasizing the need for continuous resistance monitoring and integrated tick management strategies and awareness programs for tribal farmers. Future research should explore molecular and biochemical resistance mechanisms to enhance sustainable tick control in cattle.