Original Articles Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Bioscience Insights Published 2026-10-27

PREVALENCE AND DIVERSITY OF ECTOPARASITES (TICKS AND FLEAS) IN BLACK RATS (RATTUS RATTUS) AROUND GRAIN STORAGE FACILITIES IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Authors

  • Nasir Ali Department of wildlife and Ecology, Faculty of fisheries and wildlife, University of Veterinary and Animal science Lahore, 55300, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Azhar Abbas Department of Biotechnology, University of Okara, Okara. Pakistan Author
  • Muhammad Usman Taj Department of wildlife and Ecology, Faculty of fisheries and wildlife, University of Veterinary and Animal science Lahore, 55300, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Behloul Abbas Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries Faculty of Sciences University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan Author
  • Ayesha Sarwar Department of Fisheries and aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Veterinary and animal sciences Lahore. Pakistan Author
  • Shaista Razaq Department of wildlife and Ecology, Faculty of fisheries and wildlife, University of Veterinary and Animal science Lahore, 55300, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Sidra Saeed Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara Pakistan Author
  • Sadia Zahid Department of Biotechnology Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara Pakistan Author
  • Khadija Sana Ullah Cheema Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and animal sciences Lahore, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Abeera Naseer Department of wildlife and Ecology, Faculty of fisheries and wildlife, University of Veterinary and Animal science Lahore, 55300, Pakistan Pakistan Author
11 views 6 downloads

Abstract

The presence of food and shelter in grain storage facilities may provide the necessary environment to support both the rodents and their ectoparasites and is associated with the presence of black rats (Rattus rattus). Ticks and fleas that are found on rodents are of veterinary and public health significance as they may be vectors of infectious agents. The prevalence and diversity of the ticks and fleas associated with rodents around grain storage areas in Punjab however are still not known. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence, diversity and intensity of infestation of ticks and fleas taken from R. rattus in the vicinity of selected grain storage facilities. Standardised collection and identification of ectoparasites were performed on rodents. Preserved specimens collected were identified morphologically following the appropriate taxonomic keys. The prevalence of ectoparasites was estimated as the percentage of rodents examined with at least one ectoparasite and mean intensity and mean abundance were used to indicate the intensity of ectoparasite infestation. When possible, differences in infestation patterns were assessed based on (a) sampling location, (b) season, (c) host characteristics, and (d) storage-facility conditions. This study framework is used to document the ectoparasite fauna of black rats in grain storage environments and potential ecological factors that relate to infestation. Results can contribute to integrated rodent management, environmental sanitation and selective ectoparasite surveillance in agricultural production environments. Also, taxonomic documentation can offer baseline data for future investigations that include molecular identification and pathogen screening. This will help clarify epidemiological implications of rodent ectoparasites and will aid in evidence based management for rodent ectoparasites in Pakistan. The study also emphasizes the need to regularly monitor the vicinity of grain storage to better manage pests and mitigate potential risks posed by grain storage–rodent interaction with ectoparasites.

Keywords

  • Rattus rattus, Ectoparasites, Ticks, Fleas, Grain storage facilities, Punjab, Pakistan

Views & Downloads Statistics (Last 12 Months)

Monthly performance and trends of article views and downloads

Views (12 months)11
Downloads (12 months)6
Article Views PDF Downloads