Unveiling Tick Diversity in Cattle in Cameroon: Emergence of <i>Rhipicephalus microplus</i>, Replacing the Original <i>Rhipicephalus</i> spp.

Ticks are well-known vectors of pathogens, posing considerable risks to livestock health and productivity. In Cameroon, where livestock production is vital, established tick species such as <i>Amblyomma variegatum</i> and <i>Hyalomma truncatum</i> are prevalent in key cattle-rearing areas. The recent introduction of the invasive, acaricide-resistant <i>Rhipicephalus microplus</i> further complicates control efforts. In this study, we deliver baseline data on the composition of tick species and their shifts within agroecological zone I (AEZ I) and agroecological zone III (AEZ III) of Cameroon, providing a foundation for targeted vector control strategies to ultimately reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. From 1100 ticks collected across two Cameroonian agroecological zones, <i>H. truncatum</i> (39.9%), <i>A. variegatum</i> (31%), and <i>R. microplus</i> (10.64%) were the most prevalent species, along with <i>Rhipicephalus lunulatus</i> (4.45%), <i>Hyalomma rufipes</i> (1.45%), <i>Hyalomma marginatum</i> (1.09%), <i>Hyalomma dromedarii</i> (0.45%), and <i>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i> (0.9%). Molecular identification using cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (<i>cox1)</i> and <i>16s</i> led to the identification of five additional species, <i>Hyalomma nitidum</i> (0.73%), <i>Rhipicephalus simus</i> (3.54%), <i>Rhipicephalus sulcatus</i> (2.64%), <i>Rhipicephalus praetextatus</i> (2.1%), and <i>Rhipicephalus pusillus</i> (1.1%). <i>R. microplus</i> emerged as the most dominant <i>Rhipicephalus</i> spp. in AEZ I, comprising 67.5% of the total <i>Rhipicephalus</i> ticks. In conclusion, we demonstrate the further spread of <i>R. microplus</i>, which represents a major source of vector-borne diseases, affecting both humans and animals.