Projects in Cameroon – A Summary

Mapping of Acaricide Resistant-ticks and Tick-borne Pathogens: Importance for the Improvement of Tick-borne Diseases Control in Central Africa

Project team: G. Simo, N.P. Mapiefou, D. Signaboubo

Although livestock production is expected to increase due to population growth, increased incomes and urbanization in Africa, its low productivity resulting partially from ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) which threat animal health, agriculture and food production poses a serious food security problem and may jeopardize Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3 and 10 achievements. Highly resistant ticks were recognized by FAO as a major and serious threat for animal production and food security. Mapping these resistant-ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and understanding the mechanisms underpinning this resistance appear critical to efficiently manage available acaricides. Although invasive and highly acaricide-resistant Rhipicephalus microplus was reported in Cameroon, resistance profiles to acaricides and the prevalence and distribution of TBPs remain unknown in most African countries.

This project seeks to fill these gaps in order to reduce TTBDs impacts and improve animal health and livestock productivity. This project will be carried in Cameroon and Chad. Breeders’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards TTBDs and acaricide resistance will be assessed as well as resistance/sensitivity of ticks to acaricides. In addition to that, TBPs will be searched in blood and ticks collected in livestock from Cameroon and Chad. Mutations associated with resistant-ticks and novel mutations will be investigated as well as spatial distribution of TBPs and resistant-ticks. Mathematical models will be designed to predict the spread of tick species, TBDs and acaricide resistant ticks. A list of risk factors for acaricide resistance and TTBDs will be generated as well as a list of acaricides for livestock ticks are sensitive or resistant. Maps of resistant-ticks, TBPs and mutations associated with acaricide resistance will be generated as well as bank of acaricide resistant/sensitive ticks.

The University of Dschang through Molecular Parasitology and Entomology sub-unit of the Department of Biochemistry of the Faculty of Science is the lead applicant. The Special Mission for tsetse Eradication (MSEG) of the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industry of Ngaoundere in Cameroon and the “Institut de Recherche en Elevage pour le Développement (IRED)” of Ndjamena of Chad are co-applicants.