Unveiling Tick Diversity in Cattle in Cameroon: Emergence of , Replacing the Original 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 and are prevalent in key cattle-rearing areas. The recent introduction of the invasive, acaricide-resistant 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, (39.9%), (31%), and (10.64%) were the most prevalent species, along with (4.45%), (1.45%), (1.09%), (0.45%), and (0.9%). Molecular identification using cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 ( and led to the identification of five additional species, (0.73%), (3.54%), (2.64%), (2.1%), and (1.1%). emerged as the most dominant spp. in AEZ I, comprising 67.5% of the total ticks. In conclusion, we demonstrate the further spread of , which represents a major source of vector-borne diseases, affecting both humans and animals.