Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Ticks and Detection of Theileria spp. from Wild Animals at the Wildlife–Livestock Interface in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe

Ticks and tick-borne diseases remain a major constraint to livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in areas where wildlife and livestock interact.This study characterized ticks collected from selected wild animals in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe, using morphological and molecular approaches, and screened ticks for the presence of Theileria spp.A total of 16 adult ticks were collected from impala (Aepyceros melampus, n = 6), zebra (Equus quagga, n = 3), warthog (Phacochoerus africanus, n = 3) and waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus, n = 5).Morphological identification was conducted using standard Southern African dichotomous keys, while molecular confirmation employed cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) PCR region.Detection of Theileria spp. was conducted using genus-specific PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene.Ticks belonging to three genera (Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma and Hyalomma) were identified, with Rhipicephalus spp.accounting for 81.3% of specimens.Genus-specific PCR detected Theileria DNA in 5 of 16 ticks (31.3%), exclusively within Rhipicephalus species.Although based on a limited sample size, the findings provide baseline evidence of wildlife-livestock interface.The study highlights the importance of incorporating wildlife into tick surveillance and control strategies to support livestock health and agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe.