Quantification of tick infestation in cattle using Infrared thermal image processing

Abstract

In tropical climates, tick infestations are common in bovines and cause significant economic losses worldwide. In this study, ticks were identified using Darvi TI analysis software on a Darvi DTL007 camera, based on the principle that they are cooler than the host animal's body surface temperature. An infrared thermography (IRT) image was auto-analysed for quantification of ticks. The study was conducted to quantify tick infestation using infrared thermography images, coupled with ImageJ-based auto-counting, and to compare the results with visual counting in 112 crossbred cattle on an organised farm. The results showed that the maximum temperature difference (°C) was recorded between the tick and skin surface temperatures in the inner thigh region, followed by the perineum, dewlap, and lateral side of the body, where the temperature variation was significant (p