Mitochondrial phylogenetics of biting and sucking lice in sheep and goats from Erbil province: Evolutionary insights and host-specific adaptations.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of lice and their infestation pattern in small ruminants in Erbil Province. We use mitochondrial cox1 gene sequencing for molecular characterization and to assess epidemiological risk factors for these ectoparasites. Lice samples were collected from sheep and goats in several districts. Lice samples were obtained from sheep and goats across multiple districts. Lice samples were collected from 853 small ruminants examined (443 sheep and 410 goats), and molecular identification was performed using BLAST analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction by maximum likelihood. This study examines the mitochondrial phylogenetics of biting lice (Bovicola caprae) and sucking lice (Linognathus stenopsis and Linognathus africanus) in Erbil Province via the cox1 gene sequencing. The epidemiological results show that Goats showed significantly higher infestation rates than sheep (p < 0.001), with B. caprae being the most common type (1520 lice specimens). The highest rates of infestation were from January to March, while the lowest were in the summer. This is likely because hosts are more or less vulnerable, and the environment changes in different seasons. Animals are more likely to get infested if they are in large herds (more than 50 animals), don't have enough sanitation, or graze in open places. The co-evolutionary results of this study help us understand lice genetic diversity, host specificity, and infestation dynamics better. These findings may support improved parasite management strategies in mixed-species livestock systems.