The Natural History Research and Museum Center at the University of Baghdad, with the support and guidance of the center’s director, Professor Dr. Hanaa Hani Al-Saffar, organized a scientific training course entitled “Laboratory Diagnosis of Hard Ticks in Veterinary and Wild Animals” from July 5th to 9th, 2026. The course was presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Zainab Alwan Makawi from the Vertebrate Department.
The training course aimed to develop the participants’ skills in diagnosing hard ticks that infest veterinary and wild animals, identifying their types and morphological characteristics, and understanding their veterinary importance and role in disease transmission, thus contributing to improved diagnostic, control, and prevention procedures. The workshop concluded with a set of recommendations, most importantly: strengthening periodic monitoring programs for hard ticks in veterinary and wildlife animals; training veterinary health personnel and researchers on modern methods for tick diagnosis and species identification; utilizing morphological and molecular diagnostic tools to increase the accuracy of species identification; implementing integrated tick control programs to limit their spread and reduce disease transmission; raising awareness among livestock owners about the importance of regular checkups and the use of recommended veterinary pesticides; supporting scientific research studying tick spread and the diseases they transmit in different regions; and finally, encouraging cooperation between relevant institutions, universities, and research bodies to exchange expertise and data related to ticks.
This activity contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 15 (Life on Land), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
