Bacterial communities harboured by Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi ticks from small stock in Matlwang village, Potchefstroom.

This study aims to investigate the gut bacterial communities harboured by Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi ticks collected from sheep and goats in Mahikeng using high-throughput 16S rRNA metabarcoding. By applying molecular techniques, the research seeks to identify both pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria, contributing to the broader understanding of tick-borne microbial ecology in South Africa. The findings will provide valuable insights for future vector control strategies and enhance disease management efforts, particularly benefiting small-scale farmers in the region.