- Ticks transmit diseases like anaplasmosis, theileriosis and babesiosis
- Biting flies transmit diseases like Surra and E fever (see respective chapters).
- Heavy infestations may lead to anaemia and significant loss in productivity.
- Tick and biting flies cause severe discomfort to the animal.
- May cause allergic reactions at the biting sites.
- They lay a large number of eggs resulting in further increase in population.
I. TICK CONTROL
- Any newly purchased animal should be completely de-ticked before allowing to mix with other animals.
- Carry out periodic application of acaricide on the animal.
- Each adult tick lays around 3000 eggs and the larvae can survive from 2-7 months , based on the climate, without feeding.
- All cracks and crevices in the cattle shed therefore should be sprayed with a higher concentration of the acaricide along with application on the body to avoid re-infestation. Flaming also can be done using a flame gun if available, with a little bit of caution.
- The acaricide group should be changed often to avoid resistance from developing.
- The acaricide should be applied in proper concentration.
- Seek advice from a veterinarian on the appropriate acaricide and its dosage.
II. FLY CONTROL
- Proper manure and urine disposal on a regular basis. Disposal should be done at a reasonable distance from the cattle shed.
- Any stagnation of drainage should be avoided.
- Smoking the shed with raw leaves (neem leaf preferred) especially during evenings would help reduce the nuisance.
- Fly repellants may be used in proper concentration.
Natural repellants like neem oil etc, may be applied regularly to repel both biting flies and ticks. This does not have any harmful effects of chemicals and chances of resistance developing are also remote. Application should be always done against the direction of the hair and should cover the entire body, especially underbelly and legs.
Control ticks and biting flies-Prevent blood borne infections