A calf was bitten by a tick, what to do? - briefly
Gently extract the tick with fine‑point tweezers, pulling straight out without crushing, then clean the site with an antiseptic and apply a topical antibiotic. Observe the calf for signs of fever or swelling and contact a veterinarian promptly if any abnormal symptoms develop.
A calf was bitten by a tick, what to do? - in detail
A tick attached to a young bovine requires immediate attention to prevent disease transmission and tissue damage. First, isolate the animal to reduce stress and allow safe handling. Examine the attachment site; a swollen, reddened area often indicates irritation or infection.
Removal procedure
- Wear disposable gloves to avoid contaminating the wound.
- Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick hook; grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- After extraction, clean the area with a dilute povidone‑iodine solution or chlorhexidine.
- Disinfect the tools with 70 % alcohol before and after each use.
Post‑removal care
- Apply a topical antiseptic spray to the bite site.
- Monitor the lesion for 48 hours; look for increased swelling, pus, or a hard lump, which may signal secondary infection.
- If signs of infection appear, administer a veterinary‑approved systemic antibiotic according to label dosage.
- Record the date of removal and the tick’s developmental stage; this information assists in assessing disease risk.
Disease surveillance
- Test the calf for common tick‑borne pathogens (e.g., Babesia, Anaplasma) if the animal shows fever, anemia, or lethargy within two weeks.
- Consult a veterinarian for appropriate serological or PCR testing; early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes.
Preventive measures
- Implement regular pasture rotation to reduce tick habitats.
- Apply acaricide treatments to the herd according to manufacturer recommendations; re‑treat at intervals consistent with the product’s residual activity.
- Maintain short, dry grass and remove leaf litter where ticks thrive.
- Conduct weekly inspections during peak tick season; remove any attached parasites promptly.
Prompt removal, vigilant observation, and systematic prevention together minimize health risks associated with tick bites in calves.