How should calves be treated against ticks? - briefly
Administer an approved acaricide—pour‑on, spray, or injectable—following label dosage and re‑treatment intervals, while rotating pastures and grooming to lower tick pressure. Monitor the herd weekly and retreat when tick counts exceed recommended thresholds.
How should calves be treated against ticks? - in detail
Effective control of tick infestations in young cattle requires an integrated approach that combines preventive measures, timely detection, and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Preventive strategies focus on reducing tick exposure. Maintain pastures by regular mowing, removal of brush, and rotational grazing to interrupt the life cycle of ticks. Implement herd‑level treatments before the onset of peak tick activity, typically in early spring and late summer, using long‑acting acaricides approved for calves. Choose products with different modes of action on a rotating schedule to delay resistance development.
Regular inspection is essential. Conduct thorough body checks at least weekly during high‑risk periods, paying attention to the ears, neck, udder, and perineal region where ticks commonly attach. Early removal of engorged ticks with forceps reduces pathogen transmission and limits blood loss.
When infestation reaches therapeutic thresholds, apply appropriate chemical control. Recommended options include:
- Injectable macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, doramectin) at 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ body weight, administered subcutaneously. Repeat in 14 days if reinfestation persists.
- Topical spot‑on formulations containing amitraz or fipronil, applied according to label‑specified dosage (typically 0.5 mL per kg). Reapply after 30 days.
- Oral pour‑on agents (e.g., fluralaner) at 2.5 mg kg⁻¹, providing up to 12 weeks of protection after a single dose.
Select products with established safety margins for calves under 30 kg; always observe withdrawal periods for meat and milk. Monitor for adverse reactions such as ataxia, dermatitis, or reduced feed intake, and discontinue use if they occur.
Biological alternatives can complement chemical methods. Introduce entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium spp.) to grazing areas, applying spore suspensions at 1 × 10¹² conidia per hectare. Encourage natural predators, such as certain bird species, by providing nesting sites.
Environmental sanitation reduces tick habitats. Drain standing water, clear manure accumulations, and treat cattle housing with acaricidal sprays (e.g., permethrin at 0.5 % concentration) before calves are introduced.
Record keeping supports effective management. Document dates of treatments, products used, dosages, and observed tick counts. Analyze trends to adjust timing and selection of control agents.
By combining pasture management, routine monitoring, judicious use of acaricides, and supplemental biological controls, tick burdens in calves can be minimized, preserving animal health and productivity.