How to treat a cow for ticks? - briefly
Apply a licensed acaricide dip or pour‑on formulation at the recommended concentration, covering the entire hide and repeating the treatment after the tick’s developmental interval. Combine this with pasture rotation and manual removal of any residual ticks to prevent reinfestation.
How to treat a cow for ticks? - in detail
Effective management of tick infestation in cattle requires a systematic approach that combines accurate diagnosis, immediate therapeutic action, and long‑term prevention.
First, confirm the presence of ticks by inspecting the hide, especially around the ears, udder, tail head, and dewlap. Count the number of attached parasites; a load exceeding 5 ticks per animal generally warrants treatment.
Choose an acaricide based on regional resistance patterns, animal age, and milk production status. Common options include:
- Organophosphates (e.g., diazinon) – applied as a pour‑on at 0.5 ml per kg body weight; re‑treat after 14 days.
- Synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., deltamethrin) – spray formulation, 5 ml per 100 kg; repeat in 7–10 days.
- Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin) – injectable dose 0.2 mg /kg; effective for up to 30 days.
When administering, follow label instructions precisely, observe withdrawal periods for milk and meat, and wear protective equipment to avoid dermal exposure.
Integrate non‑chemical measures to reduce reinfestation:
- Pasture management – rotate grazing every 2–3 weeks, remove tall grasses and brush where ticks hide.
- Environmental control – apply acaricidal sprays to livestock housing and surrounding soil, especially in humid seasons.
- Biological agents – introduce entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Metarhizium anisopliae) as a supplemental control method.
Monitor efficacy by re‑examining the herd 5–7 days after treatment. If tick counts remain high, consider a second acaricide from a different class to mitigate resistance.
Maintain records of treatments, dosages, and observed side effects. Regularly update the herd health plan based on surveillance data and emerging resistance trends.