How to treat a pig for ticks? - briefly
Apply an approved topical acaricide to the animal according to label instructions and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to interrupt the tick life cycle. Maintain clean housing, regular pasture inspection, and proper grooming to reduce the risk of reinfestation.
How to treat a pig for ticks? - in detail
Effective management of a tick infestation in swine requires rapid identification, appropriate acaricide application, and environmental sanitation.
First, confirm the presence of ticks by inspecting the animal’s skin, especially around the ears, neck, and ventral region. Remove visible parasites with tweezers or a fine‑toothed comb to reduce immediate irritation and prevent secondary infection.
Next, select an approved acaricide. Options include:
- Synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin 0.5 % spray) applied to the entire body, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes.
- Organophosphates (e.g., chlorpyrifos dip) used according to label dosage, with a mandatory withdrawal period before slaughter.
- Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin injection, 0.2 mg kg⁻¹) providing systemic control for several weeks.
Apply the chosen product uniformly, ensuring coverage of folds and under the tail. Observe the recommended contact time; rinse only if the label specifies.
For farms preferring non‑chemical measures, consider:
- Regular grooming with a soft brush to disrupt tick attachment.
- Application of botanical repellents containing citronella or neem oil, diluted to 5 % and sprayed twice weekly.
- Introduction of biological control agents such as entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Metarhizium anisopliae) into bedding areas.
Environmental control complements animal treatment. Remove manure piles, rotate pastures, and maintain short grass to reduce tick habitats. Treat bedding material with a dilute acaricide solution (e.g., 0.1 % permethrin) and replace it weekly during peak tick activity.
Finally, monitor the herd for at least two weeks after treatment. Re‑inspect all animals weekly; repeat acaricide application if any live ticks are detected. Maintain records of product usage, dosage, and withdrawal intervals to ensure compliance with veterinary regulations.