How to treat subcutaneous ticks in cattle? - briefly
Use a systemic acaricide approved for bovines—commonly ivermectin, doramectin, or a comparable formulation—administered at the label‑specified dose and respecting withdrawal periods. Pair treatment with pasture rotation, regular animal inspection, and prompt removal of any remaining ticks to minimize reinfestation.
How to treat subcutaneous ticks in cattle? - in detail
Effective control of subdermal tick infestations in cattle requires a systematic approach that combines accurate diagnosis, targeted therapeutics, and preventive management.
First, confirm the presence of ticks beneath the skin by palpating typical attachment sites—especially the ears, neck, and ventral abdomen—and noting swelling, ulceration, or localized inflammation. If lesions are ambiguous, perform a fine‑needle aspiration to retrieve tick fragments for microscopic identification.
Second, apply an appropriate acaricide regimen. Systemic products such as injectable ivermectin (0.2 mg kg⁻¹ body weight) or doramectin (0.2 mg kg⁻¹) provide rapid internal action against embedded stages. For topical control, use pour‑on formulations containing cypermethrin or amitraz at the label‑recommended dose, ensuring thorough coverage of the entire hide. Repeat the treatment after 14 days to intercept newly emerged larvae.
Third, treat secondary infections. Administer broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., oxytetracycline 10 mg kg⁻¹ intramuscularly) when purulent discharge or systemic signs such as fever are evident. Provide anti‑inflammatory agents (flunixin meglumine 1.1 mg kg⁻¹) to reduce edema and pain.
Fourth, implement herd‑level preventive measures:
- Rotate pastures to break the tick life cycle; avoid grazing in tick‑infested areas for at least 30 days.
- Maintain pasture hygiene by regular mowing and removal of debris where ticks hide.
- Introduce biological control agents, such as entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae), applied according to manufacturer instructions.
- Schedule regular acaricide dips or sprays for all animals, adhering to a 30‑day interval during peak tick season.
Fifth, monitor treatment efficacy. Re‑examine cattle 48 hours post‑treatment for reduction in swelling and absence of live ticks. Record tick counts weekly for a month to confirm a declining trend. Adjust the control program if counts plateau or increase.
Finally, document all interventions, including drug names, dosages, dates, and observed outcomes, to facilitate traceability and enable data‑driven refinements of the tick‑management protocol.