How to treat ticks on pigs? - briefly
Apply a licensed acaricide (e.g., pour‑on, injectable, or spray) at the recommended dose, ensuring complete coverage of the skin and hair coat and repeating the treatment according to the product’s re‑application schedule. Complement chemical control with regular pen sanitation and vegetation removal to reduce re‑infestation risk.
How to treat ticks on pigs? - in detail
Effective management of tick infestations in swine requires accurate diagnosis, immediate therapeutic action, and long‑term preventive strategies.
Ticks are identified by their small, dark, oval bodies attached to the skin, often around the ears, neck, and ventral region. Infested animals may exhibit localized swelling, pruritus, or anemia in severe cases. Confirmation by visual inspection or laboratory identification of the species guides treatment choice, as different ticks respond variably to acaricides.
Therapeutic options include:
- Topical acaricides – pour‑on formulations containing dimethyl‑pyrazole, cypermethrin, or amitraz applied directly to the backline and ear margins. Follow label‑specified concentration; repeat after 7–10 days to interrupt the life cycle.
- Injectable systemic agents – long‑acting ivermectin (0.2 mg kg⁻¹) administered intramuscularly provides 10–14 days of protection. Doramectin (0.2 mg kg⁻¹) offers similar efficacy with a slightly longer residual effect.
- Oral drenches – fluralaner or afoxolaner tablets (dose per manufacturer) deliver sustained control for up to 30 days. Ensure complete ingestion; withholding feed for 12 hours before dosing improves absorption.
When applying chemicals, observe withdrawal periods to avoid residue in pork products. Use protective equipment to prevent operator exposure.
Environmental control reduces reinfestation risk:
- Remove manure piles and replace bedding weekly to eliminate tick habitats.
- Maintain pasture grass at 10 cm height; mow regularly to expose ticks to desiccation.
- Apply acaricidal sprays to pens, fences, and feeding troughs at intervals consistent with product efficacy (typically every 30 days).
Biological measures complement chemical control:
- Introduce entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Metarhizium anisopliae) to soil and litter; apply at 1 × 10⁸ conidia m⁻² according to supplier guidelines.
- Encourage natural predators such as certain beetle species by providing refuges within the yard.
Monitoring and record‑keeping are essential. Document each treatment event, product used, dose, and observed efficacy. Conduct weekly inspections during peak tick season (spring–early summer) and adjust protocols based on resistance patterns.
Integrated approach—combining accurate identification, appropriate pharmacological intervention, habitat management, and biological agents—provides reliable control of tick burdens in pig herds while minimizing drug resistance and ensuring product safety.