Ticks on cows: what should I do? - briefly
Inspect the herd frequently, manually remove any attached ticks with fine‑pointed forceps, and treat the animals with a veterinarian‑approved acaricide following the product instructions. Coordinate with a livestock veterinarian to develop a comprehensive control program that includes pasture management and regular monitoring.
Ticks on cows: what should I do? - in detail
Ticks afflicting cattle require prompt detection, accurate identification, and a coordinated control program. Begin each grazing season with a thorough physical examination of all animals, focusing on typical attachment sites such as the ears, udder, tail base, and under the legs. Remove visible specimens by hand or with a fine‑toothed comb, disposing of them in a sealed container to prevent re‑infestation.
Implement an integrated management plan that combines chemical, biological, and environmental tactics:
- Apply approved acaricides according to label directions, rotating active ingredients every 4‑6 weeks to delay resistance.
- Use pour‑on formulations on the backline and legs, ensuring complete coverage of the hair coat.
- Introduce natural predators, such as certain beetle species, where regulations permit.
- Conduct pasture rotation, moving cattle away from heavily infested fields for at least 14 days to disrupt the tick life cycle.
- Maintain pasture hygiene by mowing tall vegetation and eliminating brush that shelters adult ticks.
- Install physical barriers, like fencing, to restrict cattle access to known tick hotspots.
Monitor efficacy by recording tick counts weekly. Record the number of ticks per animal, the type of acaricide used, and any adverse reactions. Adjust treatment frequency based on trends; a rise in counts after two applications signals possible resistance and warrants a change in product class.
Safety considerations include wearing protective gloves and eyewear during acaricide application, and observing withdrawal periods before milk or meat processing. Store chemicals in locked, ventilated areas away from feed supplies.
In summary, a systematic approach—early detection, strategic chemical rotation, habitat management, and diligent record‑keeping—provides the most reliable means of reducing tick burden on herd livestock.