What is the injection for a tick called? - briefly
The injection used to protect against ticks is called a tick vaccine.
What is the injection for a tick called? - in detail
The medication administered by syringe to combat ticks is referred to as an acaricide injection. Acaricides are chemical agents that target arachnids, and when formulated for parenteral use they are injected into the host animal to eliminate existing infestations and deter future attachment.
Typical active ingredients include ivermectin, doramectin, or eprinomectin. These compounds bind to glutamate‑gated chloride channels in the tick’s nervous system, causing hyperpolarization, paralysis, and death. The injection is usually given subcutaneously or intramuscularly, allowing systemic distribution that reaches the skin and peripheral tissues where ticks feed.
Dosage regimens vary by species and product label. For cattle, a common protocol is 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of ivermectin administered once every 30 days during high‑risk periods. In small ruminants, 0.2–0.5 mg kg⁻¹ of doramectin may be used at intervals of 2–4 weeks. Dogs often receive 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ of eprinomectin, repeated every 2–3 months.
Injection sites are cleaned with antiseptic, and the needle is inserted at a 90‑degree angle to ensure deep tissue delivery. After administration, the animal should be observed for adverse reactions such as swelling, colic, or respiratory distress. Documentation of the date, product, dose, and batch number is essential for traceability and compliance with veterinary regulations.
Acaricide injections are part of integrated tick management, complementing pasture rotation, acaricide drenches, and environmental control measures. Proper timing—ideally before the peak tick activity season—maximizes efficacy and reduces the risk of tick‑borne diseases such as babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and theileriosis.