Taking the Bite Out of Cattle Fever Tick Disease
ARS researchers identified innovative ways to prevent the potential spread of the cattle fever tick, a known carrier of babesiosis, into the U.S. Babesiosis is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite that infects red blood cells. It was eradicated in the U.S. decades ago, but it continues to be a significant problem in Mexico, which raises concerns about its potential return to the U.S. The cattle fever tick is the most economically important pest of cattle worldwide. Pesticides have been shown to be effective in managing this tick, but pesticide resistance has become an emerging issue.
ARS researchers in Edinburg, TX, in collaboration with university partners, evaluated the efficacy of different organic compounds for controlling this tick, including NootkaShield™, Stop the Bites®, and BioUD®. The results indicated that NootkaShield™, Stop the Bites®, and BioUD® led to significant mortality in cattle fever ticks when dosed at low concentrations. They also demonstrated strong repellent properties and a significant reduction in the tick’s fecundity (ability to produce an abundance of offspring). These compounds show promise for controlling cattle fever ticks, and scientists plan to further test them in the field.
Related links:
