Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: February 26, 2004
Publication Date: February 27, 2004
Citation: Miller, R. 2004. Integrated pest management of cattle ticks (Boophilus microplus and B. annulatus). In: Proceedings of the Third International Seminar of Animal Reproduction and the Production of Milk and Meat, February 26-27, 2004, Mexico City, Mexico. p. 41-46. Interpretive Summary: In order to delay the onset of pesticide resistance in cattle ticks, an integrated approach to tick management must be deployed. This paper discusses the costs and benefits of using biological, cultural, immunological, and chemical means to control populations of cattle ticks in Mexico. Several approaches are discussed depending on the region of Mexico at risk. No one system is appropriate for the entire country. Instead specialized systems will need to be developed for each rancher depending on location and need.
Technical Abstract: The use of chemicals to control the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus, has led to the development of resistant populations throughout the world. Newer chemicals are more expensive, harder to use, and are not developed rapidly enough to keep pace with the development of resistance. Integrated pest management (IPM) systems for the control of the cattle tick are necessary in order to slow the development of resistance and allow time for scientists and private industry to develop new methodologies for the control of the cattle tick. The IPM components of biological, cultural, immunological, and chemical control are discussed. Producer experience and scientific research has shown that the most promising components are cultural, immunological, and chemical control, although biological control should have some role in IPM. The different IPM strategies currently used in Mexico are discussed.