Acaricide Resistance of the Cattle Tick in Australia
| Project start date: | 01 February 2004 |
| Project end date: | 25 February 2008 |
| Publication date: | 25 February 2008 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grassfed cattle, Grainfed cattle |
Summary
The project consisted of a structured survey of the current resistance status of the cattle tick in Queensland to the various classes of acaricide. The data produced was then used to formulate optimal strategies for the control of the cattle tick using these acaricides, fomulate future regulatory policy and define importance of alternate control options.
A survey was conducted throughout the tick-infested regions of Queensland. The resistance profile of each sample of ticks was determined against a panel of acaricides at the Yeerongpilly Veterinary Laboratory (YVL), Brisbane. Properties were surveyed to identify and record the animal management practices used on that property for the control of ticks. Analyses of the acaricide resistance and farm management practices was carried out to determine the current status of resistance for the areas surveyed as well as the practices used that may have contributed to the observed distribution of resistance.
The analysis was used to develop and recommend strategies for the sustainable use of acaricides to maximise the effective life of existing and new acaricides. Resistance data for tick samples from New South Wales and the Northern Territory, collected independently by YVL, was reviewed and collated with the data derived from this study.
