Probio-TICK – Tick control Nature’s way
Did you know novel, non-chemical, cattle tick control strategies are in development?
| Project start date: | 31 May 2021 |
| Project end date: | 30 November 2022 |
| Publication date: | 06 March 2023 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | Northern Australia |
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Download Report
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Summary
Cattle tick cost the northern Australian beef industry in excess of $250M each year through lower productivity and value of livestock, and increased cost of production. Additional strategies for the control and prevention of cattle ticks are required. This project aimed to validate Probio-TICK as an organic control method, and found that it does reduce tick burden, however current Australian regulations preclude the development of Probio-TICK as a commercial product.
Objectives
The objective of this project was to develop the scientific and commercial credentials of Probio-TICK as an aid for control of cattle tick.
Key findings
This project has demonstrated that a cohort of microbes, selected for their in vitro activity against ectoparasites and applied topically, reduces the tick burden in cattle exposed to natural field challenge.
Benefits to industry
Cattle tick is the costliest disease in northern Australia. As well as being parasitic on cattle skin, cattle ticks spread blood-borne diseases, lower the value of the livestock, and increase the costs of production via expenditure on agrochemicals and labour. Tick control has historically relied on chemical acaricides which have the drawback of leaving meat residues and selecting for chemical resistances in ticks. Probio-TICK provides an alternative to chemical acaracides to aid in control of ticks in northern Australia.
MLA action
Cattle tick is the costliest disease in northern Australia. As well as being parasitic on cattle skin, cattle ticks spread blood-borne diseases, lower the value of the livestock, and increase the costs of production via expenditure on agrochemicals and labour. Tick control has historically relied on chemical acaricides which have the drawback of leaving meat residues and selecting for chemical resistances in ticks. Probio-TICK provides an alternative to chemical acaracides to aid in control of ticks in northern Australia.
Future research
The current regulatory stance precludes Probio-TICK from being developed as a stand-alone product in Australia at this time.
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Michael Laurence |
