Tick Control in Cattle and Buffaloes: Preventing Tick Fever (Theileriosis)

Ticks ("chichar") are more than a nuisance. They suck blood, damage hides, cause anaemia and, most importantly, spread blood parasite diseases. In Pakistan these "tick fevers" are among the most common reasons for high fever and a sudden drop in milk during the hot, humid months — and crossbred cows are especially vulnerable.

Diseases spread by ticks

• Theileriosis — high fever, swollen lymph nodes in front of the shoulder, breathing difficulty and sharp milk loss.
• Babesiosis — fever with red or coffee-coloured urine and anaemia.
• Anaplasmosis — fever, weakness and pale or yellowish gums, often in adult cattle.

These need prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment saves animals that would otherwise die or never fully recover their milk.

When ticks are worst

Tick numbers rise sharply in spring and summer and stay high through the humid monsoon months. Plan control before the season starts rather than reacting after animals fall ill.

An integrated control plan

1. Treat animals

• Use acaricide sprays, pour-ons or dips as advised by your veterinarian.
• Follow the label exactly: correct dilution, full coverage (including ears, under the tail and between the legs) and the stated interval.
• Observe the milk withdrawal period for milking animals.

2. Treat the shed

Most of a tick's life is spent off the animal — in cracks in walls, floors and wooden posts. Seal cracks, whitewash walls, and treat the shed surfaces as well as the animals.

3. Manage the surroundings

• Remove tall grass and bushes around sheds.
• Keep new animals separate and inspect them for ticks before mixing.
• Control ticks on dogs and other animals that share the farm.

Avoid resistance

Ticks become resistant when the same chemical is used constantly or at the wrong strength. Rotate chemical classes on your veterinarian's advice, and never mix your own stronger "home brews".

Know the warning signs

Take the temperature of any animal that suddenly eats less or drops in milk during summer. A rectal temperature above about 39.5 °C (103 °F) needs a veterinarian's attention the same day.

Record tick treatments and fever cases on each animal. Patterns over a season show whether your control plan is working.