Control of Cattle Ticks in Brazil

However, a major obstacle faced by breeders is infestation by the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus and the associated infection by Babesia spp. and Anaplasma marginale. The climate conditions are favorable for the development of Rhipicephalus microplus in nearly all areas of the country (Gonzales 1993). Infestations of these ticks cause yearly losses surpassing US$ 2 billion according to estimates by Grisi et al (2002). Despite the great efforts that have been made to advance knowledge of methods to control cattle ticks, relatively little has been accomplished. This article discusses the main control methods that are routinely employed in Brazil.