17/07/2025
🎙️ Awareness Lecture: Ticks in Cattle – A Silent Killer
Today, we are discussing a highly important topic that every dairy farmer, livestock owner, and veterinary professional must understand — Tick Infestation in Cattle.
❓ What Are Ticks and Why Are They Dangerous?
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that attach to the skin of cattle. While they may appear harmless at first glance, their impact is extremely dangerous — not only do they weaken the animal, but they also spread life-threatening diseases, significantly reduce milk production, and can lead to death if untreated.
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⚠️ Major Damages Caused by Ticks:
1. Anemia and weakness due to blood loss
2. Spread of deadly diseases, such as:
Theileria (East Coast Fever)
Anaplasmosis
Babesiosis
3. Skin irritation, itching, and open wounds
4. Loss of appetite, reduced milk production
5. Lower fertility and poor reproductive performance
If not treated in time, ticks can take over the entire body — just like in the case of the severely infested cow shown earlier.
🔍 Causes of Tick Infestation:
Poor hygiene and dirty cowsheds
Humid weather or rainy seasons
Overstocked and unmanaged pastures
Presence of infested animals in the herd
Tall grass and unclean environments
🛑 Signs & Symptoms of Tick Infestation:
Visible ticks behind ears, under the tail, on neck and legs
Constant scratching or rubbing against walls
Fever, fatigue, and weight loss
Drop in milk yield
Decreased appetite
Wounds and skin irritation
✅ Prevention and Treatment
1. Tick Control Medications (Acaricides)
Use effective tick-killing sprays or dips available at your nearest veterinary/agrovet store:
Twigatraz®
Duodip®
Cypermethrin or Deltamethrin-based sprays (e.g., Butox®, Ivomec® spray)
📌 Follow dilution instructions carefully. Avoid spraying on the eyes, mouth, or open wounds.
2. Injectable Treatment
Ivermectin (subcutaneous injection, dosage based on animal weight)
For blood deficiency, use Iron supplements and Multivitamins (B-complex)
3. Treatment of Tick-Borne Diseases
Theileria: Buparvaquone
Babesiosis: Imidocarb
(Use only under veterinary supervision)
🧹 Preventive Measures:
Clean cowsheds and animal bedding regularly
Apply tick sprays every 15 days
Practice rotational grazing to avoid tick buildup in fields
Isolate infested animals from the herd
Spray around feeding and watering areas
Conduct weekly tick inspections in common hiding areas:
Behind ears, under tail, between legs, and around the neck
📢 Key Message:
Healthy cattle = Consistent daily income
Don’t wait for the situation to get worse. If you notice excessive itching, wounds, or ticks, act immediately. Early detection means easier treatment and less damage.
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🟢 Take Action Today
Visit your nearest agrovet center, and ask for tick-control products like Twigatraz®, Duodip®, or Butox®. Preventing infestation is always better (and cheaper) than treating advanced disease.
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🔖Credit to respective owners
