Integrated pest management: An eco-friendly approach to control and manage ticks in cattle

Abstract

In tropical nations like India, ectoparasitic diseases account for a serious threat to both human and animal health. Ectoparasite infestation costs India's economy and health significantly each year. Ectoparasites such as ticks can cause irritation, skin infections, anaemia, Lyme disease, tick fever, and they can spread a number of deadly diseases. Ticks have comparatively fewer natural enemies, but with the use of some predators, parasites, such as ants, spiders, bird etc has been investigated for tick control. The prevalence of tick predation makes it challenging to document it.The majority of arthropod predators are generalists and opportunistic and likely have little impact on ticks. Controlling ticks is therefore a major concern. Several chemical acaricides have been prescribed since the past 50 years. However, their aftereffects, negative side effects, and resistance are a matter of concern now days. As a result, biological control of ectoparasites becomes crucial in various parasite control program. The present research article critically analyses the various techniques for managing the ectoparasites, with a focus on the management, biological, pheromone-assisted control, and more recent biological and genetics methods.