Use of a conceptual epidemiological model for the control of Boophilus microplus

Abstract

Epidemiological studies on the ecology and population dynamics of B. microplus and associated parasites have made it possible to develop a conceptual model in Uruguay that serves as the basis for programming the control campaign and determining strategic treatments with acaricides. The implementation of the latter aims to: reduce the costs of the campaign of struggle; prolong the useful life of acaricides - by lowering the pressure on B. microplus populations and increasing the effectiveness of treatments by applying them at the right times. This work evaluates the epidemiological impact on B. microplus populations of strategic treatments based on the conceptual model for Uruguay. Products that are in the health campaign are used and others that are not on the market but that could potentially be used in the fight. The treatments were the following: Ivermectin 200 microgr / kg, subcutaneous, 5 treatments every 21 days, starting on July 27; Ivermectin boluses for 200 kg S.R. by esophageal route to the rumen on July 26 and November 6 boluses for 300 kg S.R .; Flumethrin at 1 mg / kg pour-on, 1 treatment in marzi and 3 treatments every 45 days from August; Cyalothrin bath at 45 ppm every 28 days, starting on August 2 and following the treatments until the parasite is eradicated. They are compared with: traditional treatments, Coumaphos 450 ppm and Ethion 825 ppm, baths - started in December and every 21 days until April - and tick counts in cattle from a field without treatment. The advantages of the strategic application of acaricides over their traditional application are highlighted. The effectiveness of the strategic treatment is related to the effectiveness of the product used. The possibility of eradicating the parasite from a farm is demonstrated, with strategic treatments, in a single season of active control ...