Biological control of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Brazil

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Cecília José Veríssimo

Abstract

The paper aims to review the literature on biological control of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus focusing on results of research made in Brazil, and the feasibility of using biological control nowadays. Several natural enemies of this tick, among vertebrates, invertebrates and pathogens have been determined so far. The fungus Metarhizium anisopliae has been one of the most studied pathogen, however, with still modest results in the tick control in the field. Some ants species are important predators of the engorged tick female in the pastures. With respect to vertebrates, the resistant cattle, especially the zebu Nellore cattle, appear to be the best option for the biological tick control, because of limiting its life cicle caused by the resistant hosts.

Article Details

How to Cite
VERÍSSIMO, C. J. Biological control of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Brazil. Revista de Educação Continuada em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 11, n. 1, p. 14-23, 1 Jan. 2013.
Section
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE