Location: Livestock Arthropod Pests Research
Project Number: 3094-32000-042-07-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 15, 2019
End Date: Jun 30, 2021
Objective:
The objectives of this cooperative research are to: 1) Conduct large-scale deployment of sprayers and determine efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes to eradicate cattle fever ticks on nilgai; 2) Determine movements of nilgai relative to fence crossings, water troughs, food plots and other treatment locations.
Approach:
Research with sprayers will take place on private ranches in Cameron County with free-ranging populations of nilgai. Sprayers deployed at the ranches will be maintained by 3 crews of field technicians and mechatronic specialist. Sprayers will be set up at fence crossings, water troughs, and food plots. Nilgai will be captured pre and post treatment for tick counts. Nilgai will be fitted with satellite collars and/or ear tags to determine the frequency of individuals transiting through nilgai sprayers. Tick numbers on treated and untreated nilgai will be compared over time to determine efficacy of the nilgai sprayers.
