Location: Livestock Arthropod Pests Research
Project Number: 3094-32000-042-042-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 15, 2019
End Date: Apr 30, 2022
Objective:
Determine if different dosing and administration routes of eprinomectin are effective in providing long acting cattle fever tick control and further clarify the effectiveness of the Bm86 vaccine by determining the antibody response of sampled cattle currently being vaccinated in south Texas as part of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. A segment is being added which we anticipate will offer CFT researchers and the CFTEP new information on CFT habitat use in south Texas, which will expand the understanding of how best to target vulnerable larvae for treatment while off cattle and wildlife hosts.
Approach:
The original approach is modified for two field studies to be conducted to evaluate novel techniques for controlling cattle fever ticks. The first study will evaluate the efficacy of varying doses and application methods for treating cattle with eprinomectin. Cattle infested with cattle fever ticks will be treated on a set schedule with the label dose of injectable eprinomectin, a double label dose of injectable eprinomectin, or injectable eprinomectin at the label rate plus application of pour-on eprinomectin. Routine tick counts will be conducted as well as blood draws over time. Engorged female CFT will be held and assessed for fecundity. Blood samples will be analyzed to determine the levels of eprinomectin over time. The second study will evaluate the serum levels of Bm86 antibodies from cattle that have been treated with the Bm86 vaccine as part of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program in south Texas. In this study, through coordination with USDA APHIS VS and the Texas Animal Health Commission, blood will be obtained from cattle that had been previously vaccinated with Bm86. Serum will be extracted from the blood and tested at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory for anti-Bm86 antibodies by ELISA. Please see attached exhibits for detailed approach methods.
