Research-led innovation for integrated tick management and acaricide resistance mitigation

Authors: DE LA FUENTE, JOSE - University Of Castilla-La Mancha(UCLM); GHOSH, SRIKANTA - Indian Veterinary Research Institute; TABOR, ALA - University Of Queensland; Perez De Leon, Adalberto; HALOS, LENAIG - Gates Foundation; MOLENTO, MARCELO BELTRAO - Federal University Of Paraná; LEMPEREUR, LAETITIA - Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Submitted to: Trends in Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/2/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Ticks and tick-borne diseases impede livestock farming and in tropical and subtropical regions of the world severely diminish the productivity of cattle herds. More than a century ago the United States (U.S.) established a program that eradicated the southern cattle fever tick, scientifically known as Rhipicephalus microplus, from the 48 contiguous states. However, R. microplus is an invasive species and the disease-causing agents it transmits remain a threat to the U.S. cattle industry. Innovative approaches are required to decrease the overdependence on synthetic acaricides used to control ticks infesting livestock. The case of R. microplus is a concerning scenario where in some parts of the world populations of this tick are resistant to all the classes of synthetic acaricides in commercially available products for tick control. This publication explores technologies other than synthetic acaricides and their potential use as part of Integrated Tick Management (ITM). Innovations to create more effective solutions through ITM that mitigate acaricide resistance for sustainable livestock farming are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Tick infestations and tick-borne diseases are major challenges to livestock productivity and welfare, causing significant economic losses and impacting food security, ecosystem health, and farmer livelihoods, especially in tropical regions. The over-reliance on treatments with chemical acaricides has led to the development of acaricide resistance, particularly in Rhipicephalus microplus infesting cattle, complicating tick control and impeding sustainable livestock raising. Integrated Tick Management (ITM) strategies, which combine chemical, biological, and immunological approaches, offer promising alternatives. These strategies focus on regional adaptations, such as genetic selection, vaccines, and ecological practices to reduce chemical dependency and manage resistance. However, implementing ITM on a large scale requires extensive research, better diagnostic tools, and overcoming economic, sociological, and technological barriers. Collaboration among public, private, and research institutions is essential to address these challenges. This paper explores current tick control strategies, the potential of ITM, and the necessary innovations to create more effective solutions that mitigate acaricide resistance for sustainable livestock farming.