Blue Ticks and Bont Ticks, Can Carry Three Diseases at Once
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that attach to livestock skin, causing anemia, weight loss, and transmitting fatal diseases like East Coast fever, anaplasmosis, and heartwater.
Redwater / Babesiosis
Transmitted by Blue tick. It destroys red blood cells.
Signs farmers should look for in clude Red / dark brown urine , high fever 41°C+, animal stops eating, dies in 2-3 days.
The tick life cycle understanding the enemy for better prevention.
Gallsickness / Anaplasmosis
Transmitted by Blue tick and Bont tick. It destroys blood and liver.
Signs farmers should look out for include eyes and gums turn yellow, constipation (dung hard like stones), weakens the animal.
Heartwater / Cowdriosis
Transmitted by Bont tick (the colorful one with long mouth).
It attacks the brain.
Signs farmers should look for include High fever, animals begins to walk in circles, head up high, jumps, fits and dies suddenly.
Images courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Control and Management Methods
- Use Acaricides chemical sprays, dips, or pour-ons. Rotate chemical classes (such as Amitraz or pyrethroids) regularly to prevent resistance.
- Deploy Pasture Management. Practice rotational grazing or pasture resting to starve unattached larvae.
- Stock Resilient Breeds. Select livestock breeds that show natural resistance to tick infestations.
