Control and eradication of chelonian tick infestations, with particular reference to vectors of heartwater

Abstract

Studies using the African tortoise tick (Amblyomma marmoreum) and leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis) demonstrated that cyfluthrin and permethrin were safe and efficacious acaricides for control of Amblyomma ticks on tortoises. A protocol was developed that successfully eradicated an A. sparsum infestation from a tortoise breeding facility in Florida. It involved treatment of all tortoises with a permethrin formulation, followed by treatment of the premises with a cyfluthrin formulation. Sentinel tortoises were later placed on the treated premises to establish successful tick eradication.