Sustainable management of tick infestations in cattle: a tropical perspective

Abstract

The increasing challenge of tick infestations in cattle production systems calls for innovative and sustainable solutions. This article explores the diverse ethnoveterinary practices and livestock farming systems prevalent in tropical regions, capitalizing on the characteristic biodiversity, to provide valuable insights and lessons for tick management at a global scale. Additionally, leveraging the genetic diversity of indigenous cattle breeds presents a promising approach for reducing reliance on chemical acaricides and fostering eco-friendly practices. While genomic selection is the cornerstone for addressing the polygenic nature of tick resistance, complementary genomic tools such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) can still play a valuable role. Integrating MAS and genomic tools could facilitate the development of tick-resistant cattle breeds, benefiting both tropical and temperate regions. Addressing challenges such as limited genomic resources, region-specific phenotyping methods, and the need for robust data infrastructure is essential for achieving tick management through genetic selection. Thus, tropical countries can contribute not only to their own livestock agriculture but also to global efforts in sustainable tick management. While some integrated approaches exist, further research is needed to objectively evaluate and optimize the combination of these different management strategies to effectively address tick challenges.

Keywords: Ethnoveterinary practices; Cattle; Sustainable management; Tick; Tropical regions.

Fig. 1

Conceptual framework of sustainable management of tick infestations