By Andi Anderson
With warmer temperatures and green pastures returning, ticks are becoming active — and they pose a real threat to cattle health. According to Beth Reynolds, Iowa Beef Center program specialist, ticks are not just a nuisance but a serious concern due to the diseases they transmit.
One major concern is anaplasmosis, a tickborne disease that costs the U.S. beef industry over $300 million annually. It leads to poor cattle performance, abortions, and even death. Reynolds explains that cattle that recover without treatment become lifelong carriers, showing no symptoms but continuing to spread the disease within the herd.
Tick control is essential to protect livestock. Reynolds recommends chemical acaricides, such as pour-ons, as a common strategy. She advises producers to rotate the type of chemical each year to prevent resistance and ensure all animals are treated simultaneously. Following label directions for reapplication is crucial for effective control.
Another management practice includes spring pasture burning, which can help reduce tick populations. However, brushy or shaded areas may still serve as tick shelters, so continued vigilance is necessary.
Reynolds also points out a BEEF magazine article titled “Dangerous Hitchhikers”, which provides a deeper look into the risks ticks pose to cattle health. She encourages producers to review it for more information.
In Iowa, the most common tick species are the blacklegged tick, American dog tick, and lone star tick. These ticks carry various diseases that affect cattle, pets, and even humans. The lone star tick, in particular, can cause alpha-gal syndrome, a rare meat allergy in humans.
Reynolds urges producers to remain alert and proactive. Prevention and early treatment can protect both herds and farm families from the harmful effects of ticks.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture