Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall objective of this research is to support the needs of APHIS, VS and citizens of the U.S. by developing practical and efficacious technologies, strategies, and epidemiological tools to control ticks of medical and veterinary importance feeding on cattle, white-tailed deer, and other important hosts in efforts both to maintain eradication of cattle fever ticks from the U.S. and to reduce risk of human infection with tick-borne disease agents. Approach (from AD-416) Evaluate procedures employed by APHIS/VS to eradicate cattle fever ticks, evaluate new acaricides with unique chemistries, and develop treatment strategies for their use to control outbreaks of susceptible and resistant Boophilus ticks. Use rainfall simulation apparatus to determine if rainfall soon after cattle are dipped in coumaphos will reduce efficacy, and evaluate efficacy of higher than recommended concentrations of amitraz and coumaphos to control amitraz and coumaphos resistant ticks. Develop and evaluate technology to control ticks of medical and veterinary importance by treating white-tailed deer and exotic ungulate species. Determine if deer alone can sustain populations of Boophilus ticks under experimental quarantined field conditions, and if so, evaluate 4-Poster Deer Treatment Bait Stations and macrocyclic lactone-medicated whole kernel corn in eradicating these experimental populations. Develop geographical information system (GIS) databases and create diagnostic and predictive epidemiological models from records of historical Boophilus infestations for use by VS to aid in identifying areas at high risk of re-infestation. Use these databases to generate maps, overlays, and other data sets requested for previously infested premises to be used and evaluated by VS as practical aids in their efforts to implement eradication procedures and regulations. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Research accomplished during the five years of this project has contributed significantly toward meeting the objectives. Eradication procedures of the APHIS Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program were evaluated and suggestions were made regarding acaricide treatment of cattle, white-tailed deer, and exotic ungulates. New acaricides were evaluated to treat cattle, and an injectable macrocyclic lactone formulation was evaluated and field-tested that would reduce the number of gatherings and treatments of cattle by half as compared with the standard treatment. Among other technologies developed to control fever ticks feeding on white-tailed deer, to reduce costs of controlling fever ticks on deer ARS developed and commercialized the '2-Poster' Feeder Adapter that can be attached to deer feeders, permitting the same feeder to dispense the medicated bait and to apply topical acaricide. ARS continued to enter data into the GIS database and into other databases of current and historical eradication intervention efforts. ARS queried the databases and constructed, printed, and provided APHIS with detailed maps of infested, adjacent, and other regulated premises, and also provided geo-spatial boundary maps and summary spatial data of Temporary Preventative Quarantines when they were established and defined by the Texas Animal Health Commission. Technology Transfer Number of Active CRADAS: 1 Number of Invention Disclosures submitted: 2
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Davey, R.B., Miller, R., George, J.E. 2008. Efficacy of amitraz applied as a dip against an amitraz-resistant strain of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari:Ixodidae) infested on cattle. Veterinary Parasitology. 152(1-2):127-135.
- Scoles, G.A., Miller, J.A., Foil, L.D. 2008. Comparison of the Efficiency of Biological Transmission of Anaplasma marginale (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) by Dermacentor andersoni Stiles (Acari: Ixodidae) with Mechanical Transmission by the Horse Fly, Tabanus fuscicostatus Hine (Diptera: Muscidae). Journal of Medical Entomology. 45(1):109-114.
- Cantu, A., Ortega-S, J., Mosqueda, J., Garcia-Vazquez, Z., Henke, S.E., George, J.E. 2007. Immunologic and molecular identification of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in free-ranging white-tailed deer in Northern Mexico. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 43(3):504-507.
- Carroll, J.F., Benante, J.P., Klun, J.A., White, C., Debboun, M., Pound, J. M., Dheranetra, W. 2008. Twelve-hour duration testing of cream formulations of three repellents against Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae). Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 22:144-151.
- George, J.E. 2008. The effects of global change on the threat of exotic arthropods and arthropod-borne pathogens to livestock in the United States. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1149:249-254.
- Davey, R.B., Miller, J.A., Miller, R., George, J.E. 2009. Effect of rainfall exposure immediately after a single dip treatment with coumaphos on the control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari:Ixodidae) on infested cattle. Journal of Medical Entomology. 46(1):93-99.
- George, J.E., Pound, J.M., Davey, R.B. 2008. Acaricides for controlling ticks on cattle and the problem of acaricide resistance. In: Bowman, A.S., Nuttall, P., editors. Ticks Biology, Disease and Control. Cambridge, New York:Cambridge University Press. p. 408-423.
- Mougeot, F., Moseley, M., Leckie, F., Martinez-Padilla, J., Miller, A., Pound, J.M., Irvine, R. 2008. Reducing tick burdens on chicks by treating breeding female grouse with permethrin. Journal of Wildlife Management. 72(2):468-472.
- Lohmeyer, K.H., Miller, J.A., Pound, J.M., Oehler, D.D. 2009. Efficacy of Eprinomectin and Doramectin against Amblyomma americanum (Acari:Ixodidae) on cattle. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102(2):809-814.
- Carroll, J.F., Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., Kramer, M.H. 2008. Reduced interference by gray squirrels with 4-poster deer treatment bait stations by using timed-release bait. Journal of Medical Entomology. 33(2):325-332.
- Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., George, J.E., Fish, D. 2009. The United States Department of Agriculture northeast area-wide tick control project - history and protocol. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 9(4):365-370.
- Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., George, J.E., Fish, D., Carroll, J.F., Schulze, T.R., Daniels, T.J., Falco, R.C., Stafford III, K.C., Mather, T.N. 2009. The United States Department of Agriculture's northeast area-wide tick control project - summary and conclusions. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 9(4):439-447.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Ticks are efficient vectors of numerous disease agents to livestock, humans, and other vertebrate animals. Cattle fever ticks, Boophilus microplus and B. annulatus, are vectors of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina, the causative agents of cattle fever that crippled the cattle industry in the southern U.S. until they were eradicated in 1943. These ticks are still prevalent in Mexico adjacent to the Texas border and, thus far, the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) has prevented re- infestations into the U.S., except within and near the cattle fever tick quarantine zone (buffer zone) that extends along the Rio Grande from Del Rio to Brownsville, TX. For many years, the reoccurring infestations have been eradicated by dipping cattle in coumaphos or by vacating cattle from infested
and exposed premises. However, ticks resistant to all major groups of acaricides have been discovered in Mexico, and populations of white-tailed deer and exotic ungulate species that are secondary hosts for the ticks are increasing and compromising the option of pasture vacation. Therefore, the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services (APHIS, VS) is in need of alternative acaricides and treatment strategies that can be implemented on cattle in the likely event that acaricide-resistant ticks are introduced into the U. S. Perhaps of equal importance is the need to have alternative acaricides, specialized treatment methods, and strategies available for eradication of infestations of resistant cattle fever ticks feeding on white-tailed deer and exotic ungulate species. In addition, there is a human health need to control ticks feeding on white-tailed deer because they are keystone hosts for both the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and, the lone star tick,
Amblyomma americanum, that transmit disease agents causing Lyme disease, southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) , human ehrlichioses, human babesiosis, and other diseases of humans throughout much of the U.S. New and improved technologies developed to eradicate cattle fever ticks on deer can also be evaluated for potential in controlling these medically important ticks. Besides the need for practical and efficacious tick control technology, APHIS, VS needs a better understanding of major risk factors that lead to the re- introduction of ticks gained through predictive and diagnostic epidemiological risk assessment models of the reoccurring Boophilus infestations within and near the tick quarantine zone to expedite discovery and eradication of new infestations. The overall objective of this research is to support the needs of APHIS, VS and citizens of the U.S. by developing practical and efficacious technologies, strategies, and epidemiological tools to control ticks of
medical and veterinary importance feeding on cattle, white-tailed deer, and other important hosts in efforts both to maintain eradication of cattle fever ticks from the U.S. and to reduce risk of human infection with tick-borne disease agents. Specific objectives are: 1. Evaluate procedures employed by the CFTEP for eradicating cattle fever ticks, evaluate new acaricides with unique chemistries, and develop treatment strategies for their use to control outbreaks of both susceptible and acaricide resistant Boophilus ticks. 2. Develop and evaluate technology to control ticks of medical and veterinary importance by treating white-tailed deer and exotic ungulate species. 3. Develop geographical information system (GIS) databases and create diagnostic and predictive epidemiological models from records of historical Boophilus tick infestations in South Texas for use by VS to determine factors useful in identification of areas at high risk of re- infestation. The research to be undertaken
falls under NP 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology and addresses goal 4.1 Chemical Pesticides and Repellents. The specific goals are: (1) 4.1.1 Develop the capacity to test existing compounds against Diptera and ticks that transmit disease, and (2) 4.1.2 Develop and test novel means of applying pesticides and repellents that are more efficient, inexpensive and selective, including the development of toxic baits, methods to bond agents to material, and area repellents. Cattle producers, medical and veterinary disease regulatory agencies, citizens subject to tick-borne diseases or pestilence from ticks, and other scientists will benefit from the research. Livestock producers, especially those in the southeastern quadrant of the U.S., will continue to operate in an environment that is free of cattle fever ticks and bovine babesioses. Regulatory agencies will have improved, safe, efficient, and efficacious methods with which to sustain efforts to eradicate Boophilus ticks.
The public will benefit from reduced risk of tick bite and tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, STARI, human ehrlichioses, human babesiosis, and others serious pathogens. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Year 1 (FY 2005) Determine the efficacy of amitraz against strains of amitraz-resistant ticks from Mexico. Evaluate the effectiveness of permethrin treatments delivered against the lone star tick to white-tailed deer via the '4-poster' and provide the EPA the data. Determine if GIS analysis of historical data on cattle fever tick outbreaks predicts re-infestation risk in Zapata, Co., Texas. Year 2 (FY 2006) Determine the efficacy of coumaphos treatments of tick-infested cattle against strains of Boophilus microplus from Mexico with various patterns of resistance and cross-resistance to organophosphate acaricides. Assess the effect of the population density of the host on the suitability of the white-tailed deer as a host of B.
microplus and B. annulatus. Determine consumption rates and the relative palatability to white- tailed deer of both untreated corn and corn treated with several macrocyclic lactone acaricides potentially effective for the control of Boophilus ticks infesting deer. Complete the first phase of multi-year experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-target animal excluder for the '4-poster'. Determine if analyses of historical GIS data on cattle fever tick outbreaks predict re-infestation risk to cattle herds in the cattle fever tick quarantine zone in South Texas. Year 3 (FY 2007) Complete experiments to determine the effect of rainfall on the efficacy of coumaphos treatments for the control of Boophilus ticks on cattle. Complete trials to obtain estimates of the efficacy of new acaricides and strategies for their use to control Boophilus ticks on cattle. Characterize the suitability of nilgai, a widespread exotic antelope species that occurs in South Texas and northern Mexico,
as a host for Boophilus ticks. Complete the second phase of multi-year experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-target animal excluder for the '4-poster'. Use GIS analysis, historical data, and current aerial photographs to estimate effects of changes in landscape use/ecology on the potential habitats of B. microplus and B. annulatus within the cattle fever tick quarantine zone in South Texas, and in adjacent areas south of the Rio Grande in northern Mexico. Year 4 (FY 2008) Determine the efficacy of the '4-poster' treatment device for the control of Boophilus ticks on white-tailed deer under South Texas field conditions. Characterize the suitability of the axis deer as a host for Boophilus ticks. Complete the final phase of multi-year experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-target animal excluder for the '4-poster'. Use GIS databases to investigate, elucidate, and quantify practical aspects and factors involved in the epidemiology of Boophilus spp.
infestations. Year 5 (FY 2009) Determine whether in the absence of cattle, the feeding of systemically active macrocyclic lactone-medicated whole kernel corn to deer at a prescribed rate will result in efficacy sufficient to eradicate Boophilus ticks from experimental pastures in South Texas. Characterize the suitability of the fallow deer as a host for Boophilus ticks. Complete trials to obtain estimates of the efficacy of new acaricides and strategies for their use to control Boophilus ticks on cattle. 4a List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Alternative acaricides reduce organophosphate resistance in fever ticks: Acaricide resistance in cattle fever ticks is a serious threat to the Eradication Program and considerable effort is being made to minimize its development. ARS scientists at the Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, Moore Field, TX, demonstrated that the acquisition of organophosphate (OP) resistance in Boophilus microplus ticks caused
a 34% reduction in fecundity and fertility of eggs as compared to a susceptible strain of ticks. These results suggest that in the absence of selection pressure with OP acaricides the frequency of OP-resistant individuals in the population would decline through time to the point where, at some point, the use of OP acaricides would result in virtual elimination of the ticks. Based on these results, when OP-resistant ticks are detected in a tick population the use of alternative non-OP acaricides should be considered to reduce the selection pressure against OP chemicals, so that subsequently a return to the use of OP acaricides would be possible. This research is authorized under National Program 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology and addresses goal 4.1 Chemical Pesticides and Repellents and specific goals 4.1.1 - Develop the capacity to test existing compounds against Diptera and ticks that transmit disease and 4. 1.2 - Develop and test novel means of applying pesticides
and repellents that are more efficient, inexpensive and selective, including the development of toxic baits, methods to bond agents to material, and area repellents. 4b List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Doramectin injection may not kill late stage ticks: In efforts to identify additional acaricides of potential use in the Fever Tick Eradication Program, scientists at the ARS Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, Moore Field, TX, evaluated efficacy of the macrocyclic lactone endectocide, doramectin, against Boophilus microplus ticks in the late stages of parasitic development. Results showed that if a single doramectin injection at 200mg/kg of body weight was administered to infested cattle at 18 days after tick infestation, the level of control was 99.9%. However, if treatment was administered at 19 days after ticks were infested on the cattle the level of control was 96. 1% and if administered at 20 days the level of control was only 88.6%. These results
show that ticks undergoing rapid engorgement at the time treatment is applied fail to imbibe enough acaricide laced blood to kill them. This demonstrates that the use of injectable macrocyclic lactones at port facilities should be carefully considered, because if the infested cattle are not held for at least 4 days after treatment there is a definite risk of dispersing viable fully engorged female ticks to areas outside of the quarantine zone. This research is authorized under National Program 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology and addresses goal 4.1 Chemical Pesticides and Repellents and specific goals 4.1.1 - Develop the capacity to test existing compounds against Diptera and ticks that transmit disease and 4. 1.2 - Develop and test novel means of applying pesticides and repellents that are more efficient, inexpensive and selective, including the development of toxic baits, methods to bond agents to material, and area repellents. Deer can sustain fever ticks beyond
quarantine period: As marginal but viable hosts, white-tailed deer and other wild ungulates have long been suspected of compromising efforts to maintain eradication of cattle fever ticks from the U.S. Field studies conducted by scientists at the ARS Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, Moore Field, TX, to evaluate the ability of white-tailed deer to sustain a natural tick population in the absence of cattle showed that the deer were able to sustain the tick population for at least 9 months, which is longer than the specified regulatory quarantine period. However, results indicated the tick population was not sustained for 18 months. These results provide the Eradication Program personnel with a basis for considering a change in duration of the quarantine period whenever deer are present and involved in an outbreak on premises within the quarantine zone. This research is authorized under National Program 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology and addresses goal 4.1
Chemical Pesticides and Repellents and specific goals 4.1.1 - Develop the capacity to test existing compounds against Diptera and ticks that transmit disease and 4. 1.2 - Develop and test novel means of applying pesticides and repellents that are more efficient, inexpensive and selective, including the development of toxic baits, methods to bond agents to material, and area repellents. No acaricide resistant fever ticks discovered in outbreaks this year: Scientists at the ARS Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, Moore Field, TX, are always on the lookout for acaricide resistant in outbreak strains of ticks submitted by APHIS Fever Tick Eradication Program personnel. Discriminating dose bioassays were used to evaluate the acaricide susceptibility of all 12 different outbreak strains of Boophilus ticks that were submitted, and all strains were determined to be susceptible to all major classes of acaricides. These results are used by Eradication Program personnel to prescribe specific
regulatory procedures and requirements for infested and adjacent premises and are essential in determining acaricides used for intervention. This research is authorized under National Program 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology and addresses goal 4.1 Chemical Pesticides and Repellents and specific goals 4.1.1 - Develop the capacity to test existing compounds against Diptera and ticks that transmit disease and 4. 1.2 - Develop and test novel means of applying pesticides and repellents that are more efficient, inexpensive and selective, including the development of toxic baits, methods to bond agents to material, and area repellents. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. People at risk to parasitism by the lone star tick and infection with disease agents it transmits will benefit from the availability of an effective, safe, and environmentally friendly new pesticide product formulated specifically for use with the '4-Poster' Deer
Treatment Bait Station. Experimental results demonstrated efficacy for the control of lone star ticks on white-tailed deer of passive treatments with 4-Poster Tickicide (10% permethrin) administered when deer were feeding on bait dispensed by the commercially available '4-Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Station. The efficacy data from the experiment were submitted to the EPA and were the basis for a determination that conditional approval of the pesticide could be amended to include use of the product to control lone star ticks on white-tailed deer. 4-Poster Tickicide and the '4-Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Station are sold together for the control of the black-legged and lone star ticks on white-tailed deer and are approved for use in 47 of the 48 contiguous states in the United States. This accomplishment addresses Project Plan milestone "Evaluate the effectiveness of permethrin treatments delivered against the lone star tick to white-tailed deer via the '4-Poster' and provide the
EPA the data; " component 4, goals 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 of the NP 104 action Plan; and performance measure 3.2.1 in the ARS Strategic Plan. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Davey, R.B., Miller, A.J., George, J.E., Klavons, J.A. 2006. Efficacy of a single injection of doramectin against adult female Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks in the late stages of parasitic development. 50th Annual Meeting of the Livestock Insect Workers' Conference, June 25-28, 2006, Amarillo, TX. George, J.E. 2005. Responses to questions regarding the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program directed to the Agricultural Research Service. South Texas Agriculture Conference, August 2, 2005, Zapata, TX. Kammlah, D.M. 2005. Development of GIS mapping technologies for use in epidemiological investigations of Boophilus infestations. South Texas Agriculture
Conference, August 2, 2005, Zapata, TX. Kammlah, D.M. 2005. Update on the GIS databases for the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program by area. APHIS-VS Fever Tick Eradication Program Preliminary Review, November 29, 2005, Laredo, TX. Kammlah, D.M., Pound, J.M., George, J.E., Duhaime, R.A., Bowers, E.J. 2006. Development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies for use in epidemiological investigations of Boophilus spp. tick infestations. 50th Annual Meeting of the Livestock Insect Workers' Conference, June 25-28, 2006, Amarillo, TX. Miller, J.A., Pound, J.M. 2005. Technologies for the control of ticks on white-tailed deer and other wild ungulates. APHIS-VS Fever Tick Eradication Program Preliminary Review, November 29, 2005, Laredo, TX. Miller, J.A., Pound, J.M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Klavons, J.A. 2006. A sustained release gel formulation containing doramectin for control of lone star ticks and horn flies on cattle. 50th Annual Meeting of the Livestock Insect Workers'
Conference, June 25-28, 2006, Amarillo, TX. Miller, J.A., Pound, J.M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Klavons, J.A., George, J.E. 2006. Liquid molasses for delivery of avermectins. 50th Annual Meeting of the Livestock Insect Workers' Conference, June 25-28, 2006, Amarillo, TX. Miller, R.J. 2005. Detecting and eradicating acaricide resistant ticks. South Texas Agriculture Conference, August 2, 2005, Zapata, TX. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., George, J.E., Kammlah, D.M. 2005. Are white- tailed deer and other wild ungulates compromising the APHIS-VS Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program? South Texas Agriculture Conference, August 2, 2005, Zapata, TX. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., George, J.E. 2005. White-tailed deer and other wild ungulates Their influence on the operational success of the Fever Tick Eradication Program. U.S. Animal Health Association Parasitic Diseases Committee, November 9, 2005, Hershey, PA. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., George, J.E., Kammlah, D.M. 2005. White- tailed deer and other wild
ungulates Their influence on the operational success of the Fever Tick Eradication Program. APHIS-VS Fever Tick Eradication Program Preliminary Review, November 29, 2005, Laredo, TX. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., George, J.E., Kammlah, D.M. 2005. White- tailed deer and other wild ungulates Their influence on the operational success of the Fever Tick Eradication Program. APHIS-VS Fever Tick Eradication Program Symposium on Effects of Wildlife on the Eradication Program, December 16, 2005 Austin, TX. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., Lohmeyer, K.H., Kammlah, D.M., Klavons, J.A., George, J.E. 2006. Deployed Warfighters Protection Program Activities at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX. Second Annual Review of the ARS-DWFP Research Program, March 2, 2006, College Station, TX. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A. 2006. White-tailed deer and other wild ungulates Their influence on the operational success of the Fever Tick Eradication Program and Procedures for
proper deployment of the ARS- patented '4-Poster' deer treatment bait station. APHIS Fever Tick Eradication Program Annual Tick Inspector Training, May 1-4, 2006, Laredo, TX. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A. 2006. The Impact of '4-Poster' deer-targeted tick control technology on hunters and hunting. Shelter Island Hunter's Forum, May 6, 2006, Shelter Island, NY. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A. 2006. The '4-Poster' deer treatment bait station for community-based program to control tick-borne diseases in humans. Shelter Island Tick Forum, May 7, 2006, Shelter Island, NY. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., George, J.E., Fish, D., Carroll, J.F., Schulze, T.L., Daniels, T.J., Falco, R.C., Stafford, K.C. III, Mather, T. N. 2006. The USDA Northeast Area-wide Tick Control Project Summary and conclusions. 50th Annual Meeting of the Livestock Insect Workers' Conference, June 25-28, 2006, Amarillo, TX. Flores, A. 2006. The continuing fight against cattle ticks. Agricultural Research, June 2006. p. 8-9.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Davey, R.B., Miller, J.A., George, J.E., Snyder, D.E. 2005. Effect of repeated spinosad treatments on cattle against Boophilus annulatus under south Texas field conditions. Southwestern Entomologist. 30(4):245-255.
- Davey, R.B., George, J.E., Miller, R.J. 2006. Comparison of the reporductive biology between acaricide-resistant and acaricide-susceptible Rhipicephalus (Booplilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Veterinary Parasitology. 139:211-220.
- George, J.E. 2005. Milestones from three decades of research by the Agricultural Research Service on the eradication of Boophilus ticks. In: Proceedings of 30th Anos al Servicio de la Granderia Nacional, 1975-2005, June 8-9, 2005, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico. 2005 CDROM.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Ticks are efficient vectors of numerous disease agents to livestock, humans, and other vertebrate animals. Cattle fever ticks, Boophilus microplus and B. annulatus, are vectors of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina, the causative agents of cattle fever that crippled the cattle industry in the southern U.S. until they were eradicated in 1943. These ticks are still prevalent in Mexico adjacent to the Texas border and, thus far, the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) has prevented re- infestations into the U.S., except within and near the cattle fever tick quarantine zone (buffer zone) that extends along the Rio Grande from Del Rio to Brownsville, TX. For many years, the reoccurring infestations have been eradicated by dipping cattle in coumaphos or by vacating cattle from infested and exposed
premises. However, ticks resistant to all major groups of acaricides have been discovered in Mexico, and populations of white-tailed deer and exotic ungulate species that are secondary hosts for the ticks are increasing and compromising the option of pasture vacation. Therefore, the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services (APHIS, VS) is in need of alternative acaricides and treatment strategies that can be implemented on cattle in the likely event that acaricide-resistant ticks are introduced into the U. S. Perhaps of equal importance is the need to have alternative acaricides, specialized treatment methods, and strategies available for eradication of infestations of resistant cattle fever ticks feeding on white-tailed deer and exotic ungulate species. In addition, there is a human health need to control ticks feeding on white-tailed deer because they are keystone hosts for both the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and, the lone star tick, Amblyomma
americanum, that transmit disease agents causing Lyme disease, southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) , human ehrlichioses, human babesiosis, and other diseases of humans throughout much of the U.S. New and improved technologies developed to eradicate cattle fever ticks on deer can also be evaluated for potential in controlling these medically important ticks. Besides the need for practical and efficacious tick control technology, APHIS, VS needs a better understanding of major risk factors that lead to the re- introduction of ticks gained through predictive and diagnostic epidemiological risk assessment models of the reoccurring Boophilus infestations within and near the tick quarantine zone to expedite discovery and eradication of new infestations. The overall objective of this research is to support the needs of APHIS, VS and citizens of the U.S. by developing practical and efficacious technologies, strategies, and epidemiological tools to control ticks of medical and
veterinary importance feeding on cattle, white-tailed deer, and other important hosts in efforts both to maintain eradication of cattle fever ticks from the U.S. and to reduce risk of human infection with tick-borne disease agents. Specific objectives are: 1. Evaluate procedures employed by the CFTEP for eradicating cattle fever ticks, evaluate new acaricides with unique chemistries, and develop treatment strategies for their use to control outbreaks of both susceptible and acaricide resistant Boophilus ticks. 2. Develop and evaluate technology to control ticks of medical and veterinary importance by treating white-tailed deer and exotic ungulate species. 3. Develop geographical information system (GIS) databases and create diagnostic and predictive epidemiological models from records of historical Boophilus tick infestations in South Texas for use by VS to determine factors useful in identification of areas at high risk of re- infestation. The research to be undertaken falls
under NP 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology and addresses goal 4.1 Chemical Pesticides and Repellents. The specific goals are: (1) 4.1.1 Develop the capacity to test existing compounds against Diptera and ticks that transmit disease, and (2) 4.1.2 Develop and test novel means of applying pesticides and repellents that are more efficient, inexpensive and selective, including the development of toxic baits, methods to bond agents to material, and area repellents. Cattle producers, medical and veterinary disease regulatory agencies, citizens subject to tick-borne diseases or pestilence from ticks, and other scientists will benefit from the research. Livestock producers, especially those in the southeastern quadrant of the U.S., will continue to operate in an environment that is free of cattle fever ticks and bovine babesioses. Regulatory agencies will have improved, safe, efficient, and efficacious methods with which to sustain efforts to eradicate Boophilus ticks. The
public will benefit from reduced risk of tick bite and tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, STARI, human ehrlichioses, human babesiosis, and others serious pathogens. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Year 1 (FY 2005) Determine the efficacy of amitraz against strains of amitraz-resistant ticks from Mexico. Evaluate the effectiveness of permethrin treatments delivered against the lone star tick to white-tailed deer via the 4-poster and provide the EPA the data. Determine if GIS analysis of historical data on cattle fever tick outbreaks predicts re-infestation risk in Zapata, Co., Texas. Year 2 (FY 2006) Determine the efficacy of coumaphos treatments of tick-infested cattle against strains of Boophilus microplus from Mexico with various patterns of resistance and cross-resistance to organophosphate acaricides. Assess the effect of the population density of the host on the suitability of the white-tailed deer as a host of B. microplus and B.
annulatus. Determine consumption rates and the relative palatability to white- tailed deer of both untreated corn and corn treated with several macrocyclic lactone acaricides potentially effective for the control of Boophilus ticks infesting deer. Complete the first phase of multi-year experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-target animal excluder for the '4-poster'. Determine if analyses of historical GIS data on cattle fever tick outbreaks predict re-infestation risk to cattle herds in the cattle fever tick quarantine zone in South Texas. Year 3 (FY 2007) Complete experiments to determine the effect of rainfall on the efficacy of coumaphos treatments for the control of Boophilus ticks on cattle. Complete trials to obtain estimates of the efficacy of new acaricides and strategies for their use to control Boophilus ticks on cattle. Characterize the suitability of nilgai, a widespread exotic antelope species that occurs in South Texas and northern Mexico, as a host for
Boophilus ticks. Complete the second phase of multi-year experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-target animal excluder for the '4-poster'. Use GIS analysis, historical data, and current aerial photographs to estimate effects of changes in landscape use/ecology on the potential habitats of B. microplus and B. annulatus within the cattle fever tick quarantine zone in South Texas, and in adjacent areas south of the Rio Grande in northern Mexico. Year 4 (FY 2008) Determine the efficacy of the 4-poster treatment device for the control of Boophilus ticks on white-tailed deer under South Texas field conditions. Characterize the suitability of the axis deer as a host for Boophilus ticks. Complete the final phase of multi-year experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-target animal excluder for the '4-poster'. Use GIS databases to investigate, elucidate, and quantify practical aspects and factors involved in the epidemiology of Boophilus spp. infestations. Year 5 (FY
2009) Determine whether in the absence of cattle, the feeding of systemically active macrocyclic lactone-medicated whole kernel corn to deer at a prescribed rate will result in efficacy sufficient to eradicate Boophilus ticks from experimental pastures in South Texas. Characterize the suitability of the fallow deer as a host for Boophilus ticks. Complete trials to obtain estimates of the efficacy of new acaricides and strategies for their use to control Boophilus ticks on cattle. 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005. For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Determine the efficacy of amitraz against strains of amitraz-resistant ticks from Mexico. Milestone Not Met Other 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of permethrin treatments delivered against the lone star tick to white-tailed deer via the '4-poster' and provide the EPA the data. Milestone Fully Met 3. Determine if GIS analysis of
historical data on cattle fever tick outbreaks predicts re-infestation risk in Zapata County, Texas. Milestone Substantially Met 3b List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? FY 2006 Determine the efficacy of coumaphos treatments of tick-infested cattle against strains of Boophilus microplus from Mexico with various patterns of resistance and cross-resistance to organophosphate acaricides Results from this research will determine if there are organophosphate resistant strains in Mexico that cannot be eradicated by treatments of tick-infested cattle with the high concentrations of coumaphos used in the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. Assess the effect of the population density of the host on the suitability of the white-tailed deer as a host of B. microplus and B. annulatus A greater understanding of the importance of deer in the
maintenance and dissemination of cattle fever ticks will provide a more rational basis for strategies to eradicate cattle fever ticks. Determine consumption rates and the relative palatability to white- tailed deer of both untreated corn and corn treated with several macrocyclic lactone acaricides potentially effective for the control of Boophilus ticks infesting deer - Evidence of the comparative willingness of deer to consume corn treated with various macrocyclic-lactone acaricides is necessary along with efficacy data for selecting which of these pesticides will be useful for the eradication of cattle fever ticks feeding on deer. Complete the first phase of multi-year experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-target animal excluder for the '4-poster' Experimental results will provide evidence of the effectiveness of a prototype of an important modification for the 4-poster designed to improve its cost-effectiveness and efficacy. Determine if analyses of historical GIS
data on cattle fever tick outbreaks predict re-infestation risk to cattle herds in the cattle fever tick quarantine zone in South Texas The analysis of historical GIS data will be a major step in the development of a method for the systematic examination of epidemiologic data that can be used to enhance the efficiency of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. FY 2007 Complete experiments to determine the effect of rainfall on the efficacy of coumaphos treatments for the control of Boophilus ticks on cattle Results can be used by the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program to understand how rain may diminish the efficacy of a coumaphos treatment for the elimination of ticks on recently treated animals, and to adjust program operations. Complete trials to obtain estimates of the efficacy of new acaricides and strategies for their use to control Boophilus ticks on cattle Discovery of possible alternatives to the few acaricides available for use to eradicate outbreaks or to prevent
introductions on imported cattle of cattle fever ticks is the objective. Characterize the suitability of nilgai, a widespread exotic antelope species that occurs in South Texas and northern Mexico, as a host for Boophilus ticks Knowledge of the possible effect of nilgai on the maintenance and dissemination of cattle fever ticks will provide a more rational basis for strategies to eradicate cattle fever ticks. Complete the first phase of multi-year experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-target animal excluder for the '4-poster' These experiments will provide evidence of the effectiveness of secondary modifications of a prototype accessory for the 4-poster designed to prevent access of non-target animals to feeding bins and, thereby, improve its cost-effectiveness and efficacy. Use GIS analysis, historical data, and current aerial photographs to estimate effects of changes in landscape use/ecology on the potential habitats of B. microplus and B. annulatus within the
cattle fever tick quarantine zone in South Texas, and in adjacent areas south of the Rio Grande River in northern Mexico This research will provide information useful for the identification of areas of greatest risk in South Texas for outbreaks of cattle fever ticks FY 2008 Determine the efficacy of the 4-poster treatment device for the control of Boophilus ticks on white-tailed deer under South Texas field conditions Results from this research are expected to prove the value of the 4-poster treatment device as an additional method for the eradication of cattle fever tick populations maintained by white-tailed deer hosts. Characterize the suitability of the axis deer as a host for Boophilus ticks Knowledge of the possible affect of axis deer on the maintenance and dissemination of cattle fever ticks will provide a more rational basis for strategies to eradicate cattle fever ticks. Complete the final phase of multi-year experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the non-target
animal excluder for the '4-poster' Results from tests of the non-target animal excluder will lead to the commercialization of an accessory for the 4-poster that will improve its cost-effectiveness and efficacy. Use GIS databases to investigate, elucidate, and quantify practical aspects and factors involved in the epidemiology of Boophilus spp. infestations Results from analyses of a complex historical database will be used to create epidemiologic models valuable in the identification of locales of high risk for tick outbreaks and with habitat suitable for maintenance of fever tick populations. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? 4-Poster Tickicide Efficacy Against Lone Star Ticks on Deer Demonstrated. When the initial application for registration of 4-Poster Tickicide (10% permethrin) was granted by the EPA, approval of treatments of white- tail deer to control the lone star tick, an important pest of humans and vector of disease agents affecting
humans, was conditional pending evidence of efficacy. In a trial by ARS scientists at the Knipling- Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, a high degree efficacy was observed against lone star ticks on free-roaming white- tailed deer when 4-Poster Tickicide (10% permethrin) was passively applied by application rollers to the heads, necks, and ears of white- tailed deer as they fed on bait dispensed by the commercially available 4-Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station. Since the final EPA approval, the combination of a 4-Poster and an efficacious pesticide dispensed by the ARS-patented device is being used to control both blacklegged and lone star ticks feeding on deer. The technology provides a highly effective, safe, and environmentally friendly means for reducing human risk of infection with the agents of Lyme disease, the southern tick associated rash illness (STARI), the human ehrlichioses, human babesiosis, and other tick-borne pathogens of humans by controlling the
disease vectors on their principal hosts, thus reducing free-living populations of these ticks and, consequently, the risk of humans being bitten by ticks. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. Diminished Fecundity Observed in a Pesticide-Resistant Colony of Boophilus microplus. An inherited genetic change (mutation) may confer a selective advantage to changed individuals over normal ticks when a population consisting of both changed (pesticide-resistant) and normal (pesticide-susceptible) ticks are exposed to pesticide treatments, but the converse may be true when the population is not being exposed to the pesticide. At the ARS Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, results of a comparison of the degree of oviposition, fecundity, and fertility of strains of Boophilus microplus susceptible to acaricides or resistant to the pesticides coumaphos, amitraz, or permethrin indicated a significantly lower fecundity of the coumaphos-resistant strain. The significantly
diminished fecundity of ticks from the coumaphos-resistant laboratory strain suggests that the proportion of pesticide-resistant individuals in a coumaphos-resistant population would decline if another pesticide, such as amitraz, was substituted for the coumaphos for the control of the ticks on cattle, and that in the future a return to the use of the coumaphos could be feasible. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. People at risk to parasitism by the lone star tick and infection with disease agents it transmits will benefit from the availability of an effective, safe, and environmentally friendly new pesticide product formulated specifically for use with the 4-Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station. Experimental results demonstrated efficacy for the control of lone star ticks on white-tailed deer of passive treatments with 4-Poster Tickicide (10% permethrin) administered when deer were feeding on bait dispensed
by the commercially available 4-Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station. The efficacy data from the experiment were submitted to the EPA and were the basis for a determination that conditional approval of the pesticide could be amended to include use of the product to control lone star ticks on white-tailed deer. 4-Poster Tickicide and the 4- Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station are sold together for the control of the black-legged and lone star ticks on white-tailed deer and are approved for use in 47 of the 48 contiguous states in the United States. This accomplishment addresses Project Plan milestone Evaluate the effectiveness of permethrin treatments delivered against the lone star tick to white-tailed deer via the 4-poster and provide the EPA the data; component 4, goals 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 of the NP 104 action Plan; and performance measure 3.2.1 in the ARS Strategic Plan. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles
written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Davey, R.B., George, J.E., Miller, R.J. 2005. Comparison of the dynamics of oviposition, fecundity, and fertility in an acaricide-susceptible and an organophosphate-resistant strain of Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). 49th Annual Meeting of the Livestock Insects Workers Conference, June 19-22, 2005, Bozeman, Montana. George, J.E., Pound, J.M., Kammlah, D.M. 2005. Cattle fever Tick Eradication Program: Status. Emerging Animal Health Issues Working Group, 2005 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show, February 2-5, 2005, San Antonio, Texas. George, J.E. 2005. Current Research in Support of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. U.S./Mexico Border States Cattle Fever Tick Meeting, April 27-28, 2005, Laredo, Texas, and U.S./Mexico Bi-National Tick Meeting, June 2, 2005, Manzanillo, Mexico. George, J.E. 2005. Native and Exotic Wildlife as Hosts for Boophilus Ticks. U.S./Mexico Border States
Cattle Fever Tick Meeting, April 27-28, 2005, Laredo, Texas, and U.S./Mexico Bi-National Tick Meeting, June 2, 2005, Manzanillo, Mexico. George, J.E., Kammlah, D.M., Davey, R.B., Miller, R.J. 2005. The cattle fever tick eradication program: Detecting and eradicating acaricide resistant Boophilus microplus. 49th Annual Meeting of the Livestock Insects Workers Conference, June 19-22, 2005, Bozeman, Montana. George, J.E., Pound, J.M., Kammlah, D.M. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program: Status, Report to the Parasitic Diseases Committee, 108th Annual Meeting of the United States Animal Health Association, Greensboro, NC, October 21-27, 2004. Miller, J.A., Pound, J.M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Kammlah, D.M. 2005. Deployed War Fighters Protection (DWFP) - Activities at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Agriculture Annual Review of Pest Management Research, March 1-3, 2005, Gainesville, Florida. Pound, J.M.,
Miller, J.A. 2005. "A User's Guide to Installation and Operation of the '4-Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Station" - Written and provided to the manufacturer and marketer of the device to be distributed with the initial product package. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A. 2005. "A '4-Poster' Pocket Reference" card - Written and provided to the manufacturer and marketer of the device to be distributed with the initial product package and made available to unit service personnel. Pound, J.M., George, J.E., Kammlah, D.M., Bowers, E.J. 2005. Are White- tailed Deer and Other Wild Ungulates Compromising the APHIS-VS Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program? Emerging Animal Health Issues Working Group, 2005 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show, February 2- 5, 2005, San Antonio, Texas. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., George, J.E. 2005. An Overview of Research at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Agriculture
Annual Review of Pest Management Research, March 1-3, 2005, Gainesville, Florida. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A. 2005. Meeting to discuss deployment and efficacy of 4-Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station technology and a site tour with the Director of the Mashomack Preserve, May 16, 2005, Shelter Island, New York. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A. 2005. Presentation and discussion of 4- Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station technology to Rae Lapides, Chairperson, and members of the Shelter Island Tick Task Force, May 16, 2005, Shelter Island, New York. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A. 2005. Presentation and discussion of 4- Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station technology to the Shelter Island Town Supervisor, Art Williams, and the Shelter Island Town Board, May 17, 2005, Shelter Island, New York. Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A. 2005. Presentation and discussion of 4- Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station technology to the Middletown Township Tick Control Meeting, May 18, 2005, Elwyn, Pennsylvania. Pound, J.M., Miller,
J.A. 2005. Presentation and discussion of 4- Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station technology to the Mid-Shore Lyme Disease Association, May 19, 2005, Easton, Maryland.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Carroll, J.F., Allen, P.C., Hill, D.E., Pound, J., Miller, J., George, J. 2002. Control of ixodes scapularis and amblyomma americanum using the '4- poster' treatment device on deer in maryland. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 28:289-296.
- Davey, Ronald B., Miller, J. Allen, George, John E., Miller, Robert J. 2005. Therapeutic and persistent efficacy of a single injection treatment of ivermectin and moxidectin against Boophilus microplus (Acari:Ixodidae) on infested cattle. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 35:117-129.
- White, W.H., Plummer, P.R., Kemper, C.J., Miller, R.J., Davey, R.B., Kemp, D.H., Hughes, S., Smith II, C.K., Gutierrez, J.A. 2004. An in vitro larval immersion microassay for identifying and characterizing candidate acaricides. Journal of Medical Entomology. 41(6):1034-1042.
- George, J.E., Pound, J.M., Davey, R.B. 2004. Chemical control of ticks on cattle and the resistance of these parasites to acaricides. Parasitology. 129:S353-S366.
- Long, S.W., Pound, J.M., Yu, X. 2004. Ehrlichia prevelence in Amblyomma americanum, Central Texas. [letter]. Emerging Infectious Diseases. [serial online]. 10(7):1342-1343. Available: http://www.cdc. gov/ncidod/EID/vol10no7/03-0792.htm.
- Miller, R. 2004. Integrated pest management of cattle ticks (Boophilus microplus and B. annulatus). In: Proceedings of the Third International Seminar of Animal Reproduction and the Production of Milk and Meat, February 26-27, 2004, Mexico City, Mexico. p. 41-46.
- Miller, R., Wing, J., Cope, S.E., Klavons, J.A., Kline, D.L. 2004. Repellency of permethrin treated battle dress uniforms during operation tandem thrust 2001. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 20(4):462-464.
- Pegram, R., Indar, L., Eddi, C., George, J.E. 2004. The Caribbean Amblyomma program some ecologic factors affecting its success. Annals of The New York Academy of Sciences. 1026:302-311.
- Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., Oehler, D.D. 2004. Depletion rate of doramectin from blood serum of penned female white-tailed deer (Artiodactyla: Cervidae). Journal of Medical Entomology. 44(5):942-945.
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