Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Objective 1: Determine if new commercial insecticidal toxicants could be useful as acaricides in the eradication program. Sub-obj. 1.A. Evaluate use of currently available insecticide mixtures that might result in additive or synergistic effects to enhance efficacy in the control of ticks. Sub-obj. 1.B. Evaluate use of long-lasting acaricides for use in regulatory activities of the CFTEP. Sub-obj. 1.C. Evaluate novel methods of acaricide delivery for cattle fever tick control. Objective 2: Develop operationally useful plans for resistance management in fever tick infestations. Sub-obj. 2.A. Evaluate use of Co-Ral for its ability to eradicate organophosphate (OP)-resistant fever ticks in pasture conditions. Sub-obj. 2.B. Characterize emerging resistance to ivermectin and new acaricides in fever tick populations in Mexico. Sub- obj. 2.C. Establish and implement a diagnostic facility to monitor acaricide resistance, define mechanisms of resistance, and provide management strategies for controlling outbreak strains. Objective 3: Develop wildlife-based strategies to eradicate ticks on premises with infested deer, including research on ecology application of anti-tick vaccines and chemicals, novel delivery methods and field trials. Sub-obj. 3.A. Classify habitat preferences of white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks in Zapata County, TX, using satellite imagery. Sub-obj. 3.B. Analyze genetic associations among populations of southern cattle ticks and cattle ticks, on cattle, white-tailed deer, and other captive and wild ungulates. Sub-obj. 3.C. Evaluate efficacy of ARS-Patented '4- Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Station and medicated baits to eradicate cattle fever ticks feeding on white-tailed deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.D. Evaluate efficacy of new acaricides formulated for the '4-Poster' and other topical treatment devices to control blacklegged and lone star ticks feeding on white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks feeding on deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.E. Further develop and field test ARS-Patented Automatic Collaring Device for potential use in applying acaricidal neckbands to control all species of ticks that feed on white-tailed deer. Sub-obj. 3.F. Develop and field test slow-release long-lasting acaricidal neckband formulations for application to deer by the automatic collaring device. Sub-obj. 3.G. Describe relative importance of white-tailed deer as alternative hosts for the dispersal and maintenance of cattle fever tick populations. Objective 4: Perform research to support development of spatial models of adverse economic impact of re-infestation of fever ticks on Texas, other potentially infested states, and the U.S. cattle industry as a whole. Objective 5: Determine risk of Babesia transmission by ticks. Sub-obj. 5. A. Test for presence of Babesia in fever tick outbreak strains in south Texas. Sub-obj. 5.B. Using molecular techniques, evaluate both wild and captive white-tailed deer and exotic ungulates for the presence of Babesia. Sub-obj. 5.C. Determine if Rhipicephalus microplus can acquire Babesia from white-tailed deer and subsequently transmit Babesia to naive cattle. Approach (from AD-416): This project addresses the biology and control of ticks of veterinary and human importance with an emphasis on developing technologies to help maintain eradication of cattle fever ticks and the agents that they transmit causing potentially fatal bovine babesiosis and to reduce the risk of humans contracting tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and human ehrlichiosis. It is a multi-disciplinary project requiring scientists from a wide range of academic specialties, backgrounds, and experiences. The research approach is composed of 5 major objectives including: 1) to evaluate commercially available pesticides for use in the fever tick eradication program, 2) to monitor pesticide resistance in cattle fever ticks and develop plans to mitigate outbreaks of resistant ticks, 3) to develop and evaluate technologies and strategies to eradicate cattle fever ticks or control other tick species feeding on white-tailed deer and other wild ungulates, use satellite image analysis to classify deer habitat preferences, analyze genetic associations among fever ticks and hosts, and to elucidate the relative importance of white- tailed deer as alternative hosts for cattle fever ticks, 4) to continue data input, organization, and development of the GIS database of current and historical fever tick infestation data used to develop descriptive and predictive epidemiological models of fever tick outbreaks, and 5) to determine the risk of Babesia transmission by ticks, including the potential for wild and feral ungulates to serve as reservoir hosts. This will serve as the final report for this project, which will be replaced by two new project in early FY15. Ticks of veterinary and human importance affect livestock, causing millions of dollars in economic loss due to direct effects associated with blood feeding, and inflict substantial burden on animal and human health because of the deadly diseases they transmit. Novel technologies are needed for sustainable eradication of cattle fever ticks (CFT) and to reduce the risk of human exposure to diseases through the bite of other tick species. Scientists of the Tick and Biting Fly Research Unit, Kerrville, TX, documented the efficacy of a long-acting tickicide, compound or product able to kill ticks, and its potential utility for the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP), offering the opportunity for repeated treatments at 63 days apart and to reduce the number of required treatments, as well as gathering and handling costs, by 75% as compared with the presently required 14-day treatment interval. A geographic information system (GIS) database that incorporates location, collection, and records for CFT infesting cattle and white-tailed deer (WTD) spanning 10 years up to FY2009 was developed, which is used to generate maps and other summary spatial data the CFTEP employs to enforce eradication statutes. Facilitative ecological interactions were identified between invasive giant reed stands as favorable habitat for CFT in sectors of the CFTEP permanent quarantine zone (PQZ) along the U.S. �Mexico border. A solid feed supplement block medicated with a tickicide acting systemically was discovered, and preliminary testing proved its development would incentivize land owners to maintain cattle on infested premises rather than vacating them during the quarantine period. Infestation of WTD with CFT that are resistant to tickicides was documented and the same tick populations also infest cattle. Analyses for invasiveness done applying models showed the potential for range expansion of climate suitable for CFT survival in the southern U.S. by the middle of this century, which increases the risk of reintroduction of CFT and bovine babesiosis outbreaks in major cattle-producing areas. Information from studies in the PQZ helped improve deployment strategies and efficacy of self-treatment technologies to control CFT infesting WTD. The efficacy of a mixture of tickicides against resistant CFT was enhanced using a synergist. Our understanding of the involvement of wildlife as a complicating factor for CFTEP operations was expanded by documenting the infestation of red deer with CFT that are resistant to tickicides. A new formulation of existing anti-CFT vaccine technology was advanced to field safety tests. The concept of integrated eradication was proposed and provides the framework to address aspects related to global change that apparently increase the complexity of drivers for periodic surges of CFT outbreaks in the U.S. Studies revealed implications of climate change on the distribution of the tick vector and risk for Lyme disease in the Texas-Mexico transboundary region. The pathogenic landscape was described for transboundary diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans in the Mexico-US border along the Rio Grande. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations: A specific cooperative agreement was established with the University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX, which is a Hispanic Serving Institution (92% Hispanic enrollment). More than 30 students have been employed through this agreement to assist with studies of biological control of Arundo donax and mass-production of biological control agents. A grant from the USDA-NIFA Hispanic Serving Institution Education Grants Program was obtained by UTPA scientists in official collaboration with ARS scientists in Edinburg, TX, to fund six undergraduate mentored research internships per year for two years for Biology majors to work in USDA-ARS laboratories and complete projects focused on biological control of Arundo donax. The first group of six interns completed their studies in Year 2, with USDA-ARS mentoring provided by CFTRL. ARS scientists in Kerrville and Edinburg, TX, have participated in activities targeting minority students and teachers including: several sessions of the USDA Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program's Future Scientists Program. ARS scientists from Kerrville, TX, discussed adaptive strategies to mitigate the impact of invasive species affecting livestock with minority students at the Texas State University-San Marcos. ARS scientists from Kerrville, TX, hosted internships mentoring minority students at the Texas State University-San Marcos, as well as students from Schreiner University in Kerrville, and Texas A&M University- Kingsville. Accomplishments 01 Invasive potential of cattle fever ticks within the southern United States. Within the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in cattle fever tick (CFT) infestations in areas outside the tick eradication quarantine area (TEQA). This suggests these tick vectors may be poised to re-invade the southern United States. In collaboration with scientists at Northern Arizona University, ARS researchers at Kerrville, Texas, investigated the historical and potential future distributions of climatic habitats of CFT to assess the potential for range expansion. Ecological niche models indicate the potential for range expansion of climate suitable for survival of CFT in the southern United States by mid-century, which increases the risk of reintroduction of these ticks and cattle tick fever into major cattle- producing areas. 02 Integrated control of the southern cattle fever tick in Puerto Rico. The livestock industry of Puerto Rico suffers economic losses due to the impact of the southern cattle fever tick (SCFT) and the deadly diseases this tick transmits to cattle. At the request of the Department of Agriculture of Puerto Rico, ARS researchers at Kerrville and Edinburg, Texas, collaborated with federal and state government partners, and producers to complete the initial phase of a research project to develop an integrated program to control the SCFT using a combination of vaccines and targeted insecticides. Tick infestation levels, and rates of bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis were ascertained in cattle at the five study farms. This project will help meat and dairly producers in Puerto Rico to increase production and exports throughout the Caribbean region. 03 Genetic relatedness of cattle fever tick populations in southern Texas. Genetic studies of cattle fever tick populations in southern Texas were conducted to determine their origin(s). In collaboration with scientists at Northern Arizona University, ARS researchers at Kerrville, Texas, used molecular tools to study the genetic relationship of outbreak cattle fever ticks (CFT) within and outside the Permanent Quarantine Zone (PQZ) along the Rio Grande. The study revealed that CFT collected from cattle and their alternate host, white-tailed deer (WTD,) at the same location are not significantly different genetically. This implicates ticks from WTD as a source of ticks on cattle (and vice versa). Thus some tick populations have persisted over time despite implementation of eradication strategies in the PQZ. Ticks appeared to fall within four major genetic groups which indicates multiple successful tick invasions into the US. Population genetic analyses may provide a powerful tool for tracking tick invasions into the U.S. as well as in other parts of the world where these ticks are established. 04 Ecosystem acts as a biological barrier to tick invasion from Mexico. Cattle fever ticks (CFT) and giant reed are invasive alien species in North America, and they interact in the Cattle Fever Tick Permanent Quarantine Zone (PQZ) along the Rio Grande of Texas, where they increase the risk of tick-borne bovine babesiosis reentering the U.S. Field studies conducted in the PQZ have determined as compared with native vegetation, giant reed creates a favorable environment for CFT survival and has a negative impact on beneficial tick-feeding ants and beetles. Two biological control agents, the arundo wasp and arundo scale, have been evaluated and released to reduce giant reed reduce acreage and restore the biological barrier to tick invasion.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Jonsson, N.N., Miller, R., Kemp, D.H., Knowles, A., Ardila, A.E., Verrall, R.G., Rothwell, J.T. 2010. Rotation of treatments between spinosad and amitraz for the control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus populations with amitraz resistance. Veterinary Parasitology. 169: 157-164.
- Klafke, G.M., Aguiar De Albuquerqu, T., Miller, R., Sato-Schumaker, T.T. 2010. Selection of an ivermectin-resistant strain of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Brazil. Veterinary Parasitology. 168(1-2) :97-104.
- Miller, R. 2010. First report of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus resistant to ivermectin in Mexico. Veterinary Parasitology. 168:165-169.
- Phillips, P.L., Welch, J.B., Kramer, M.H. 2014. Development of a spatially targeted field sampling technique for the Southern Cattle Tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, by mapping white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, habitat in South Texas. Journal of Insect Science. 14:88.
- Davey, R.B., Thomas, D.B., Pound, J.M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Miller, R. 2014. Efficacy of an organophosphate mixture against an organophosphate- resistant strain of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Journal of Entomological Science. 48(4):306-316.
- Osbrink, W.L., Cornelius, M.L., Showler, A., Pound, J.M. 2014. Effects of a Fipronil spot-treatment on field colonies of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 107(2):727- 740.
- Lohmeyer, K.H., Pound, J.M., Yeater, K.M., May, M.A. 2014. Efficacy of Novaluron as a feed-through for control of immature horn flies, house flies, and stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae) developing in cow manure. Journal of Medical Entomology. 51(4):873-877.
- Rodriguez-Vivas, R.I., Perez-Cogollo, L.C., Rosado-Aguilar, J.A., Ojeda- Chi, M.M., Trinidad-Martinez, I., Miller, R., Li, A.Y., Perez De Leon, A.A. , Guerrero, F., Klafke, G.M. 2014. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus resistant to acaricides and ivermectin in cattle farms of Mexico. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. 23(n.2):113-122.
- Racelis, A., Goolsby, J. 2013. Rapid Assessment of Above-Ground Biomass of Giant Reed Using Visibility Estimates. Journal Subtropical Plant Science. 64:61-66.
- Takasu, K., Yoshiyasu, Y., Burrell,, A.M., Klein, P., Racelis, A.E., Goolsby, J., Overholt, W.A. 2014. First host record for Acrapex azumai Sugi (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Lepidoptera Science. 65:30-35.
- De Sousa, L.A., Da Costa, D.P., Ferri, P.H., Showler, A., Borges, L.M. 2014. Soil quality influences efficacy of Melia azedarach (Sapindales: Meliaceae), fruit extracts against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 107:484- 489.
- Grisi, L., Cerqueira Leite, R., De Souza Martins, J., Medeiros De Barros, A., Andreotti, R., Duarte Cancado, P., Perez De Leon, A.A., Barros Pereira, J., Silva Villela, H. 2014. Reassessment of the potential economic impact of cattle parasites in Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. 23(n.2):150-156.
- Busch, J.D., Stone, N.E., Nottingham, R., Araya-Anchetta, A., Lewis, J., Hochhalter, C., Giles, J.R., Freeman, J.M., Buckmeier, B.G., Bodine, D.L., Duhaime, R.A., Miller, R., Davey, R.B., Olafson, P.U., Scoles, G.A., Wagner, D.M. 2014. Widespread movement of invasive cattle fever ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus) in southern Texas leads to shared local infestations on cattle and deer. Parasites & Vectors. 7:188.
- Giles, J.R., Peterson, A.T., Busch, J.D., Olafson, P.U., Scoles, G.A., Davey, R.B., Pound, J.M., Kammlah, D.M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Wagner, D.M. 2014. Invasive potential of cattle fever ticks in the southern United States. Parasites & Vectors. 7:189.
- Brannon, J.L., Riggs, P.K., Olafson, P.U., Ivanov, I., Holman, P.J. 2014. Expression of bovine genes associated with a local and systemic immune response to infestation by the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum. Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases. 5:676-688.
- Thomas, D.B., Smith, A.D., Triplehorn, C.A., Aalbu, R.A. 2014. Walker's Eleodes (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Zootaxa. 3835(4):1175-5326.
- Feria-Arroyo, T.P., Castro-Arellano, I., Gordillo-Perez, G., Cavazos, A.L., Vargas-Sandoval, M., Grover, A., Torres, J., Medina, R.F., Perez de Leon, A.A., Esteve-Gassent, M.D. 2014. Implications of climate change on the distribution of the tick vector Ixodes scapularis and risk for Lyme disease in the Texas-Mexico transboundary region. Parasites & Vectors. 7:199.
|
Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Objective 1: Determine if new commercial insecticidal toxicants could be useful as acaricides in the eradication program. Sub-obj. 1.A. Evaluate use of currently available insecticide mixtures that might result in additive or synergistic effects to enhance efficacy in the control of ticks. Sub-obj. 1.B. Evaluate use of long-lasting acaricides for use in regulatory activities of the CFTEP. Sub-obj. 1.C. Evaluate novel methods of acaricide delivery for cattle fever tick control. Objective 2: Develop operationally useful plans for resistance management in fever tick infestations. Sub-obj. 2.A. Evaluate use of Co-Ral for its ability to eradicate organophosphate (OP)-resistant fever ticks in pasture conditions. Sub-obj. 2.B. Characterize emerging resistance to ivermectin and new acaricides in fever tick populations in Mexico. Sub- obj. 2.C. Establish and implement a diagnostic facility to monitor acaricide resistance, define mechanisms of resistance, and provide management strategies for controlling outbreak strains. Objective 3: Develop wildlife-based strategies to eradicate ticks on premises with infested deer, including research on ecology application of anti-tick vaccines and chemicals, novel delivery methods and field trials. Sub-obj. 3.A. Classify habitat preferences of white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks in Zapata County, TX, using satellite imagery. Sub-obj. 3.B. Analyze genetic associations among populations of southern cattle ticks and cattle ticks, on cattle, white-tailed deer, and other captive and wild ungulates. Sub-obj. 3.C. Evaluate efficacy of ARS-Patented '4- Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Station and medicated baits to eradicate cattle fever ticks feeding on white-tailed deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.D. Evaluate efficacy of new acaricides formulated for the '4-Poster' and other topical treatment devices to control blacklegged and lone star ticks feeding on white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks feeding on deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.E. Further develop and field test ARS-Patented Automatic Collaring Device for potential use in applying acaricidal neckbands to control all species of ticks that feed on white-tailed deer. Sub-obj. 3.F. Develop and field test slow-release long-lasting acaricidal neckband formulations for application to deer by the automatic collaring device. Sub-obj. 3.G. Describe relative importance of white-tailed deer as alternative hosts for the dispersal and maintenance of cattle fever tick populations. Objective 4: Perform research to support development of spatial models of adverse economic impact of re-infestation of fever ticks on Texas, other potentially infested states, and the U.S. cattle industry as a whole. Objective 5: Determine risk of Babesia transmission by ticks. Sub-obj. 5. A. Test for presence of Babesia in fever tick outbreak strains in south Texas. Sub-obj. 5.B. Using molecular techniques, evaluate both wild and captive white-tailed deer and exotic ungulates for the presence of Babesia. Sub-obj. 5.C. Determine if Rhipicephalus microplus can acquire Babesia from white-tailed deer and subsequently transmit Babesia to naive cattle. Approach (from AD-416): This project addresses the biology and control of ticks of veterinary and human importance with an emphasis on developing technologies to help maintain eradication of cattle fever ticks and the agents that they transmit causing potentially fatal bovine babesiosis and to reduce the risk of humans contracting tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and human ehrlichiosis. It is a multi-disciplinary project requiring scientists from a wide range of academic specialties, backgrounds, and experiences. The research approach is composed of 5 major objectives including: 1) to evaluate commercially available pesticides for use in the fever tick eradication program, 2) to monitor pesticide resistance in cattle fever ticks and develop plans to mitigate outbreaks of resistant ticks, 3) to develop and evaluate technologies and strategies to eradicate cattle fever ticks or control other tick species feeding on white-tailed deer and other wild ungulates, use satellite image analysis to classify deer habitat preferences, analyze genetic associations among fever ticks and hosts, and to elucidate the relative importance of white- tailed deer as alternative hosts for cattle fever ticks, 4) to continue data input, organization, and development of the GIS database of current and historical fever tick infestation data used to develop descriptive and predictive epidemiological models of fever tick outbreaks, and 5) to determine the risk of Babesia transmission by ticks, including the potential for wild and feral ungulates to serve as reservoir hosts. Research completed during the fourth year of this project included progress towards developing new tools for host-targeted control of ticks of veterinary/human importance. Testing of 21 outbreak strains of cattle fever ticks for resistance to 5 acaricides found that 5 strains were resistant. These findings were reported to CFTEP officials for use in planning program treatments in quarantine and outbreak areas. A laboratory strain of ivermectin-resistant fever ticks is being selected with ivermectin at each generation (current resistance ratio is 8.0). Larvae appear to delay development until ivermectin titers in the host serum drop below a critical threshold, and larvae continue to develop and engorge to repletion 10 days later than what would be expected. Solid feed supplement blocks medicated with ivermectin developed and tested by ARS to eradicate fever ticks on cattle are in the final stages of field testing for use by the CFTEP. This technology has great potential for use as a "stand alone" treatment for eradicating ticks. ARS personnel continue daily input of CFTEP data into GIS databases that are queried to produce imagery to assist CFTEP in designing treatment regimens, evaluating release of temporary quarantines, selection of field sites, visualizing riding trails for tick inspectors, and quantifying ranges of white-tailed deer. In collaboration with scientists at Northern Arizona University, the temporal and spatial genetic relationship of outbreak ticks within and outside the quarantine zone was successfully evaluated. The data revealed low genetic differentiation in a number of tick populations with archived material representing a greater than 2-year time span, suggesting these populations persisted over time despite implementation of eradication protocol. Ticks within and outside the quarantine zone appear to fall within 4 major genetic groups. These findings are the first to evaluate relatedness of outbreak ticks, data that is in support of epidemiological efforts to identify the origin of outbreak ticks and possible dispersal methods. Scientists continued to evaluate attachment and detachment of identification and potentially acaricidal neckbands to wild white-tailed deer with the ARS-patented automatic collaring device. Field evaluations of biological control agents of Arundo donax, an invasive weed that facilitates invasion of fever ticks and reduces visibility/access to the permanent quarantine zone for the CFTEP, were continued. The arundo wasp reached outbreak levels along the Rio Grande, causing significant damage. A second agent, the arundo scale, was established at 9 release sites between Del Rio and Brownsville. Studies of ants at the release sites showed that fire ants can reduce initial establishment of scale if not controlled. Biological studies of a new agent, the arundo leafminer, Lasioptera donacis, and fungi/termites that can decompose dead standing cane were initiated. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations: During FY 2013, ARS scientists in Kerrville, TX, advised, collaborated, and assisted efforts to gain approval and establish a legal pathway for citizens of Fire Island, NY, to apply for permission and obtain licenses to deploy and maintain '4-Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Stations at communities on the island. This involved negotiations among the Wildlife Division of NY Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC), the Pesticide Regulatory Division of the NYDEC, the U.S. Department of Interior, Parks and Wildlife, Fire Island National Seashore, and citizens of Fire Island. Multi-year studies undertaken by the Cornell University Extension entomologists and the NY Department of Health on Fire and Shelter Islands, both on Long Island, NY, demonstrated significantly high efficacy of the technology in reducing populations of blacklegged and lone star ticks to warrant continued intervention. A specific cooperative agreement was established with the University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX, which is a Hispanic Serving Institution (92% Hispanic enrollment). More than 30 students have been employed through this agreement to assist with studies of biological control of Arundo donax and mass-production of biological control agents. A grant from the USDA-NIFA Hispanic Serving Institution Education Grants Program was obtained by UTPA scientists in official collaboration with ARS scientists in Edinburg, TX, to fund six undergraduate mentored research internships per year for two years for Biology majors to work in USDA-ARS laboratories and complete projects focused on biological control of Arundo donax. The first group of six interns completed their studies in Year 2, with USDA-ARS mentoring provided by CFTRL. ARS scientists in Kerrville, TX, have participated in activities targeting minority students and teachers including: several sessions of the USDA Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program's Future Scientists Program held at the location in Kerrville. ARS scientists from Kerrville, TX, discussed adaptive strategies to mitigate the impact of invasive species affecting livestock with minority students at the Texas State University-San Marcos. Accomplishments 01 Pesticide mixtures control pesticide-resistant cattle fever ticks. At the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, Texas, the efficacy of pesticide mixtures was evaluated through laboratory and animal experiments to determine if the mixtures were able to better control cattle fever ticks resistant to pesticides. Results of laboratory tests revealed that the pesticide mixtures killed resistant ticks better than when only a single pesticide was used. The highest level of control was obtained with a mixture of two pesticides and another chemical known as a synergist. This mixture yielded >95% control for 28 days post-treatment against cattle fever ticks on live animals under field conditions. This work will potentially aid the U.S. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication program as resistant ticks are common in Mexico and pesticide mixtures are not commonly used in the U.S. to eradicate ticks that cross the boarder from Mexico.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Pound, J.M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Davey, R.B., Miller, J.A., George, J.E. 2012. Efficacy of amitraz-impregnated collars on white-tailed deer (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in reducing free-living populations of lone star ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 105(6):2207-2212.
- Davey, R.B., Pound, J.M., Lohmeyer, K.H. 2013. Suppression of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) on pastured cattle using abamectin-impregnated cattle ear tag. Journal of Entomological Science. 48:99-113.
- Lohmeyer, K.H., Pound, J.M., Klavons, J.A., Davey, R.B. 2013. Liquid chromatographic detection of permethrin from filter paper wipes of white- tailed deer. Journal of Entomological Science. 48:258-260.
|
Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Objective 1: Determine if new commercial insecticidal toxicants could be useful as acaricides in the eradication program. Sub-obj. 1.A. Evaluate use of currently available insecticide mixtures that might result in additive or synergistic effects to enhance efficacy in the control of ticks. Sub-obj. 1.B. Evaluate use of long-lasting acaricides for use in regulatory activities of the CFTEP. Sub-obj. 1.C. Evaluate novel methods of acaricide delivery for cattle fever tick control. Objective 2: Develop operationally useful plans for resistance management in fever tick infestations. Sub-obj. 2.A. Evaluate use of Co-Ral for its ability to eradicate organophosphate (OP)-resistant fever ticks in pasture conditions. Sub-obj. 2.B. Characterize emerging resistance to ivermectin and new acaricides in fever tick populations in Mexico. Sub- obj. 2.C. Establish and implement a diagnostic facility to monitor acaricide resistance, define mechanisms of resistance, and provide management strategies for controlling outbreak strains. Objective 3: Develop wildlife-based strategies to eradicate ticks on premises with infested deer, including research on ecology application of anti-tick vaccines and chemicals, novel delivery methods and field trials. Sub-obj. 3.A. Classify habitat preferences of white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks in Zapata County, TX, using satellite imagery. Sub-obj. 3.B. Analyze genetic associations among populations of southern cattle ticks and cattle ticks, on cattle, white-tailed deer, and other captive and wild ungulates. Sub-obj. 3.C. Evaluate efficacy of ARS-Patented '4- Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Station and medicated baits to eradicate cattle fever ticks feeding on white-tailed deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.D. Evaluate efficacy of new acaricides formulated for the '4-Poster' and other topical treatment devices to control blacklegged and lone star ticks feeding on white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks feeding on deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.E. Further develop and field test ARS-Patented Automatic Collaring Device for potential use in applying acaricidal neckbands to control all species of ticks that feed on white-tailed deer. Sub-obj. 3.F. Develop and field test slow-release long-lasting acaricidal neckband formulations for application to deer by the automatic collaring device. Sub-obj. 3.G. Describe relative importance of white-tailed deer as alternative hosts for the dispersal and maintenance of cattle fever tick populations. Objective 4: Perform research to support development of spatial models of adverse economic impact of re-infestation of fever ticks on Texas, other potentially infested states, and the U.S. cattle industry as a whole. Objective 5: Determine risk of Babesia transmission by ticks. Sub-obj. 5. A. Test for presence of Babesia in fever tick outbreak strains in south Texas. Sub-obj. 5.B. Using molecular techniques, evaluate both wild and captive white-tailed deer and exotic ungulates for the presence of Babesia. Sub-obj. 5.C. Determine if Rhipicephalus microplus can acquire Babesia from white-tailed deer and subsequently transmit Babesia to naive cattle. Approach (from AD-416): This project addresses the biology and control of ticks of veterinary and human importance with an emphasis on developing technologies to help maintain eradication of cattle fever ticks and the agents that they transmit causing potentially fatal bovine babesiosis and to reduce the risk of humans contracting tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and human ehrlichiosis. It is a multi-disciplinary project requiring scientists from a wide range of academic specialties, backgrounds, and experiences. The research approach is composed of 5 major objectives including: 1) to evaluate commercially available pesticides for use in the fever tick eradication program, 2) to monitor pesticide resistance in cattle fever ticks and develop plans to mitigate outbreaks of resistant ticks, 3) to develop and evaluate technologies and strategies to eradicate cattle fever ticks or control other tick species feeding on white-tailed deer and other wild ungulates, use satellite image analysis to classify deer habitat preferences, analyze genetic associations among fever ticks and hosts, and to elucidate the relative importance of white- tailed deer as alternative hosts for cattle fever ticks, 4) to continue data input, organization, and development of the GIS database of current and historical fever tick infestation data used to develop descriptive and predictive epidemiological models of fever tick outbreaks, and 5) to determine the risk of Babesia transmission by ticks, including the potential for wild and feral ungulates to serve as reservoir hosts. Research during the third year of this five-year project has contributed significantly to meeting objectives to advance control of ticks of veterinary and human importance with emphasis on developing technologies for host-targeted control of ticks on cattle and white-tailed deer. This project derives answers and advancements through discovery, data collection, and data analyses, and requires scientific expertise from diverse disciplines including entomology, acarology, chemistry, ecology, molecular, biology, molecular genetics, geographical information systems, and immunology. Susceptibility tests of 21 strains of fever ticks from outbreaks in the U.S. to several acaricides revealed that 3 were moderately to highly resistant to pyrethroid acaricides. These findings warned APHIS-VS tick eradication officials that the use of permethrin in 4-Poster devices to control ticks on deer in these areas would be ill advised and ineffective. Solid feed supplement blocks medicated with ivermectin developed and proven by ARS to eradicate fever ticks on cattle are being field tested for applicability to the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. This technology has great potential for use as a "stand alone" treatment for eradicating ticks, and would provide incentive for land owners to maintain cattle on premises rather than vacating them during the quarantine period. ARS personnel continue daily input of tick eradication program data into GIS databases that are queried to produce imagery to assist CFTEP in placing deer treatment stations, evaluating release of temporary quarantines, determining treatment priorities, selecting sites for field trials, visualizing border trails ridden on horseback by tick inspectors, and quantifying ranges of white-tailed deer. ARS scientists repeatedly infested deer with one-host ticks and achieved an acquired immunological resistance response. The study supports the role for T-cells in the response and demonstrated cellular recruitment at attachment sites, and analysis of cytokine gene expression revealed the localized skin response was characterized by up- regulation of cytokines. Scientists sampled for fever ticks in areas with no history of cattle to determine if ticks existed in areas solely from white-tailed deer. Additional multi-seasonal studies are ongoing to determine if the exotic weed, Carrizo cane, is facilitating reinfestations of ticks along the Rio Grande. ARS scientists established a laboratory colony of an ivermectin-resistant strain of southern cattle ticks from Veracruz, Mexico, and bioassays determined a survival rate of roughly 60% as compared to an expected 0.1% survival from a known non- resistant laboratory strain. The resistant strain also is resistant to other classes of acaricides. Scientists continued to evaluate attachment and detachment of identification and potentially acaricidal neckbands to wild white-tailed deer with the ARS-patented automatic collaring device, and with cooperators are field testing a computerized sensor to maximize efficiency of the ARS deer capture facility and an automatic radio frequency Identification (RFID) tag implantation device for deer. Accomplishments 01 Evaluation of repeated acaricide injections to control cattle fever tick Although injections of doramectin to eradicate cattle fever ticks requi half the number of treatments as standard coumaphos dips and significant reduces costs of regulatory treatments to ranchers, there is concern tha repeated injections at 25- to 28-day intervals could eventually reduce efficacy of treatments. In a study at Edinburg, Texas, cattle were repeatedly injected at 28-day intervals throughout the year, with blood serum concentration used as a predictor of the probability of female cattle fever ticks being able to survive and reproduce by successfully feeding to repletion between treatments. Of the two dosages that were tested, the higher dose had a 100% kill rate, and the blood serum concentration never dropped below this level between treatments. Thus, a this dosage it would be impossible for ticks to reach full engorgement between consecutive treatments. Results of this study demonstrated that the trial policy, instituted by the USDA, APHIS, VS, Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program, of repeatedly treating cattle with doramectin injections at 25- to 28-day intervals for eliminating cattle fever ticks would produce little or no risk of any viable ticks developing to repletion and re-infesting the field between treatment applications. 02 Exclusion fences protect deer treatment stations. Bait stations that administer acaricides to white-tailed deer to control cattle fever, blacklegged, or lone star ticks are subject to damage or destruction fro feral swine, javelina, and raccoons. This interferes with treatments and increases costs associated with repair or replacement, as well as loss o large quantities of whole kernel corn used as bait. Researchers at Kerrville, Texas, developed and field tested a 2-foot high, 30-foot diameter, circular exclusion fence that includes 3 strands of electric fence wire around the exterior. The fence has a battery powered fence charger attached on the inside and is capped along the top with split garden hose. As deer approach, they are attracted to the sight and smell of the garden hose and jump over the fence to access the bait station. T shorter feral swine, javelina, and raccoons approach the side of the fen and are repelled as they contact the electrified wires. Four units were constructed within the fever tick quarantine area along the Texas border with Mexico and were shown to be 100% effective. This technology could save the APHIS-VS Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program considerable fun and also significantly increase efficacy and efficiency of deer treatmen
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Davey, R.B., Pound, J.M., Klavons, J.A., Lohmeyer, K.H., Freeman, J.M., Olafson, P.U. 2012. Analysis of doramectin in the serum of repeatedly treated pastured cattle used to predict the probability of cattle fever ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) feeding to repletion. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 56(4):365-374.
- Lohmeyer, K.H., Pound, J.M., Miller, A.J., Klavons, J.A., Davey, R.B. 2012. Use of a molasses�based liquid feed supplement to deliver Ivermectin to cattle to control ectoparasites. International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine. 10:137-141.
- Racelis, A.E., Davey, R.B., Goolsby, J., Perez De Leon, A.A., Varner, K., Duhaime, R. 2012. Facilitative ecological interactions between invasive species: Arundo donax (Poaceae) stands as favorable habitat for cattle ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) along the U.S.-Mexico border. Journal of Medical Entomology. 49(2):410-417.
- Racelis, A.E., Davey, R.B. 2011. New survival record of southern cattle tick in subfreezing temperatures. Southwestern Entomologist. 36(3):383-385.
- Lohmeyer, K.H., Davey, R.B., Pound, J.M. 2012. Therapeutic and residual efficacy of a pour-on formulation of Novaluron against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari:Ixodidae) on infested cattle. Journal of Entomological Research. 47(3):238-246.
- Pound, J.M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Davey, R.B., Soliz, L.A., Olafson, P.U. 2012. Excluding feral swine, javelina, and raccoons from deer bait stations. Human-Wildlife Interactions. 36:383-385.
|
Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Objective 1: Determine if new commercial insecticidal toxicants could be useful as acaricides in the eradication program. Sub-obj. 1.A. Evaluate use of currently available insecticide mixtures that might result in additive or synergistic effects to enhance efficacy in the control of ticks. Sub-obj. 1.B. Evaluate use of long-lasting acaricides for use in regulatory activities of the CFTEP. Sub-obj. 1.C. Evaluate novel methods of acaricide delivery for cattle fever tick control. Objective 2: Develop operationally useful plans for resistance management in fever tick infestations. Sub-obj. 2.A. Evaluate use of Co-Ral for its ability to eradicate organophosphate (OP)-resistant fever ticks in pasture conditions. Sub-obj. 2.B. Characterize emerging resistance to ivermectin and new acaricides in fever tick populations in Mexico. Sub- obj. 2.C. Establish and implement a diagnostic facility to monitor acaricide resistance, define mechanisms of resistance, and provide management strategies for controlling outbreak strains. Objective 3: Develop wildlife-based strategies to eradicate ticks on premises with infested deer, including research on ecology application of anti-tick vaccines and chemicals, novel delivery methods and field trials. Sub-obj. 3.A. Classify habitat preferences of white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks in Zapata County, TX, using satellite imagery. Sub-obj. 3.B. Analyze genetic associations among populations of southern cattle ticks and cattle ticks, on cattle, white-tailed deer, and other captive and wild ungulates. Sub-obj. 3.C. Evaluate efficacy of ARS-Patented '4- Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Station and medicated baits to eradicate cattle fever ticks feeding on white-tailed deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.D. Evaluate efficacy of new acaricides formulated for the '4-Poster' and other topical treatment devices to control blacklegged and lone star ticks feeding on white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks feeding on deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.E. Further develop and field test ARS-Patented Automatic Collaring Device for potential use in applying acaricidal neckbands to control all species of ticks that feed on white-tailed deer. Sub-obj. 3.F. Develop and field test slow-release long-lasting acaricidal neckband formulations for application to deer by the automatic collaring device. Sub-obj. 3.G. Describe relative importance of white-tailed deer as alternative hosts for the dispersal and maintenance of cattle fever tick populations. Objective 4: Perform research to support development of spatial models of adverse economic impact of re-infestation of fever ticks on Texas, other potentially infested states, and the U.S. cattle industry as a whole. Objective 5: Determine risk of Babesia transmission by ticks. Sub-obj. 5. A. Test for presence of Babesia in fever tick outbreak strains in south Texas. Sub-obj. 5.B. Using molecular techniques, evaluate both wild and captive white-tailed deer and exotic ungulates for the presence of Babesia. Sub-obj. 5.C. Determine if Rhipicephalus microplus can acquire Babesia from white-tailed deer and subsequently transmit Babesia to naive cattle. Approach (from AD-416) This project addresses the biology and control of ticks of veterinary and human importance with an emphasis on developing technologies to help maintain eradication of cattle fever ticks and the agents that they transmit causing potentially fatal bovine babesiosis and to reduce the risk of humans contracting tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and human ehrlichiosis. It is a multi-disciplinary project requiring scientists from a wide range of academic specialties, backgrounds, and experiences. The research approach is composed of 5 major objectives including: 1) to evaluate commercially available pesticides for use in the fever tick eradication program, 2) to monitor pesticide resistance in cattle fever ticks and develop plans to mitigate outbreaks of resistant ticks, 3) to develop and evaluate technologies and strategies to eradicate cattle fever ticks or control other tick species feeding on white-tailed deer and other wild ungulates, use satellite image analysis to classify deer habitat preferences, analyze genetic associations among fever ticks and hosts, and to elucidate the relative importance of white- tailed deer as alternative hosts for cattle fever ticks, 4) to continue data input, organization, and development of the GIS database of current and historical fever tick infestation data used to develop descriptive and predictive epidemiological models of fever tick outbreaks, and 5) to determine the risk of Babesia transmission by ticks, including the potential for wild and feral ungulates to serve as reservoir hosts. Research accomplished during the second year of this five-year project has contributed significantly toward meeting the objectives designed to effect control of ticks of veterinary and human importance, primarily by developing technologies and methods for host-targeted control of ticks on cattle and white-tailed deer. This multifaceted project that addresses discovery, data collection, and analyses supporting these studies employs scientific expertise from a variety of disciplines including entomology, acarology, chemistry, ecology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, geography, remote sensing, and immunology. A study to develop and evaluate medicated feed supplement blocks to prevent ticks from feeding on cattle was highly successful, with no ticks of any stage being detected on cattle from the fourth week of treatment through the remainder of the 40-week study. ARS scientists continued to collaborate with scientists at Texas A&M University Kingsville on a multi-year project to evaluate the role of white-tailed deer in compromising the fever tick eradication program and to improve deployment strategies and efficacy of self-treatment technologies developed and patented by ARS to control ticks feeding on white-tailed deer. ARS personnel continued to acquire and enter data into the ARS Cattle Fever Tick GIS Databases that compile numerical and geographic data of current and historical eradication intervention efforts. ARS queries these databases to provide APHIS with detailed maps of regulated premises, geo-spatial boundaries, and summary spatial data of Temporary Preventative Quarantines defined by the Texas Animal Health Commission. ARS continued collaborations with industrial partners to engineer improvements to thermal polymer attachment and detachment modules for neckbands used with the ARS- patented automatic deer collaring device. Re-engineered parts were manufactured and are being field-tested to evaluate function and durability. In collaboration with scientists at Northern Arizona University, genetic markers were identified that can be used in genetic studies of spatial associations among geographic populations of fever ticks, and additional microsatellite loci that may be similarly useful in these studies were identified from genomic DNA. The question of whether cattle fever ticks from white-tailed deer and cattle are genetically similar was addressed by evaluating three locations where ticks were collected from deer and cattle in the same or neighboring pastures. Genetic structure was low or absent between ticks from deer vs. cattle, indicating the ticks were using both hosts equally, i.e., there was no host specificity. ARS scientists also are studying deer that are repeatedly infested with ticks while held under conditions that prevents the deer from grooming. Biological samples including blood and biopsies at tick attachment sites have been collected and are being analyzed to describe the immune response of deer to repeated tick infestation. The effect of repeated infestation on the ability of ticks to produce viable eggs is also being assessed.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Davey, R.B., Pound, J.M., Klavons, J.A., Lohmeyer, K.H., Freeman, J.M., Perez De Leon, A.A., Miller, R. 2011. Efficacy and blood sera analysis of a long-acting formulation of moxidectin against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) on treated cattle. Journal of Medical Entomology. 48(2):314-321.
- Lohmeyer, K.H., Pound, J.M., May, M.A., Kammlah, D.M., Davey, R.B. 2011. Distribution of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and R.(B.) annulatus (Acari: Ixodidae) re-infestitation detected in the U.S. along the Texas/Mexico border. Journal of Medical Entomology. 48(4):770-774.
- Miller, R., White, W.H., Davey, R.B., George, J.E., Perez De Leon, A.A. 2011. Efficacy of spinosad against acaricide-resistant and -susceptible Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and acaricide-susceptible Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis. Journal of Medical Entomology. 48(2) :358�365.
|
Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Objective 1: Determine if new commercial insecticidal toxicants could be useful as acaricides in the eradication program. Sub-obj. 1.A. Evaluate use of currently available insecticide mixtures that might result in additive or synergistic effects to enhance efficacy in the control of ticks. Sub-obj. 1.B. Evaluate use of long-lasting acaricides for use in regulatory activities of the CFTEP. Sub-obj. 1.C. Evaluate novel methods of acaricide delivery for cattle fever tick control. Objective 2: Develop operationally useful plans for resistance management in fever tick infestations. Sub-obj. 2.A. Evaluate use of Co-Ral for its ability to eradicate organophosphate (OP)-resistant fever ticks in pasture conditions. Sub-obj. 2.B. Characterize emerging resistance to ivermectin and new acaricides in fever tick populations in Mexico. Sub- obj. 2.C. Establish and implement a diagnostic facility to monitor acaricide resistance, define mechanisms of resistance, and provide management strategies for controlling outbreak strains. Objective 3: Develop wildlife-based strategies to eradicate ticks on premises with infested deer, including research on ecology application of anti-tick vaccines and chemicals, novel delivery methods and field trials. Sub-obj. 3.A. Classify habitat preferences of white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks in Zapata County, TX, using satellite imagery. Sub-obj. 3.B. Analyze genetic associations among populations of southern cattle ticks and cattle ticks, on cattle, white-tailed deer, and other captive and wild ungulates. Sub-obj. 3.C. Evaluate efficacy of ARS-Patented '4- Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Station and medicated baits to eradicate cattle fever ticks feeding on white-tailed deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.D. Evaluate efficacy of new acaricides formulated for the '4-Poster' and other topical treatment devices to control blacklegged and lone star ticks feeding on white-tailed deer and cattle fever ticks feeding on deer in infested premises in South Texas. Sub-obj. 3.E. Further develop and field test ARS-Patented Automatic Collaring Device for potential use in applying acaricidal neckbands to control all species of ticks that feed on white-tailed deer. Sub-obj. 3.F. Develop and field test slow-release long-lasting acaricidal neckband formulations for application to deer by the automatic collaring device. Sub-obj. 3.G. Describe relative importance of white-tailed deer as alternative hosts for the dispersal and maintenance of cattle fever tick populations. Objective 4: Perform research to support development of spatial models of adverse economic impact of re-infestation of fever ticks on Texas, other potentially infested states, and the U.S. cattle industry as a whole. Objective 5: Determine risk of Babesia transmission by ticks. Sub-obj. 5. A. Test for presence of Babesia in fever tick outbreak strains in south Texas. Sub-obj. 5.B. Using molecular techniques, evaluate both wild and captive white-tailed deer and exotic ungulates for the presence of Babesia. Sub-obj. 5.C. Determine if Rhipicephalus microplus can acquire Babesia from white-tailed deer and subsequently transmit Babesia to naive cattle. Approach (from AD-416) This project addresses the biology and control of ticks of veterinary and human importance with an emphasis on developing technologies to help maintain eradication of cattle fever ticks and the agents that they transmit causing potentially fatal bovine babesiosis and to reduce the risk of humans contracting tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and human ehrlichiosis. It is a multi-disciplinary project requiring scientists from a wide range of academic specialties, backgrounds, and experiences. The research approach is composed of 5 major objectives including: 1) to evaluate commercially available pesticides for use in the fever tick eradication program, 2) to monitor pesticide resistance in cattle fever ticks and develop plans to mitigate outbreaks of resistant ticks, 3) to develop and evaluate technologies and strategies to eradicate cattle fever ticks or control other tick species feeding on white-tailed deer and other wild ungulates, use satellite image analysis to classify deer habitat preferences, analyze genetic associations among fever ticks and hosts, and to elucidate the relative importance of white- tailed deer as alternative hosts for cattle fever ticks, 4) to continue data input, organization, and development of the GIS database of current and historical fever tick infestation data used to develop descriptive and predictive epidemiological models of fever tick outbreaks, and 5) to determine the risk of Babesia transmission by ticks, including the potential for wild and feral ungulates to serve as reservoir hosts. Research accomplished during the first year of this five-year project has contributed significantly toward meeting the objectives. This multifaceted project addresses control of ticks of veterinary and human importance by developing technologies and methods for host-targeted control of ticks on cattle and white-tailed deer. Discovery, data collection, and analyses supporting these efforts are provided by scientists from disciplines including entomology, acarology, chemistry, ecology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, geography, remote sensing, and immunology. A new long-lasting acaricide was evaluated to treat cattle that could potentially reduce the number of gatherings and treatments of cattle by one-fourth as compared with the standard regulatory treatment intervals, and agreements were finalized to test other long-lasting chemicals for potential use in the eradication program. ARS personnel continued to acquire and enter data into the ARS Cattle Fever Tick GIS Databases that compile numerical and geographic data of current and historical eradication intervention efforts. ARS continues to query these databases to provide APHIS with detailed maps of regulated premises, geo-spatial boundary maps, and summary spatial data of Temporary Preventative Quarantines as defined by the Texas Animal Health Commission. In collaboration with scientists at Texas A&M Kingsville, a multi-year project was begun to evaluate the role of white-tailed deer in compromising the fever tick eradication program, and to improve deployment strategies and efficacy of ARS-patented and developed self- treatment technologies to control fever ticks on white-tailed deer. Major upgrades were made to the ARS-patented deer collaring device, collar components were re-engineered and constructed, and acaricidal collar strapping was developed and manufactured by a foreign company that will be field tested for extended longevity. Initial field tests of these improvements will be implemented during FY 2011. In collaboration with scientists at Northern Arizona University, genetic markers were identified that can be used in genetic studies of spatial associations among geographic populations of fever ticks, and additional microsatellite loci that may be similarly useful in these studies were identified from genomic DNA. A reverse line blot assay was developed to detect genomic DNA in cattle fever tick isolates for the two disease agents that cause bovine babesiosis. Serum samples have been collected from 60 white-tailed deer with potential exposure to fever ticks, 25 similarly exposed nilgai antelope, and 8 deer with no previous exposure to fever ticks that will be used in the development and validation of a cELISA assay to detect the presence of serum antibody against Babesia in exotic ungulates to elucidate their potential role as reservoirs for the disease agents. Accomplishments 01 New acaricide formulation for permethrin resistant fever ticks on deer. Recently there has been much concern that acaricide-resistant cattle fev ticks may enter the U.S. from Mexico and compromise eradication of these ticks from the U.S. Routine bioassays to evaluate acaricide resistance i outbreak strains of these ticks detected four strains that were highly resistant to the pyrethroid acaricide permethrin. While these resistant ticks could easily be controlled if they were on cattle by dipping the cattle in the organophosphate acaricide coumaphos, the only acaricide appropriate for use on rollers of "4-Poster" Deer Treatment Bait Station and "2-Poster" Deer Treatment Feeder Adapters to topically treat white- tailed deer was permethrin based, and this would not be effective agains the resistant ticks. To facilitate control of these permethrin-resistant ticks on deer, a formulation of the formamidine acaricide amitraz was developed and transferred to personnel of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Perez De Leon, A.A., Strickman, D.A., Knowles Jr, D.P., Fish, D., Thacker, E.L., De La Fuente, J., Krause, P.J., Wikel, S.K., Miller, R., Wagner, G.G. , Almazan, C., Hillman, R., Messenger, M.T., Ugstad, P.O., Duhaime, R.A., Teel, P.D., Ortega-Santos, A., Hewitt, D.G., Bowers, E.J., Bent, S.J., Cochran, M.H., Mcelwain, T.F., Scoles, G.A., Suarez, C.E., Davey, R.B., Freeman, J.M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Li, A.Y., Guerrero, F., Kammlah, D.M., Phillips, P.L., Pound, J.M. 2010. One Health approach to identify research needs in bovine and human babesioses: Workshop report. Parasites & Vectors. 3:Article 36.
- Carroll, J.F., Benante, J.P., Kramer, M.H., Lohmeyer, K.H., Lawrence, K. 2010. Formulations of Deet, Picaridin and IR3535 applied to skin repel nymphs of the Lone Star Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) for 12 hours. Journal of Medical Entomology. 47(4):699-704.
- Davey, R.B., Pound, J.M., Miller, J.A., Klavons, J.A. 2010. Therapeutic and persistent efficacy of a long-acting (LA) formulation of ivermectin against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) and sera concentration through time in treated cattle. Veterinary Parasitology. 169(1-2):149-156.
- Pound, J.M., George, J.E., Kammlah, D.M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Davey, R.B. 2010. Evidence for the role of white-tailed deer (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in epizootiology of cattle ticks and southern cattle ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in re-infestations along the Texas/Mexico border in South Texas: A review and update. Journal of Economic Entomology. 103:211-218.
|
|