Control of parasitic arthropods

Abstract

The review examines the history of control measures for the most important arthropod parasites of vertebrates, and discusses possible future trends. Control measures are discussed under the headings of discretional and strategic suppression and eradication, particular attention being focussed on screw-worm and cattle tick ( Boophilus) eradication and the bearing of social and economic factors on the success of campaigns. The importance of economic loss assessments is stressed in relation to the practicability of bringing control measures to bear on parasitic arthropods, but caution is indicated, due to fluctuations in the market value of stock and rises in the costs of pesticides. Stress is laid on the importance of chemicals in control, and the world spectrum of arthropod resistance to pesticides is examined. Detailed consideration is given to the problem in relation to sheep blowflies and cattle ticks. Prospects for future control of biting and nuisance flies, which pose particular problems, are discussed. The potential value of dung beetles in this field is considered to be high. Management of sheep blowfly populations is currently being approached along a number of lines which may eventually interact, including genetic manipulation, novel forms of chemical control, depilation of strike-susceptible areas and the selection of easy-care sheep. In the management of cattle tick populations, past, present and potential problems of acaricide resistance and the existing and potential role of tick-resistant cattle are major considerations in the development of integrated control measures, particularly for Boophilus spp.