Abstract
Ectoparasitic infestation in dairy cattle, the most common being Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, causes significant loss in production. The control of ectoparasites often occurs incorrectly, resulting in resistance to the active ingredients and residues in milk. To understand of acaricide use in the microregion of Alfenas, Minas Gerais (Brazil), questionnaires were applied to the owners of 100 dairy farms in the region and were selected randomly. Dairy farms were allocated according to production scale: up to 150 liters/day, 151-400 liters/day and more than 400 liters/day. The interviewees were asked about production characteristics, acaricide management and active ingredients. The interview answers were subjected to descriptive analysis. Results showed that all properties, independent of production-scale, used acaricides. The most cited was: Cypermethrin Chlorpyrifos Citronellal (31%), Fluazuron (18.6%) and Fipronil (17%). Among the interviewed, 41,1% use drugs that have restrictions that are not allowed in legislation for use in lactating dairy cows (fluazuron, fipronil, ivermectin). 15% affirmed they weren't aware of the "withdrawal period" of medication and 73% change in the active ingredient used. In order to revert this antiparasitic drug's resistance situation and contamination of milk with drug residues, it is necessary to focus on the awareness of milk producers and training of labor.
Highlights
Minas Gerais, a state located in Southeastern Brazil, has the largest milk production in the country
There was a statistical difference (P> 0.01) between the establishments evaluated for the variables of total cows, lactating cows, daily production and animal productivity (Table 1), which is related to the production scale
The most used acaricides were a mixture of Cypermethrin + Chlorpyrifos + Citronellal 31% (n = 40), followed by Fluazuron 18.6% (n = 24), Fipronil 17% (n = 22) and Amitrax 10.8% (n=14) (Table 2)
Summary
Minas Gerais, a state located in Southeastern Brazil, has the largest milk production in the country. The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, is responsible for an annual economic impact of 3.24 billion dollars in Brazil, and for 2.7% reduction in the milk production of Minas Gerais (Grisi et al, 2014; Rodrigues & Leite, 2013). Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus can be found mainly in areas of tropical climate, and is a one-host parasite. The cycle happens in two different phases: the non-parasitic phase occurs when the engorged female detaches from the host, falls and starts laying eggs. The parasitic phase takes place when the young ticks are already in their parasitic phase and attach themselves to the host
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