Perceptions and attitudes among milk producers in Minas Gerais regarding cattle tick biology and control

Abstract

This study evaluates milk producers' knowledge regarding cattle ticks and practices for controlling them. Ninetythree dairymen in Minas Gerais were interviewed. These producers had no information regarding acaricide efficiency tests. To analyze the information, open responses were categorized through "content analysis", and descriptive analysis consisting of extracting the profile highlighted by the highest frequencies. The association between schooling level and knowledge was tested by means of chi-square trend tests. It was observed that 92.3% had no knowledge of the nonparasitic period. For 96.4%, what determined the time to apply treatment was the degree of tick infestation; 93.3% used spray guns to apply the acaricide. In seeking to cross-correlate the biological and control variables with education, cooperative action, length of experience and herd size, it was found that there was a linear association between schooling level and implementation of acaricide solution preparation. The other factors didn't show any significant association. These data demonstrated the need to instruct the producers in relation to the biology and control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. It was concluded that the majority of milk producers were unaware of cattle tick biology and the factors that influence choosing an acaricide, which makes it difficult to implement strategic control.Keywords: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, knowledge, EMBRAPA dairy cattle. ResumoEste estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento dos produtores de leite sobre o carrapato dos bovinos e seu controle. Foram entrevistados 93 produtores de leite de Minas Gerais. Estes produtores não tinham informação sobre testes de eficiência de carrapaticidas e controle de carrapatos. Foi testada associação entre a escolaridade e as práticas e conhecimento sobre os carrapatos e constatou-se que 92,3% dos produtores nada sabiam sobre o período não-parasitário. Para 96,4%, o que determinava o momento do tratamento era o grau de infestação de carrapatos; e 93,3% utilizavam bomba-costal para aplicação do carrapaticida. Ao buscar o cruzamento entre as variáveis de biologia e controle com a escolaridade, cooperativismo, tempo de experiência e tamanho do rebanho, verificou-se que a associação linear entre a escolaridade e a efetivação da pré-diluição no preparo de banhos carrapaticidas. Esses dados demonstraram a necessidade de instrução dos produtores em relação à biologia e ao controle do Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Conclui-se que a maioria dos produtores de leite de MG desconhece a biologia dos carrapatos e os fatores que influenciam as escolhas do carrapaticida, o que dificulta a implementação do controle estratégico e que a escolaridade não está relacionada a um controle mais eficiente dos carrapatos nas propriedades.Palavras-chave: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, conhecimento, EMBRAPA gado de leite.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for cattle anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and trypanosomiasis in a Brazilian semiarid region

“…While this association may seem unexpected at first glance, it might be inferred that farms treating their cattle should have higher tick infestations. In Brazil, the vast majority of farmers use manual backpack sprayers for applying acaricides on cattle, which usually results in incorrect application under field conditions, and consequently, inefficient tick control (AMARAL et al, 2011). In the present study, all the farmers who reported that they sprayed their cattle also reported that they used backpack sprayers (data not shown).…”

Selection of Filamentous Fungi for the Biocontrol of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Microplus in Tropical Regions

“…Agribusiness represents one-third of Brazilian gross domestic product (PIB), and in this sense, the cattle raising represents one of the main branches, once Brazil is amidst the largest producers of meat and dairy products. In opposite, one of the main limitations for Brazilian cattle breeding is the economic loss occasioned by ticks [13,9].…”

“…The chemical control is currently the preferred for the combat of ticks; however, the incorrect use of this method favors the occurrence of multiple or cross resistance [7,8]. In addition, the permanence of residues in animals and their products, thereby, alternatives to the control of this parasite are highly relevant [9].…”

“…The chemical control is currently the preferred for the combat of ticks; however, the incorrect use of this method favors the occurrence of multiple or cross resistance [7,8]. In addition, the permanence of residues in animals and their products, thereby, alternatives to the control of this parasite are highly relevant [9].There are several natural enemies that contribute to the control of this parasite in the host or in the soil, such as fungi, bacteria, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, which have already been identified for use in biological control [10]. Particularly, fungi show a series of favorable factors that make them an excellent choice for the control of ectoparasites.…”

“…Agribusiness represents one-third of Brazilian gross domestic product (PIB), and in this sense, the cattle raising represents one of the main branches, once Brazil is amidst the largest producers of meat and dairy products. In opposite, one of the main limitations for Brazilian cattle breeding is the economic loss occasioned by ticks [13,9].The use of chemicals in sub and overdose, inadequate preparations and applications, beyond other factors, cause ticks do survive after the contact with the product. Once ticks survive a chemical application, these will transfer genetic information to subsequent generations regarding resistance to that product [14].…”