A ten-year review of commercial vaccine performance for control of tick infestations on cattle

Abstract

Ticks are important ectoparasites of domestic and wild animals, and tick infestations economically impact cattle production worldwide. Control of cattle tick infestations has been primarily by application of acaricides which has resulted in selection of resistant ticks and environmental pollution. Herein we discuss data from tick vaccine application in Australia, Cuba, Mexico and other Latin American countries. Commercial tick vaccines for cattle based on the Boophilus microplus Bm86 gut antigen have proven to be a feasible tick control method that offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to the use of acaricides. Commercial tick vaccines reduced tick infestations on cattle and the intensity of acaricide usage, as well as increasing animal production and reducing transmission of some tick-borne pathogens. Although commercialization of tick vaccines has been difficult owing to previous constraints of antigen discovery, the expense of testing vaccines in cattle, and company restructuring, the success of these vaccines over the past decade has clearly demonstrated their potential as an improved method of tick control for cattle. Development of improved vaccines in the future will be greatly enhanced by new and efficient molecular technologies for antigen discovery and the urgent need for a tick control method to reduce or replace the use of acaricides, especially in regions where extensive tick resistance has occurred.

Bovine immunoprotection against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus with recombinant Bm86-Campo Grande antigen

“…microplus and R. annulatus. The positive impact of tick vaccines for cattle has been documented (DE LA FUENTE et al, 2007) Percent reduction was calculated in relation to the control unvaccinated group: DT, adult female ticks; DO, egg laying capacity; DF, fertility. b Efficacy (%) = 100 [l -(CRT × CR0 × CRF)]; where CRT: reduction in the number of adult female ticks, CRO: reduction in the egg laying capacity, CRF: reduction in fertility.…”

“…Ltd., 91-105 Harpin Street, Bendigo East, Victoria) and Gavac TM (Heber Biotec S.A., Havana, Cuba) are two Bm86-based vaccine products that were developed in the 1990s in Australia and Cuba, respectively (DE LA FUENTE et al, 2007). Bm86 is a glycoprotein isolated from R. (B.) microplus that appears to be located predominantly in tick gut digest cell membranes (GOUGH; KEMP, 1993).…”

Genetic diversity, acaricide resistance status and evolutionary potential of a Rhipicephalus microplus population from a disease-controlled cattle farming area in South Africa

“…The threatened sustainability of nutrition and other commodities is hindered by ticks and tick borne diseases affecting various economic and agricultural sectors (Jongejan and Uilenberg, 2004;Sibhatu et al, 2015;Wright et al, 2014). This highlights the need to understand the intricate vectorhost-pathogen interface to enable the development of strategies to mitigate both the direct and indirect damages incurred by ticks and their associated diseases (de la Fuente et al, 2007;Guerrero et al, 2006).…”

“…This hematophagous ectoparasite is of primary concern to the cattle industry, although it has been shown to parasitize other domestic animals as well (de la Fuente et al, 2007;Walker et al, 2003). Its success and impact as an invasive species can be attributed to several factors, including: high adaptability as it can displace endemic species (Adakal et al, 2013;George et al, 2004;Nyangiwe et al, 2013;TØnnensen et al, 2004); vector competence for several pathogenic species (incl.…”

“…Anaplasma, Borrelia and Babesia spp.) (de la Fuente et al, 2007;Jongejan and Uilenberg, 2004;Lynen et al, 2007;Madder et al, 2011); as well as rapid development of resistance to major chemical classes of acaricides (De La Fuente et al, 2000;Li et al, 2007;Rajput et al, 2006;Rodriguez-Vivas et al, 2011).…”