Ectoparasites of Cattle

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2020 Mar;36(1):173-185. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.12.004.

Abstract

Diverse groups of ectoparasitic arthropods cause significant morbidity and mortality in most of the approximately 1.49 billion head of cattle worldwide. Hematophagous ectoparasites (ie, blood-feeding flies, myiasis-causing flies, lice, mites, ticks) are the most important in cattle. Intense use of ectoparasiticides to treat infestations can result in ectoparasite populations becoming resistant to this treatment method. Approaches integrating the use of different technologies are required to manage cattle ectoparasites effectively while addressing societal expectations regarding food safety and environmental health. Assessing the status of coparasitism with ectoparasites and endoparasites in cattle across agroecosystems is critical in advancing integrated parasite management.

Keywords: Cattle; Ectoparasites; Flies; Integrated management; Lice; Mites; Myiasis; Ticks.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / parasitology*
  • Ectoparasitic Infestations / veterinary*