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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #159431
Title: IMPORTANCE OF TICKS MANAGEMENT ON MILKING PARLORS IN PUERTO RICO

Author
item CORTES, MILDRED - UNIV. OF PUERTO RICO
item PANTOJA, ALBERTO
item ROBLES, W - UNIV. OF PUERTO RICO
item PANTOJA, J - UNIV. OF PUERTO RICO

Submitted to: Caribbean Food Crops Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/21/2005
Publication Date: 12/1/2005
Citation: Cortes, M., Pantoja, A., Robles, W., Pantoja, J. 2005. Importance of ticks management on milking parlors in puerto rico. Caribbean Food Crops Society Proceedings. 89:59-66.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The presence of ticks has a negative impact on cattle health and productivity. In Puerto Rico, the gross agricultural income for 2002 was $724 millions. Milk production accounted for $193.4 millions of the gross income. Ticks cause blood loss and are vectors of Piroplasmosis and Anaplasmosis, two fatal conditions to cattle. A survey was conducted to establish the distribution and extent of tick problems on milking parlors on the island. Ninety-seven percent of the farmers reported frequent use of chemical control for ticks. Cattle in open pasture and dry cows presented the highest incidence of ticks. The incidence of ticks is higher during the wet season as compared to the dry season. Farmers spend approximately $7,155.64 a year on tick control. The economic loss due to animal death associated to tick infestations was estimated in $1,396,100.00 per year