Ectoparasites of cattle

Authors: Perez De Leon, Adalberto - Beto; Mitchell Iii, Robert; WATSON, DAVID - North Carolina State University

Submitted to: Veterinary Clinics of North America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/3/2019
Publication Date: 2/3/2020
Citation: Perez De Leon, A.A., Mitchell III, R.D., Watson, D.W. 2020. Ectoparasites of cattle. Veterinary Clinics of North America. 36(1):173-185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.12.004.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.12.004

Interpretive Summary: Diverse groups of arthropods evolved to be external parasites, or ectoparasites, which can cause significant disease and death in most of the approximately 1.49 billion head of cattle worldwide. Arthropods are animals lacking a backbone that have segmented bodies, jointed appendages, and an external skeleton. Ectoparasites affect cattle health and production through the different ways that they infest their hosts for nourishment to complete their life cycle, and as vectors of disease-causing agents, or pathogens. Some ectoparasites and ectoparasite-borne pathogens affecting cattle are listed by the World Organization for Animal Health as notifiable. Hematophagous, i.e. blood-feeding, flies, myiasis-causing flies, lice, mites, and ticks are the most important groups of cattle ectoparasites. Several of these cattle ectoparasites are of One Health relevance because of their impact on public health. The intense use of ectoparasiticides to treat infestations in cattle selected for ectoparasite populations that are resistant to this treatment method. Approaches integrating the use of different technologies are required to manage cattle ectoparasites effectively while addressing societal expectations on food safety and environmental health. Assessing the status of co-parasitism with ecto- and endoparasites in cattle across agroecosystems is critical to advance integrated parasite management.

Technical Abstract: Most of the approximately 1.49 billion head of cattle worldwide are susceptible to infestation with ectoparasites. Diverse groups of ectoparasitic arthropods cause significant morbidity and mortality in cattle. Ectoparasites affect cattle health and production through the different ways that they infest their hosts to obtain nutrients and complete their life cycle, and as vectors of pathogens. Some ectoparasites and ectoparasite-borne pathogens affecting cattle are listed by the World Organization for Animal Health as notifiable. Hematophagous flies, myiasis-causing flies, lice, mites, and ticks are the most important groups of cattle ectoparasites. Several of these ectoparasitic species are of One Health relevance because of their impact on public health. The intense use of ectoparasiticides to treat infestations in cattle has selected for ectoparasite populations that are resistant to this treatment method. Although ectoparasiticide resistance is prevalent in most of the important arthropods infesting cattle, the alternatives currently available for cattle producers are limited. This limitation of cost-effective control measures should be evaluated in relation to current cattle management systems. 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 for the advancement of integrated parasite management.