Labelling larvae of the cattle-tick Boophilus microplus, with 32P to follow their movements on the host

Parasitology ◽  
1971 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. Kemp ◽  
D. Koudstall ◽  
J. D. Kerr
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Host Resistance ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Research Committee ◽  
Drinking Solution

SUMMARYAfter 24 h desiccation at 28–29 °C and approximately 50 % relative humidity about 70 % of B. microplus larvae drank sufficient solution containing 1·5 mCi of 32P per ml for their movements on the host to be followed with a portable G-M counter. Reduced viability of the labelled ticks could not be detected when they were kept for 24 h on the host and either allowed to feed or prevented from doing so. When feeding was continued for 72 h or when larvae were incubated for 3–4 weeks, adverse effects were found, the severity of which could not be directly related to the amount of 32P label. Desiccation, handling of larvae and exposure to radiation in the drinking solution may have contributed to their reduced viability.Since resistance to the tick is manifest within the first 24 h after infestation labelled larvae could be used to compare development on different hosts during this time. Even after feeding for 72 h, larvae were more adversely affected by host resistance than by labelling damage.We would like to thank Mr C. A. Schuntner for helpful advice and Mrs J.Galligan for technical assistance. The financial support of the Australian Meat Research Committee is gratefully acknowledged. Messrs D. Hancox and S. R.Henderson assisted with some of the experiments.

Host resistance to cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) in Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle. I. Responses of previously unexposed cattle to four infestations with 20,000 larvae

1975 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1073 ◽  
Author(s):  
BM Wagland
Keyword(s):  
Host Resistance ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Brahman Cattle ◽  
The Mean

Four purebred Brahman and four beef Shorthorn cattle which had not previously been exposed to Boophilus microplus were infested four times with 20,000 B. microplus larvae. On first infestation, the yield of engorged female ticks on all animals was about 25% of the larvae applied. Aftcr three further infestations, the mean yield of engorged females on the Brahmans decreased to 7.5% whereas there was no decrease in the yield of ticks on the Shorthorns. On the Brahman cattle. development of larvae to engorged females took 1–2 days longer and the engorged females weighed less. However, there was no difference in the reproductive index of female ticks engorged on either Brahmans or Shorthorns. Increases in rectal temperatures occurred in all cattle 15–17 days after the first infestation and in some cattle on days 6–7 as well as on days 15–17 after reinfestation. It was concluded that resistance to B. microplus is an acquired phenomenon in Brahman cattle.

The feeding processes of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus (Canestrini)

Parasitology ◽  
1968 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 441-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Tatchell ◽  
D. E. Moorhouse
Keyword(s):  
Ixodid Tick ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Mechanical Trauma ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Research Committee ◽  
Histological Techniques ◽  
Parasite Relationship ◽  
Normal Spectrum ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Tissue Fluids

The development of the feeding lesions of the ixodid tick Boophilus microplus was followed throughout the parasitic life-cycle on cattle of both Zebu and European breeds, using histological techniques.The feeding lesion of this tick must be the result of an interaction between the tick and its host as it is neither the result of simple mechanical trauma, nor of lysis of the host tissues by salivary secretions of the tick alone, nor is it solely a result of an inflammatory response.The histological evidence suggests that the diet of the tick in each instar changes as the lesion develops; first, tissue fluids are available, then tissue fluids along with leucocytes which have infiltrated the lesion, and finally these two components along with whole blood.An early intense infiltration of eosinophils into the area of the mouthparts, typical of an immediate hypersensitive or anaphylactic response, was noted with European cattle on secondary and subsequent exposures to larvae. Hypersensitivity to tick infestation, which has been equated with resistance to infestation, was seen as an extreme of a normal spectrum of sensitization which results in an abnormal susceptibility.The definitive lesion was similar with all hosts studied. It consisted of a cavity containing leucocytes, predominantly neutrophils, some lymphocytes and erythrocytes in an area of heavily infiltrated collagen.It is concluded that this host-parasite relationship illustrates the concept of adaptation tolerance as proposed by Sprent (1962).It is with much pleasure that we acknowledge the continued generous financial support by the Australian Meat Research Committee (formerly the Australian Cattle and Beef Research Committee), which has made possible this project.

Boophilus microplus: the effect of histamine on the attachment of cattle-tick larvae–studies in vivo and in vitro

Parasitology ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. Kemp ◽  
A. Bourne
Keyword(s):  
Prostaglandin E2 ◽  
Host Resistance ◽  
Host Response ◽  
Attachment Site ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Circumstantial Evidence ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Larval Behaviour

SummaryCircumstantial evidence suggests that the earlier detachment of Boophilus microplus larvae from highly resistant cattle follows the release of histamine at the attachment site. In vivo and in vitro experiments show that a proportion of the larvae will detach following injection or infusion of histamine. Other mediators such as bradykinin, prostaglandin E2, 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine have little or no effect on tick behaviour in vivo. Sensitivity to histamine declines as larval attachments stabilize, and repeated injections have no effect on the weight of larvae after 3 days on the host. Response to histamine is discussed in relation to host resistance, histology of the feeding lesion and larval behaviour.

The effect of season and nutrition on the resistance of cattle to the tick Boophilus microplus

1983 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 329 ◽  
Author(s):  
RW Sutherst ◽  
JD Kerr ◽  
GF Maywald ◽  
DA Stegeman
Keyword(s):  
Host Resistance ◽  
Physiological Response ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Winter Solstice ◽  
Winter Conditions ◽  
Loss Of Resistance ◽  
Native Pastures ◽  
Autumn And Winter

The host resistance of Bos tauvus (British) and B. indicus x B. tauvus (Zebu x British) steers and heifers to cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) was measured at about monthly intervals for periods of up to 2: years in south-eastern Queensland. The cattle either grazed native pasture, with or without a supplement of lucerne pellets, or were fed entirely on lucerne pellets in yards. Animals grazing native pastures, with poor quality feed in late-autumn and winter, suffered substantial losses of resistance. Up to five times as many ticks survived on them in autumn-winter as in spring-summer, regardless of breed. A less-marked cycle of resistance was observed on all animals fed on lucerne or lucerne supplement, with 2-3 times as many ticks reaching maturity from a constant infestation of larvae in autumn-winter as in spring-summer. Zebu x British steers yielded the same numbers of ticks as heifers in winter but twice as many as heifers in summer. No difference was observed in the yield of ticks from the heifers and steers of British breed at any time. A hypothesis is proposed that the primary cause of the seasonal loss of resistance is the hosts' physiological response to shortening photoperiod. Recovery of resistance is spontaneous once some adaptation to winter conditions has been completed, usually around the time of the winter solstice. Nutritional stress accentuates the loss of resistance and delays its recovery.

Studies on the non-parasitic stages of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) (AcarinaL Ixodidae)

1955 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 295 ◽  
Author(s):  
LF Hitchcock
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Cent Relative Humidity ◽  
Saturated Atmosphere ◽  
Effects Of Temperature ◽  
Regular Alternation

Laboratory studies of the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the non-parasitic stages of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini), are described. The pre-oviposition period ranged from 19-39 days at 59-60�F to 2-3 days at 97�F. The duration of oviposition was uninfluenced by relative humidity but varied from a maximum of 44 days at 59�F to a minimum of 4 days at 102�F. The minima at each temperature were exceedingly irregular, due to the deaths of ticks. The number of eggs laid by a female tick was uninfluenced by relative humidity. The peak oviposition mean of 2496 eggs per female occurred at 75�F, fewer eggs being laid at higher and lower temperatures. Daily egg output attained a maximum of 197 at 92�F, but was uninfluenced by relative humidity. The water loss of engorged female ticks was greatly affected by inert dusts and even dusting with a sample of soil chosen at random produced a significant increase in water loss. Developmental period was uninfluenced by order of deposition, but percentage hatch of eggs laid during the last few days of oviposition is lower. Eggs did not hatch at constant relative humidities lower than 70 per cent., but some were able to survive relative humidities lower than this if exposed periodically to a saturated atmosphere. The period of development of eggs varied from a maximum of 146 days at 62�F to a minimum of 14 days at 97�F. Maximum hatch occurred between 85 and 95�F, and at relative humidities above 95 per cent. Exposure of eggs to temperatures below the developmental zero prolonged the period of development merely by the period of exposure. Regular alternation of temperature between the limiting temperatures of 59 and 97�F with a steady rise or fall between the extremes resulted in development at a rate approximately equal to that obtained at constant temperature of 78�F, the arithmetic mean of the above figures. Larval longevity was influenced markedly by temperature and humidity. A maximum of 240 days was recorded at 72�F and 90 per cent. relative humidity. Larvae are able to recoup water losses sustained at low relative humidity by absorption from the atmosphere during subsequent periods of high relative humidity.

Host resistance to cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) in Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle. II.* The dynamics of resistance in previously unexposed and exposed cattle

1978 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 395 ◽  
Author(s):  
BM Wagland
Keyword(s):  
Phase I ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Host Resistance ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Development Of Resistance

The dynamics of host resistance to Boophilus microplus was investigated in previously unexposed and exposed Brahmans, and in previously unexposed Shorthorn cattle. The animals were infested each day with 1000 larvae, and the development of resistance was monitored by counting the number of female ticks which engorged. The previously unexposed cattle showed an initial period of susceptibility (phase I) which was followed by a period in which most animals developed degrees of resistance (phase II), and which stabilized in some animals (phase III). The duration of phase I was shorter in Brahmans, and they developed higher levels of resistance (phase III). In contrast, previously cxposed Brahmans manifested phase III levels of resistance immediately on infestation. The results provide further evidence that resistance to B. microplus in Brahmans, as well as in European breeds, is acquired rather than innate. __________________ *Part I, Aust. J. Agric. Res., 26: 1073 (1975).

Host resistance to cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) in Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle. III.* Growth on previously unexposed animals

1978 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 401 ◽  
Author(s):  
BM Wagland
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Host Resistance ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Brahman Cattle ◽  
Length Measurements ◽  
Surface Skin Temperature

Length measurements were used to compare the growth of the parasitic stages of Boophilus microplus on previously unexposed Brahman (Bos indicus) and Shorthorn (B. taurus) cattle. Growth curves based on the length measurements were constructed. Growth was slower on Brahmans than on Shorthorns during the first 24 hr of larval and nymphal instars. After the first 24 hr, the growth rates of larvae, and of nymphs, during feeding to engorgement were the same on the rump and belly regions of both species of cattle. Larvae and nymphs engorged more slowly on the brisket than they did on the rump and belly regions of the Brahmans. The surface skin temperature was lower on the brisket of the Brahmans. On the basis of change in the length of the tick during development on Brahmans, 16 age categories were established, so that the length of the tick may be used to estimate the ages of ticks in populations on Brahman cattle. Age categories were also defined for ticks which had been processed in formalin and hot alkali. __________________ *Part II, Aust. J. Agric. Res., 29: 395 (1978).

Ecology of the cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) in subtropical Australia. I. Introduction and free-living stages

1988 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 285 ◽  
Author(s):  
RW Sutherst ◽  
ID Sutherland ◽  
AS Bourne ◽  
GF Maywald ◽  
DA Stegeman
Keyword(s):  
Host Resistance ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Climatic Effects ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Tick Reproduction ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Tick Resistance ◽  
Subtropical Australia

An experiment is described which compared the fluctuations in the numbers of cattle tick, Boophilus miicroplus, that resulted from direct climatic effects or from changes in host resistance. Four herds of cattle, matched for tick resistance and with different Bos indicus (zebu) content, were grazed at each of two locations, one in central Queensland (23� S.) and one in southern Queensland (28� S.), from November 1977 to May 1982. Natural tick populations were counted regularly, and host resistance was measured using artificial infestations, either twice or six times a year. Concurrent exposures of engorged ticks in pastures were used to measure the success of the ticks in producing larvae and to partition mortality during development. Two later papers report other aspccts of the experiment. These include observations on the resistance of cattle to ticks and on the relationship between tick numbers on the cattle on one hand, and the availability of larvae on pasture and survival of parasitic stages on the other. Engorged ticks produced more larvae throughout the year in central Queensland, despite laying fewer eggs. The colder and longer winter in southern Queensland greatly reduced tick reproduction. Failure of engorged ticks to survive predation and find a favourable oviposition site, egg mortality and loss of larvae in the pasture accounted for most of the reduction in the potential number of larvae produced. Reduced oviposition was also important in wintcr.

scholarly journals Management and control of parasites on dairy farms in northwestern region of São Paulo state

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecília José Veríssimo ◽  
Flávia Vasques ◽  
Keila Maria Roncato Duarte ◽  
Valdinei Tadeu Paulino ◽  
Luis Alberto Ambrósio
Keyword(s):  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Tick Control ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Northwestern Region ◽  
Social Importance ◽  
And Control ◽  
High Degree

Abstract Dairy cattle farming is of great economic and social importance in all Brazilian’s regions. Parasites can reduce milk productivity, especially the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. This study consisted of a questionnaire answered by 40 milk producers in the northwestern region of the State of São Paulo. The aim was to ascertain how these producers controlled ticks and other parasites. Very many of them knew nothing about the biological cycle of the cattle tick or about strategic control or acaricide efficacy tests. The majority (87.5%) controlled ticks at a high frequency, without technical criteria and care to apply the acaricide. Spraying was the most used mode of acaricide application (95%) and endectocides were used by 45%. Cattle tick fever was the harm most associated with ticks (87.5%) followed closely by screwworm (77.5%). However, 65% were satisfied with their tick control. About the control of others parasites, all dewormed at least twice a year their animals; 65% were controlling horn fly; 40% had problems with screwworm. The interviewers had in general good level of education and the farms generally exhibited a high degree of technology for milk production on pasture because half of them received technical assistance frequently.

Radioactive studies on the feeding of larvae, nymphs, and adults of the cattle tick,Boophilus microplus(Canestrini)

Parasitology ◽  
1968 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 415-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Seifert ◽  
P. H. Springell ◽  
R. J. Tatchell
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Boophilus Microplus ◽  
Red Cells ◽  
Cattle Tick ◽  
Blood Components ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Host Blood ◽  
Radioactivity Levels

The erythrocytes and plasma of a British and Brahman crossbred steer were labelled with51Cr and125I respectively. The radioactivity levels were subsequently maintained as constant as feasible by injecting the steers with calculated amounts of the appropriate labelled material on 3 consecutive days. The steers had previously been heavily infested withBoophilus microplusto ensure that all stages in the parasite's life-cycle would be present during the 4-day period, when the steers were being treated with isotopes.Various stages ofB. micropluslarvae, nymphs and adults were collected and the uptake of red cells and plasma at each stage assessed by radioassay. In certain calculations, corrections were made for the uptake of blood fractions before the animals were made radioactive.A relationship between the weight of the tick and its dietary intake was established. At all the stages of larval and nymphal feeding the plasma content of the diet was greater than that of the host blood. However, erythrocytes were detectable even in the earliest larval stages examined. Dropped fully engorged adult females contained more red cells per individual, and generally also more plasma, than engorged ticks removed from the host.Fully engorged adult females took up as much as twice their own weight of blood components, but in none of the earlier stages did the tick concentrate its blood meal.No obvious differences could be demonstrated statistically between the behaviour of the parasites on the two hosts. However, indications are that recently attached larvae took up more erythrocytes from the British animal.We wish to thank Messrs A. K. Duffield, A. J. Short, B. Wilson, and Miss S. J. Shepherd, for skilful technical assistance.

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