Prospects for tick control in Zambia

• Published in: Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal Vol. 22
• Main Authors: Pegram R.G, Chizyuka H.G.B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 1991
• Subjects: animal ecology; bovin; cattle; control de plagas; disease surveys; disease transmission; ecologia animal; ecologie animale; economia; economics; economie; encuestas sanitarias; enfermedades transm por garrapatas; enquete pathologique; epidemiologia; epidemiologie; epidemiology; fenologia; ganado bovino; immunisation; immunization; inmunizacion; lutte antiravageur; maladie transmissible par tiques; metastigmata; pest control; phenologie; phenology; theileria mutans; tickborne diseases; transmision de enfermedades; transmission des maladies; zambia; zambie; zoologia; zoologie; zoology

A historical review of animal health and production in Africa indicates that the origin of tick control coincides with the introduction of exotic cattle by the European settlers at the turn of the century. Thereafter, it was considered essential to dip indigenous cattle and, in many African countries, there was legislation to enforce tick control. However, it has been noted that countries lacking intensive tick control facilities were keen to establish them whereas countries that had them were trying to find ways to rid themselves of the burden. The escalating costs of control, particularly the foreign exchange component led many countries, including Zambia, to review their tick control policy. As part of this process, studies on integrated tick and tickborne disease (TBD) control were carried out to assess the cost-benefits of various options. It was demonstrated that the effects of tick control on herd productivity are complex, but intensive tick control per se in the multipurpose rural livestock system is uneconomic. It was concluded that strategic, seasonal tick control is economically viable and more robust.