Advances in disease control of tick and tick-borne diseases

Abstract

In Uganda, the major tick-borne diseases of economic importance are East Coast Fever (ECF) caused by Theileria
parvo, anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma marginale, babesiosis caused by Babesia bigemina and heartwater caused
by Cowdria ruminatium. These diseases are transmitted by Rhipicephalus appemliculatus, Boopltilus decoloratus
and Amblyomma variegatum, respectively which are widespread throughout the country and lack seasonality. The
control of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBD) has been one of the most important emphases of the Veterinary
Depar tment Until r ecently, control ofTBDs has relied mainly on restriction of cattle movement and useofacaricides
which are applied on animals in dips, or as sprays and hand dressing. However, recent years have seen very substantial
improvements of methods for the control ofticks and TBDs. New drugs have been introduced for the treatment of
TBOs. There are now highly effective drugs for treatment of theileriosis, particula rly ECF. New generations of
acaricides which arc very efficacious are now available. J.nfection and treatment method ofimmunisation has been
devised and introduced. These control methods either individually or combined have been successful in controlling
ticks and TUD and has caused the general improvement in the conditions of the cattle and increased the cattle
population. The tick control measures using acaricidcs have enabled highly productive and susceptible exotic cattle to
be kept in Uganda, a task that .seemed impossible 40 years ago. Immunisation against ECF together with tick control,
have allowed more Ugandan farmers to raise higher producing exotic cattle breeds without suffering from the high
costs and losses due to ticks and TBDs.