Ticks spread serious diseases such as East Coast fever and reduce growth and milk production. Sidai’s Technical Director, Dr Odede, has highlighted in the media that tick control often fails because of poor methods rather than poor products.
Why tick control fails
- Incomplete spraying that misses the ears, tail, udder, between the legs and under the belly.
- Treating only some animals in the herd, so untreated animals keep the tick population alive.
- Ticks developing resistance to acaricides through incorrect mixing and use.
Good practice
- Mix the acaricide exactly as the label directs. Too weak a mix encourages resistance.
- Wet the whole animal thoroughly, paying attention to the places ticks hide.
- Treat every animal in the herd at the same time, including small stock where the label allows.
- Keep to a regular treatment interval as advised for your area.
- Wear protective clothing and keep chemicals away from children, food and water sources.
- If ticks survive treatment, talk to a Sidai vet. Sidai Ultradip is effective against ticks resistant to other acaricides.
Always read and follow the product label. Contact Sidai technical support for advice for your herd.
This guide gives general information. Always read and follow product labels, and ask a qualified Sidai vet or agronomist for advice on your own animals or crops.