CONSIDERATIONS WHEN MODELING ALTERNATIVE ERADICATION STRATEGIES FOR BOOPHILUS-MICROPLUS (CANESTRINI) (ACARI, IXODIDAE) IN PUERTO-RICO

Questions arising during the development of a site-specific model of the population dynamics of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini), the southern cattle tick, on cattle in Puerto Rico are discussed. A model (computer program) was developed to investigate alternative eradication strategies applicable in the current Boophilus program in Puerto Rico and through simulations, identify gaps in our knowledge that would require additional research. The model calculates probabilities of survival and change of life stages using Weibull distribution functions for each life stage daily. Monthly average temperatures and relative humidities supplied by the user are used to modify survival of populations of each life stage off the host. Investigation of effects of different pickup rates and host resistance levels can be included. Effects of acaricide applications may be evaluated by percent kill, residual effectiveness, application intervals, and number of applications.