Characterization of Haematobia irritans and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus control in Triangulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaiba, Minas Gerais

Domingues L.N., Bello A.C.P.P., Cunha A.P., Leite P.V.B., Barros A.T.M. & Leite R.C. 2012. [Characterization of Haematobia irritans and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus control in Triangulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaiba, Minas Gerais.] Caracterizacao do controle de Haematobia irritans e Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus no Triangulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaiba, Minas Gerais. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(12):1246-1252. Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva, Escola de Veterinaria, Instituto Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia de Informacao Genetico-Sanitaria da Pecuaria Brasileira, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 30123-970, Brazil. E-mail: dominguesln@gmail.com The effective control of Haematobia irritans (horn fly) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (cattle tick) is crucial for increasing the productivity of livestock industry in Brazil, but still remains a challenge. A greater knowledge about parasite control in the field is necessary to establish control strategies closer to farmer's reality and easier to be performed. This study characterized the practices adopted for controlling such ectoparasites on 23 cattle ranches from the Triangulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaiba region in the state of Minas Gerais, through interviews. Most interviewees recognized the importance of these parasites to livestock, however, many problems related to parasite control were observed. Control of horn flies and cattle tick was a routine in 17.4% and 95.7% of the ranches, respectively, triggered by high infestations on animals. More than six insecticide/acaricide treatments were applied yearly in all cattle ranches controlling horn flies and in 76.5% of the ranches controlling the cattle tick. Pesticide products were applied mostly by manual backpack sprayers (63.6%) without restraining the animals in 45.5% of ranches. Product dilution following manufacturer's recommendations was performed by 45.5% of interviewees, but 63.6% of them used lower doses per animal than technically recommended. Associations of organophosphates and pyrethroids were the main products used to control both parasites. Although pesticide use was a routine practice, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was not common among surveyed people. Most interviewees were able to recognize epidemiological characteristics of the parasites; however, parasite control measures adopted at most cattle ranches tend to jeopardize the efficacy of products, susceptibility of parasites and sustainability of control programs.