Upcoming of the integrated tick control program of ruminants with special emphasis on livestock farming system in India

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a global problem and considered as a major obstacle in the health and product performance of animals which reflects impact on the livelihood of resource-poor farming communities. Tick control is practiced in a variety of methods including vaccination involving different livestock system. At present, periodic application of chemical acaricides is the most commonly used method of tick control especially among the small and marginal farmers of India. Resistance to existing chemical acaricides is widespread, and newer classes of acaricides have tended to be significantly more expensive. Presently, there is increasing concern about the use of chemicals in all forms of agriculture as well as livestock management by their potential environmental hazard and presence in food products. The use of herbal preparations among the rural folks is gaining importance because of their strong belief for folded benefits. Integrated control of ticks is the combination of a series of complementary control measures to make the best use of each without placing too much reliance on any single component. Alternative integrated approaches involve the use of eco-friendly cost effective sustainable methods in a strategic integrated manner.