10/25/06 Cattle fever battle

Cattle Fever Battle The USDA's Agricultural Research Service crew has a big job battling a little critter. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right to reveal battle plans. Although we don't have as large a problem with cattle ticks like southern cattle producers, it was interesting to read about the battle the USDA's Agricultural Research Services wages against ticks that cross the border from Mexico. The southern cattle tick and the cattle fever tick transmit two species of blood parasites that cause cattle fever, Texas fever, and bovine babesiosis. Texas fever can kill up to 90 percent of infected yearling and adult cattle. These diseases were eradicated in the United States by 1943, but the ticks that carry the disease agents can still be found in Mexico. While all cattle imported into the U.S. are inspected and treated, wildlife can still cross a 500-mile quarantine area freely. To combat ticks crossing with white-tailed deer, the most important alternative hosts for cattle fever ticks, the ARS scientists have developed a device called the "4-poster." The "4-poster" has a bin of whole kernel corn with small feed ports on each side. When a deer eats the corn it must tilt its head against paint rollers saturated with pesticide. As the deer grooms itself the pesticide spreads to protect its entire body. Another method the ARS crew employs is a technique feeding whole kernel corn treated with systemic acaricides. Sounds like this government bunch is working hard to protect the U.S. cattle industry. I'm Jeff Keane. Western Farmer Stockman October 2006