Immunological control of arthropod ectoparasites--a review

The control of arthropod ectoparasites of livestock by systemically delivered chemicals was introduced in the 1950s. Their low cost, ease of use, and high level of efficacy ensured dependence upon them for ectoparasite control. However, current societal and scientific concerns regarding dependency upon chemicals have emphasised the need for the evaluation of environmentally safe alternatives for ectoparasite control. Immunological intervention for the control of ectoparasite populations, either through the selection of animals with resistant genotypes or vaccination, is consistent with principles of sustainable agriculture. Unlike the activity of chemicals, currently available ectoparasite vaccines do not induce a rapid knockdown of the parasite population and they do not protect the individual from parasitism. However, if these vaccines are used in an integrated pest-management programme, they have the potential to reduce parasite populations over successive generations and reduce or eliminate the need for chemical application.