Microbial agents for the control of ticks Rhipicephalus microplus

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Microbial Control
• Livestock Health

Background:

• Ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus microplus, are significant ectoparasites impacting global livestock production and welfare.
• Ixodicide resistance necessitates the exploration of alternative tick control strategies.
• Microbial control presents a viable alternative for managing tick populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of microbial control agents against the tick Rhipicephalus microplus.
• To highlight the potential of bacteria, nematodes, and fungi as biological control agents.
• To identify future research directions for optimizing microbial tick control.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing laboratory, stable, and field trials.
• Analysis of studies involving various microbial agents (bacteria, nematodes, fungi).
• Examination of data on control of both susceptible and resistant tick populations.

Main Results:

• Several microbial agents, including Bacillus thuringiensis, Steinernema spp., Heterorhabditis spp., Metarhizium anisopliae, and Beauveria bassiana, demonstrate efficacy against Rhipicephalus microplus.
• Microbial agents successfully controlled both susceptible and ixodicide-resistant tick populations.
• Evidence supports the potential of microbial control in livestock tick management.

Conclusions:

• Microbial control agents are effective against Rhipicephalus microplus, including resistant strains.
• Further multidisciplinary research using omics technologies is crucial to elucidate virulence mechanisms.
• Optimization of large-scale application, cultivation, storage, and formulation methods is essential for practical implementation.