Effect of the use of fluazuron for control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in cattle

Objective. To demonstrate the effect on the tick population of the use of fluazuron in grazing cattle. Materials and methods. Case study performed in Fusagasuga (Cundinamarca, Colombia); three groups of 25 heifers each were formed, G1= two applications of Fluazuron separated 60 days, G2= fluazuron applied only on study day 0 and G3= treated with a spray of chlorpyriphos. Periodically tick count was done in five animals of each group and the degree of contamination of pastures with tick larvae was determined by dragging. Results. Infestation levels between the groups were not homogeneous, and the paddocks also showed different levels of larval infestation. The compound was useful for protecting animals from tick infestation for more than eight weeks. Given the soil temperature in the region, the adult larva period is fulfilled between 50 and 65 days. Conclusion. The effect of treatment of cattle with fluazuron on larval contamination of pastures will only be reflected almost two months after treatment. Strategic design schemes must consider this component, of the soil temperature.