Rhipicephalus microplus

Aitken et al. (1958) recorded a few specimens of the southern cattle tick R. (B.) microplus from cattle and sheep in Trinidad. Williams and Gonzalez (1968) observed that Holstein heifers imported into Trinidad from Canada with the intent to develop a dairy industry were exposed to tick-infested pastures and that these exotic cattle suffered from a febrile disease associated with marked anaemia, occasional haemoglobinuria and sometimes death within two to six weeks after importation and introduction to tick-infested pastures. They also confirmed the detection of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma marginale from the blood of the infected cattle. This established the presence of R. (B.) microplus ticks in Trinidad, as these ticks are vectors of both the pathogens. The presence of R. (B.) microplus on cattle in Trinidad was confirmed by Aitken et al. (1969), Clarkson (1969) and Rawlins (1977). Smith (1973) studied the distribution of R. (B.) microplus in Trinidad and Tobago. Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus was found throughout both islands, except on land newly cleared from forest. Furthermore, Smith (1974) recorded this tick exploiting ruminants and equines. The prevalence and biology of R. (B.) microplus was investigated by Dindial (1977) and he also found the presence of R. (B.) microplus ticks all over the country. Spraying dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), Gamma Benzene Hexachloride (GBH), chlordane and dieldrin was reported to have helped to control this tick population in Trinidad. Polar and co-investigators (2005) reported the use of entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae to control R. (B.) microplus at Aripo livestock station in Trinidad. Polar (2007) found that Metarhizium anisopliae was effective against all development stages of R. (B.) microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus, except larvae of the latter.

Distribution: Cosmopolitan