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ViewAttendees 17

MUVE

10-Minute Paper

10-min: MUVE, Tick Control and Surveillance

Development of entomopathogenic nematodes for control of cattle fever ticks on nilgai antelope in Texas

On-Demand
On-Demand
Nilgai antelope Boselaphus tragocamelus (Pallas) are implicated in the long-range dispersal and cycling of southern cattle fever ticks, Rhipicephalus microplus Canestrini (Acari: Ixodidae) in the environment, especially in Cameron and Willacy Counties. Treatment methods for nilgai are needed to support the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. Remotely activated sprayers developed for application of entomopathogenic nematodes at fence crossings were tested in the summer of 2019 at private ranches in Cameron Co., TX.  Sprayers are activated by ultra-sonic sensors as nilgai transit through fence crossings.  Nilgai are treated directly with Steinernema riobrave entomopathogenic nematodes (Nemasys-R, BASF) and passively as they contact wetted foliage and soil.  Satellite collars and game cameras were used to determine movements of nilgai through established fence crossings and within the treated and untreated ranches. Pre and post treatment counts of R. microplus and other tick species on the satellite collared nilgai in the study areas showed a significant treatment effect.  These methods show promise for eradication of R. microplus on nilgai and the study will be refined and repeated in 2020.