Ticks basically have a life cycle during which they attach to an animal, take a blood meal over several days then drop off into the environment where they lie dormant awaiting their next feed of blood. They grow bigger and mature with each successive feed and can cause minor irritation to serious debilitation depending upon the size of the burden. Fleeces and hides may also be downgraded at slaughter as a consequence of damage caused by the tick's mouthparts.

Most ticks are spotted around the face and ears but they can occur anywhere on the body. Usually, small inflamed nodules are also seen in affected areas.

Control is largely based on the use of chemicals applied by total immersion or in the form of a spray. At this time of year it is probably a good policy to isolate and treat animals coming onto the farm from other regions to minimise the risk of introducing unwanted parasitic visitors!! Because of their propensity to survive in the environment, moving treated animals to new pasture may also be recommended.

Several treatment options are available at the clinic but before embarking on any tick control programme it would certainly pay to pop in and have a word with one of our vets or Ivan to ensure the product fits your particular needs.