Cattle parasite control requires the use of treatment products for both internal (endo-) and external (ecto-) parasites as part of an integrated parasite management (IPM) program. Products used to control internal parasites (gastro-intestinal nematodes, tapeworms and flukes) may also have a crossover effect on external parasites (ticks, flies, lice and mites). The best parasite control is achieved when a treatment is chosen for best effect against the primary targeted pest. However, it is important to consider the effects this treatment will have on other parasites (as noted on the label) to reduce the build-up of chemical resistance.
Chemical activity
Each parasiticide has a particular chemical structure or ‘active’ component. The active operates to disrupt an essential life process in the parasite. Actives within the same chemical group generally have a similar mode of action and target the same life processes. Therefore, if resistance develops to one chemical active in a group this usually confers cross resistance to other chemicals in the same group. Chemical mixtures and combinations incorporate two or more active ingredients; mixtures use multiple actives to target different parasites and chemical combinations use multiple actives to target the same parasite.
Chemical groups for treating cattle against ticks
Chemical groups for treating cattle against lice and mites
Chemical groups for treating cattle against worms
Chemical groups for treating cattle against flies
Chemical actives will vary in their effect on the different parasite groups depending on their formulation and how they are applied. For help in selecting a product to treat specific parasites use the following links:
TickBoss cattle products search
LiceBoss cattle products search
WormBoss cattle products search
FlyBoss cattle products search