MINIMIZING WILDLIFE AND PEST IMPACTS ON YOUR CATTLE HERD
By Julia Herman , DVM , MS , DACVPM
Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian , NCBA , a contractor to the Beef Checkoff
Throughout the year , cattle producers are adapting their prevention measures based on the season ’ s risks including climate , animals or other related resources . When it comes to mitigating rodents , wildlife and other pest control measures , each operation will have different responses within their biosecurity and herd health plans . As discussed in the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance ( BQA ) program , biosecurity principles include understanding how diseases are transmitted and applying stop-gap measures to prevent transmission . These can help improve animal health and prevent zoonotic diseases from getting humans sick .
Pests can include wildlife , feral domestic animals , insects and other external or internal parasites depending on the region and climate of the operation . Many non-resident animals can act as a fomite and carry different diseases onto the operation . Much of the control focuses around protecting animal ’ s feed and water sources from contamination , though these practices also contribute to animal health . Each operation has control of their biosecurity practices and decides what risks they are willing to take . Working with your local veterinarian , extension agent , industry representatives , local entomologists or wildlife officers will help tailor a specific strategy . This resource team can help in understanding the specific wildlife / pest risks in your region and recommend multiple prevention strategies .
Each region will have its own risks , and producers should contact their herd and state veterinarian to understand what pests they should look for and understand the signs cattle may show if infected or infested . For instance , the Asian Longhorned Tick1 has expanded its range to include beef cattle in the Midwest . If these ticks are carrying the protozoan Theileria orientalis Ikeda , signs look similar to anaplasmosis , so diagnostic testing is important to complete . Another example is New World Screwworm , 2 which is not currently found in the U . S . though has been found in Guatemala . The larvae of these flies will burrow ( screw ) into an open wound as they feed and cause extensive damage to the hosts ’ tissues . The main prevention tactic is to recognize the signs of infestation and contact the state veterinarian for identification and treatment . General focus areas to protect cattle from pests include :
• Avoid mixing species by keeping animals and strangers off the property . Minimize access of wild birds to cattle , water and feed sources , and their environment . Fencing off feed , water and animals is one tactic .
• Discourage birds from nesting or resting in animal areas and feed areas . Note that lethal mitigation may not be allowed for certain wildlife species , including migratory birds and endangered species , so caution should be used in choosing control measures .
• Protecting feed and water sources from wildlife , pests and other animals is critical to preventing disease transmission . Discouraging nesting sites near feed and water sources is one technique .
• Dogs , cats and other pets can also be fomites and should not be allowed to roam between operations .
• Put precautions in place for caretakers and veterinary teams handling sick / dead birds and small mammals including proper personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and carcass disposal .
• Farmers and ranchers should check their livestock for ticks and parasites regularly . If any unusual looking ticks or large infestations are seen , report this to your state animal health official so they can investigate .
• To reduce tick habitats , maintain a significant distance between lawn or pastures and wooded areas .
• Keep grass height low and remove weeds and brush from bordering wooded areas . Document how often weeding and grass control occurs .
• Use fencing to create barriers between areas where animals are housed , pasture and wildlife .
• Remove trash and debris from working areas and offices to discourage pest infestation .
• Ensure any pest control program complies with state and local regulations .
• Record any bait or live trap use and how often it is checked .
• If livestock guardians , herding dogs or ranch horses are used to work livestock on more than one farm , ensure biosecurity measures are taken to remove visible contamination of fur and feet / hooves .
• External and internal parasites can be managed through spraying , ear tags , topical products , biological control or other methods . Fecal testing for internal parasites , quarantine and testing of new animals , and using a control plan that manages the environment to prevent insect reproduction in addition to appropriate product use is critical . Anthelmintic ( or dewormer ) and insecticide resistance have become a real threat to prevention and control of parasites in livestock as decades of overuse have decreased the utility of certain classes of anthelmintics . Work with your veterinarian on preventive care for zoonotic diseases , such as vaccinating cattle against leptospirosis or deworming dogs and cats for tapeworms .
USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS ) has a useful resource to help producers manage wildlife to prevent disease spread ( CLICK HERE ). Steps include removing standing water , managing ponds and basins , reducing food resources , covering waste and carcasses , and securing buildings .
Integrated pest management allows cattle producers to evaluate multiple aspects of the operation to minimize insect pests ’ effects on their herd . Adapting a control program to the region and to specific pests will benefit animal welfare and productivity . For more information on biosecurity practices and BQA Daily Biosecurity Plan for Disease Prevention , visit the BQA website at www . bqa . org . References : 1 . USDA APHIS 2024 . The Asian Longhorned Tick : What You Need to Know Story Map . https :// www . aphis . usda . gov / livestock-poultrydisease / cattle / ticks / asian-longhorned / asian-longhorned-tickwhat-you-need-know . Accessed November 12 , 2024 .
2 . USDA APHIS 2024 . New World Screwworm . https :// www . aphis . usda . gov / livestock-poultry-disease / cattle / ticks / screwworm . Accessed November 12 , 2024 .
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