A survey of tick control methods used by resource-poor farmers in the Qwa-Qwa area of the eastern Free State Province, South Africa.
A survey conducted in five villages in a resource-poor farming community in Qwa-Qwa, using the rapid rural appraisal technique and a questionnaire survey, showed that a significant proportion of the farmers (84%) use traditional or alternative methods to control ectoparasites, while 16% use commercial acaricides (chi2 = 7.1; P < or = 0.05). Alternative control methods included the use of used engine oil, household disinfectant and paraffin. Killing of ticks was the main reason for control (40%), with disease control being second (20%). Other reasons given for controlling ticks were to prevent damage to teats, to provide animals with a clean appearance and to protect hides. Some 40% of farmers were aware of the effects of ticks on their animals. There is a need for farmer education that will provide information on integrated tick management and its advantages over absolute reliance on commercial acaricides.
Hlatshwayo
M
M
Parasitology Research Programme, Qwa-Qwa Campus, University of the Free State, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa. hlatshwayom@qwa.uovs.ac.za
Mbati
P A
PA
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D006041:Goats; D007306:Insecticides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013983:Tick Control / Q000379:methods*; D013984:Tick Infestations / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*
D007306:Insecticides