Effects of a novel pesticide resistance management strategy on tick control in a smallholding exotic-breed dairy herd in Kenya

Abstract

Effects of a novel pesticide resistance management strategy on tick control are evaluated in this study. The study is based on a temporal analysis of tick management practices on a smallholding in western Kenya. Results are reported of an innovation to tackle individual resistance in a pair of alternative pesticides using relay application. Incidence of tick-borne diseases at the farm was reduced from 79.6% per annum to 4.5% and no cases were observed in the last two years of the study. Negative cross-resistance is believed to be the mechanism in play for this effective tick control practice. Tick-borne disease control and management costs were halved in comparison to application of a single ineffective pesticide at the same treatment frequency. The acaricide relay strategy is suitable for smallholdings and is expected to significantly extend the useful lifespan of the pesticide pair.

Citation

Tropical Animal Health And Production;37(6): 469-478

Authors

  • Kamidi, R.E.
  • Kamidi, M.K.