The objective of the study was to analyse the control methods of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus. The experiment was carried out on three farms of the dairy production systems of the Fluminense Physiographic Microregion of Grande Rio, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Farm management, the Bos indicus and Bos taurus composition of herds, climatic factors and seasonal variation in tick infestation level of cattle was taken into account. Counts of engorged female ticks, measuring between 4.5 and 8.0mm, in 20% of the lactating cows of each farm, were carried out during one year, June 1996 to May, 1997. Pasture management differences, genetic composition of the herds and climatic conditions, influenced the seasonal incidence of B. microplus. The highest cattle stocking rate per hectare, taller vegetative stand of pasture and greater proportion of B. taurus genes in herds contributed to increase tick infestation on farms. The direct control of B. microplus, carried out by the owners on farms, had a secondary importance compared to other factors of herd management. Excessive and inefficient use of chemical acaricide products was observed. Efforts should be made for the transfer and adoption of research results for rural producers to facilitate the implantation of strategic control measures against B. microplus.
bovine; Boophilus microplus; management
