Tackling Cattle Tick Resistance: A New Solution for Queensland Farmers
In the battle against cattle tick resistance, North Queensland farmer Dr. Bill Tranter has made notable strides with a recent discovery. After years of facing challenges with chemical resistance in cattle ticks, he found a new product that demonstrates significant efficacy for his Simmental and Belmont Red cattle.
Insights from Dr. Bill Tranter
Dr. Bill Tranter is not only a cattle producer but also a veterinarian and a university lecturer at James Cook University. Located in the Atherton Tablelands, Dr. Tranter is dedicated to improving the health and productivity of his herd.
“The butchers appreciate my cattle, and I’ve won carcass competitions, so I’m pleased with their performance,” Dr. Tranter explained. However, he notes that the European genetics within his herd yield less tick resistance compared to breeds like Brahman.
A Breakthrough with Exzolt Pour-On
In response to the growing difficulties in tick control, Dr. Tranter adopted Coopers’ Exzolt Pour-On for cattle, launched nearly a year ago. This product leverages a new active ingredient, fluralaner, which promises a remarkable breakthrough in controlling cattle ticks.
“Since it is a new product, it provided instant control, as all the ticks were still susceptible,” Dr. Tranter remarked. He reported approximately 60 days of protection for purebred European cattle and close to four months for crossbred cattle.
Understanding Exzolt’s Mechanism
Introduced in late 2024, Exzolt Pour-On became the first and only product in Australia to feature fluralaner, a class of chemicals renowned for effectively combating external parasites with no existing resistance. Cattle tick and buffalo fly, two significant parasites, are estimated to cost the Australian cattle industry over $290 million annually.
This pour-on solution enters the cattle’s bloodstream through grooming and direct contact, with a single five-litre pack capable of treating up to 200 cattle, each weighing around 500 kg.
Key Benefits of Exzolt Pour-On
- Provides 56 days of control for cattle ticks, the longest duration compared to any other pour-on product in Australia.
- Offers 21 days of control for bush ticks, the most prolonged protection available in the country.
- Ensures 21 days of control for buffalo fly, providing sustainable management of this pest.
“This flexibility allows producers to time their treatments effectively, aligning with both tick and buffalo fly seasons,” noted Michelle Dever, MSD Animal Health Technical Advisor. However, she emphasized the importance of rotating chemical groups to slow resistance development, recommending a retreatment interval of 88 days for Exzolt.
Balancing Tick Control and Tick Fever Risk
While enhanced tick control reduces pest burdens, Dr. Tranter warns that it may increase young cattle’s susceptibility to tick fever. He advises evaluating whether to provide natural vaccination through tick exposure or to administer formal vaccinations to ensure adequate immunity.
Moreover, he cautions against the temptation to underdose due to product costs, as this practice could lead to accelerated resistance among tick populations.
This rewritten article maintains the original content’s essence while ensuring it is unique and well-structured for WordPress compatibility.