General Control of External Parasites

8.2 General Control of External Parasites Many external parasites can be controlled by new medicines (pesticides or insecticides) that are available. Some pesticides come in a liquid form, and others come in the form of a dust. A number of traditional treatments for external parasites also work quite well. For instance, see page 120, to make a pesticide from tobacco leaves.

There are several major methods of applying pesticides:

 Sprays: Some pesticides are mixed with a water solution and sprayed onto the animals.

 Dusts / dust bags: Some pesticides are applied directly as dusts or put into bags that the animals rub against.

 Backrubbers: Some dusts are mixed with oils and placed in backrubbers that the animals rub against.

 Ear Tags: Some ear tags have pesticide in them, and slowly release the chemicals into the animal’s body.

 Direct Applications: Using a cloth, sponge, or brush, some pesticides are directly applied to the area of skin where the parasites are present.

 Pour-Ons: These insecticides can be poured on the back of the animal in small amounts. They are absorbed into the blood, and then kill external parasites located almost anywhere on, or feeding on, the body.

 Dips: Some medicines are put into a water solution and the animals are bathed or dipped into the solution.

 Injections: Some injections, like "Ivermectin," kill most internal and external parasites.

Speak with a local expert about the products available in your area to treat external parasites.

CAUTIONS: Medicines for external parasites are poisons. Successful treatment involves poisoning the parasites without harming the livestock. Parasite treatments work properly only when the correct product in the right amount is used at the appropriate time. Wildlife, fish and beneficial insects may be poisoned by some products if careless use allows the medicine to contaminate food or water.