Ticks on livestock in St. Lucia.

The research article is focused on studying the prevalence of tick infestations, specifically three different species, among livestock (Holsteins, sheep, goats, and horses) in St. Lucia. The study also identified a skin disease correlated with one of the tick species.

Research Methodology and Findings

• The researchers conducted their study on livestock including cattle (Holstein cross-breeds), sheep, goats (both local mixed breeds), and horses in St. Lucia over a short period of time, from 18th August to 4th September 1983.
• They discovered that over 95% of Holstein cross-breeds were infested with the Southern cattle tick (Boophilus microplus Canestrini).
• Furthermore, a smaller percentage of sheep and goats, 28% and 18% respectively, were also found to be infested with the Southern cattle tick.
• Upon examining horses, the researchers found that 90% were infested with the tropical horse tick (Anocentor nitens Neumann) while 17% were infested with the tropical bont tick (Amblyomma variegatum Fabricius).
• Notably, in the Gros Islet region of St. Lucia, 10% of cattle were found to be infested with the tropical bont tick.

Correlation with Skin Disease

• In addition to tick infestations, the study also investigated their potential association with disease among livestock.
• The researchers observed that the tropical bont tick was associated with a severe skin disease, dermatophilosis, which is caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis.
• This disease was found in 54% of the cattle in the Gros Islet and Dauphin regions of St. Lucia that were infested with A. variegatum.
• Dermatophilosis, initiated by tick infestations, can cause serious health issues in animals, including painful lesions, weight loss, and potentially death if not treated.