TICK TOXICOSIS

SOLOMON MBEWE: 201904571

CHINVANO MUMBA:201902397
SIMON CHILESHE:201900066
CHAULA MUWEMA:201902804
INTRODUCTION

• Tick toxicosis is a tick borne disease caused by salivary

neurotoxins of certain species of ticks such as hard ticks.
• It affects livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses
and rarely humans.
• also known as tick paralysis or tick-borne paralysis.
This external parasite releases a neurotoxin through its mouthparts that can paralyze livestock.
CAUSE

• Particularly female ticks transmit these toxins while

feeding and injecting saliva into the host's
bloodstream.
SYMPTOMS

•Progressive weakness: a gradual loss of strength and coordination,

starting from the hindquarters and moving forward.
•Paralysis: affects the limbs, body, and even the respiratory muscles,
leading to respiratory distress.
•Difficulty swallowing: trouble eating and drinking due to paralysis of
the throat and tongue muscles.
•Reduced appetite: a decreased interest in food and water.
•Respiratory distress: In severe cases, respiratory muscles may
become paralyzed, leading to breathing difficulties or even
respiratory failure.

• Lethargy and depression: The affected animals may appear dull,

depressed, and exhibit a lack of energy
Above: One of the Brahman cows found dead in the paddock Far North
Queensland, September 2020. Due to tick paralysis
TREATMENT

• Removal of the ticks from the animal's body.

• This can be done manually or with the help of

acaricides that kill or repel ticks.
• Application of Chemicals; (Ear tagging, Spaying and
Dipping)
PREVENTION
• Rotational grazing; involves control of tick population on livestock by
reducing exposure of livestock to affected grazing areas.
• Physical inspection; regular inspection of livestock for presence of ticks
• Clearing tick habitat; clearing woody or bushy areas near grazing areas. As
this creates buffering zones between ticks and livestock
• Wildlife control ; measures to control wildlife population
that may carry ticks and introduce them to livestock
• Education and Awareness; educating personals about tick
prevention strategies, tick diseases and early detection
signs.
 THE END
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
ATTENTION