Simposio: Invertebrados vectores de enfermedades de importancia veterinaria

Control de garrapatas duras (Acari: Ixodidae) con importancia veterinaria en Latinoamérica

Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites that represent a major veterinary and economic problem worldwide due to their ability to parasitize a wide variety of hosts, especially domestic and production animals. These ticks act as efficient vectors of multiple pathogens, including protozoa, bacteria as well as viruses, responsible for infectious diseases affecting animal and, in some cases, human health. Tick infestation causes direct damage, such as anaemia, skin lesions and stress, which have a negative impact on meat and milk production, as well as significant economic losses due to reduced production performance and predisposition to secondary infections. On the other hand, ticks transmit pathogens through various routes, which increases their vector potential and makes them difficult to control. In this context, integrated management and effective control of ticks are fundamental pillars of preventive veterinary medicine to reduce animal morbidity and mortality, as well as to minimize the economic impact on production systems. The aim of the symposium is to provide a space for analysis and discussion on scientific and practical advances in the control of ticks of veterinary relevance, with special emphasis on Rhipicephalus microplus and ticks of the genus Amblyomma. Current epidemiological aspects, the development and management of acaricide resistance, and the implementation of integrated strategies combining chemical and non-chemical methods in the socio-economic and environmental context of the Latin American region will be addressed. This approach seeks to promote innovative, effective and sustainable solutions that respond to the epidemiological and productive challenges faced by countries in the region, particularly Uruguay and Argentina, where the common cattle tick represents a persistent health and economic problem. The symposium will include presentations on various control strategies for R. microplus, its impact on livestock production, evidence on tick resistance, and non-chemical alternatives for the management of hard ticks. Recent results from trials in Argentina and Uruguay, experiences on the use of non-chemical agents in Ecuador, and evaluations of the efficacy of commercial chemicals against endemic species of the genus Amblyomma in Argentina will be presented. This initiative brings together specialists in veterinary medicine, parasitology and entomology, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to a comprehensive understanding of the biology, ecology and control of hard ticks, with the aim of strengthening management policies and practices in Latin America.

Keywords: Hard ticks, Tick control, Livestock, Veterinary Medicine, Drug resistance, South America