ECTOPARASITES OF ANIMALS - ECOLOGICAL, BI OLOGICAL, GENETIC AND MECHANICAL CONTROL METHODS

The use of insecticides is still the basic procedure for controlling m ost ectoparasites, but various methods are being developed to act in a ddition to, or in synergy with these products, so as to enhance the ef ficacy and reduce the adverse effects of insecticides, by contributing to ecologically acceptable strategies. These methods are classified a s ecological control (modification of the environment of the parasite) , biological control (predation, parasitism, action of pathogens, etc. ), genetic control (release of sterile males, hybridisation, genetic m anipulations) and mechanical control (insect traps use of repellents). The application of such methods depends on the biological and ecologi cal characteristics of the ectoparasite, and they may act directly or indirectly affecting mortality and/or reproduction. The authors review the principal methods applicable to major groups of ectoparasites of veterinary interest. Non-chemical methods are the subject of wide-rang ing and promising research, particularly in view of recent development s in biotechnology.