Immunological control of arthropod ectoparasites - a review

The control of arthropod ectoparasites of livestock by systemically deliver ed chemicals was introduced in the 1950s. Their low cost, ease of use, and high level of efficacy ensured dependence upon them for ectoparasite contro l. However, current societal anti scientific concerns regarding dependency upon chemicals have emphasised the need for the evaluation of environmental ly safe alternatives for ectoparasite control. Immunological intervention f or the control of ectoparasite populations, either through the selection of animals with resistant genotypes or vaccination, is consistent with princi ples of sustainable agriculture. Unlike the activity of chemicals, currentl y available ectoparasite vaccines do not induce a rapid knockdown of the pa rasite population and they do not protect the individual from parasitism. H owever, if these vaccines are used in an integrated pest-management program me, they have the potential to reduce parasite populations over successive generations and reduce or eliminate the need for chemical application. 1998 Australian Society for Parasitology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.