SUSTAINABLE TICK AND TICKBORNE DISEASE-CONTROL IN LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

Tick and tickborne disease (TTBD) control is a major component of anim al health programmes protecting livestock, thereby enhancing global fo od security. The present methods for TTBD control are reviewed and an integrated use of the tools is recommended with a broader view of how to link TTBD control to the control of other parasitic diseases. The w ork of FAO in this field is presented and it is advocated that, althou gh there are still areas that need further investigation, a stage has been reached whew robust integrated TTBD control schemes, based on eco logical and epidemiological knowledge of ticks and their associated di seases, can be promoted and implemented. Major challenges are the impl ementation of these policies in the field through the continuation of the present on-going programme in Africa and support to Latin America and Asia. The importance of involving all parties, governments, intern ational and private organisations and the agrochemical industry in dev eloping sustainable, cost-efficient control programmes is stressed and a global strategy is proposed. The main thrust should now be to convi nce policy makers on the adoption of the strategies and veterinarians and farmers on their implementation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.