Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can harm livestock through physical irritation and by transmitting serious diseases. Effective tick management begins with understanding which species commonly affect livestock and implementing preventative measures to protect herd health and productivity.
Common Ticks Found on Livestock
While many tick species exist, only a select few are regularly found on livestock. Most are three-host ticks, which feed on different animals during each life stage—larva, nymph, and adult. Adult ticks are most often found on livestock, but nymphs may occasionally be present as well.
Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Often called the deer tick, this species is active in cooler seasons. While it can transmit Anaplasma phagocytophilum to horses, it poses minimal disease risk to cattle, sheep, and goats.
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
Active in spring and early summer, this species is known to bite livestock but is not considered a major disease vectorfor them.
American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
Found in warmer months, this tick may cause irritation and, in some cases, paralysis in livestock, though it is not a known carrier of livestock-specific pathogens.
Winter Tick (Dermacentor albipictus)
A one-host tick that spends its entire lifecycle on a single animal, it is often found on large mammals and can transmit Anaplasma marginale, the cause of bovine anaplasmosis.
Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis)
This invasive species reproduces without males and has been linked to the transmission of Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a pathogen that causes theileriosis in cattle, associated with anemia, weight loss, reproductive issues, and death.
Why Ticks Are a Concern for Livestock
Ticks can affect livestock in several ways:
-
Skin irritation, leading to excessive scratching, hair loss, and open wounds
-
Secondary infections from damaged skin
-
Reduced productivity, including weight loss and decreased milk yield
-
Disease transmission, such as anaplasmosis and theileriosis
-
Tick paralysis, though rare, can occur with some species
Handling tick-infested livestock may also increase the risk of tick exposure to humans and pets on the farm.
Where to Check Livestock for Ticks
Ticks prefer warm, protected areas with thinner skin, such as:
-
Under the jaw and brisket
-
Between the legs and along the flank
-
Around the ears and eyes
-
Under the tail and along the udder or scrotum
Regular physical checks are essential, especially during peak tick seasons.
How to Remove Ticks from Livestock
Proper removal helps prevent disease transmission. To remove a tick:
-
Use fine-point tweezers or forceps.
-
Grasp the tick close to the skin.
-
Pull upward slowly and steadily.
-
Avoid twisting or crushing the tick.
-
Store the tick in a sealed bag for potential testing.
Do not use oils, heat, or chemicals to dislodge ticks, as this can increase the risk of disease transmission.
Preventing Tick Infestations in Livestock
Environmental Management
-
Move fences away from wooded or brushy areas (at least 10 feet).
-
Mow pasture edges and remove debris to reduce tick habitat.
-
Trim overhanging branches to lower humidity and increase sunlight exposure—ticks prefer moist, shaded areas.
On-Animal Control
-
Use pyrethroid-based treatments (e.g., permethrin or cypermethrin sprays, pour-ons, or dusts) approved for livestock.
-
Reapply treatments as directed—most offer protection for 4–8 hours.
-
Continue regular tick checks even when repellents are used.
Always read and follow product labels, and confirm with local regulations before applying any insecticides.
When to Seek Help
If you notice signs of tickborne illness in your animals—such as unexplained weight loss, lethargy, or anemia—contact a large animal veterinarian. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the impact of disease and prevent further spread within the herd.
Proactive tick management is essential to safeguarding livestock health. Combining regular animal inspections with environmental controls and approved treatments can greatly reduce the risks posed by ticks and help maintain herd productivity.
