Otobius megnini
Biology The spinose ear tick migrates, in the larval stage, to the head of the animal. The immature stages will attach and then feed within the folds of the ear. After mating, mature adults drop off, and the females lay several batches of eggs on the ground over the next year. While there are no known diseases transferred by the spinose ear tick, they do feed on the host for over 200 days. Moderate or worse infestations can lead to decreased weight gain and reduced milk production, and there is a risk of secondary infections developing at the feeding sites.
Management-chemical control
Ear tags, strips
- abamectin/piperonyl butoxide ear tag (XP 820)-Apply one tag to each ear when ticks become a problem, to aid in control for up to 3-4 months. Remove tags at end of tick season or before slaughter.
- beta-cyfluthrin/piperonyl butoxide ear tag (CyLence Ultra)-Apply one tag to each ear of animals older than 3 months when ticks are present. Remove tags at end of season or before slaughter.
- permethrin ear tag (GardStar Plus)-Apply one tag to each ear of animals when pests appear. Remove tags at end of fly season or before slaughter.
- zeta-cypermethrin/abamectin/piperonyl butoxide ear tag (Tri-Zap)-Apply one tag per ear of all animals. Remove at end of season or before slaughter.
- zeta-cypermethrin/piperonyl butoxide ear tag (PYthon; PYthon II)-Apply one tag to each ear of all animals over 3 months of age when ticks appear. Remove tags at end of season or before slaughter.
- zeta-cypermethrin/piperonyl butoxide strip (PYthon)-Apply one strip to existing ear tag(s) on all animals at least 3 months old in spring. Remove strip at the end of fly season or before slaughter.
Pour-ons, sprays, backrubbers, dusts
- pemethrin spray, ready-to-use (Catron IV; Prozap Screw Worm Ear Tick Aerosol; Durvet Screw Worm Aerosol)-Spray downward directly into animal's ear. Should not come in contact with lactating dairy cow teats unless washed with an approved solution. Retreat as necessary.
- permethrin spray, concentrate (various manufacturers; 10%-40%)-Dilute in water as directed. Spray animal as directed. Typical application interval is 14 days, as needed, but follow label.
- permethrin pour-on (various manufacturers; 1%-10%)-Apply to animal as directed. Typical application interval is 14 days, as needed, but follow label.
- permethrin backrubber/self-oiler (various manufacturers; 1%-40%)-Use undiluted or dilute in oil as directed. Recharge as needed.
- zeta-cypermethrin/piperonyl butoxide dust (PYthon Dust; PYthon II Dust)-Apply 1/3 oz (1 T) directly to inside of each ear. Repeat as needed but not more often than once every 3 days. Do not use dusts concurrently with insecticide ear tags containing zeta-cypermethrin or cypermethrin.