You notice a camel or sheep scratching its skin, shaking its ears and losing weight, and on inspection you find swollen grey beads attached to the skin: these are ticks, one of the most damaging external parasites on camels, sheep, goats and cattle on farms and in pens.
This guide explains the types of ticks, the signs of infestation and the damage they cause, what to do when you see them, and how to treat the pen itself so the ticks do not return.
First rule: treating the animal is the veterinarian’s job, because the medicine depends on the animal’s species, age and condition, and whether it is pregnant or nursing.
Common mistake: treating the animal and leaving the pen, so the ticks return from cracks, soil and bedding.
Key fact: a large part of a tick’s life is spent in the pen and soil, not only on the animal.
Note: never use crop pesticides or household insecticides directly on the animal.
Types of ticks that affect livestock
- Hard ticks: attach to the skin and feed on blood for several days, and prefer thin-skinned areas such as the ears, under the tail, armpits and udder
- Soft ticks: hide in wall and roof cracks and in bedding by day and come out at night to feed quickly, then return to hiding, so you may not see them on the animal during the day
Signs of tick infestation
- Constant scratching, ear shaking and skin biting
- Restlessness, reduced appetite and weight loss
- Lower milk yield
- Pale mucous membranes caused by anaemia
- Ticks visible on the skin, in the ears, under the tail and around the udder
- Wounds and swelling where ticks attach
- Fever and dullness, which can signal a tick-borne disease
How ticks harm the herd
- Blood loss: heavy infestation causes anaemia and general weakness
- Lower production: less milk, meat and growth
- Damaged hides: attachment sites leave marks that reduce hide value
- Disease transmission: ticks can pass blood diseases and others through the herd
- Economic loss: treatment costs, lower output and losses of weak animals
- People: ticks can also bite workers in the pen
What to do when you see ticks
- Isolate infested animals: to reduce spread to the rest of the herd
- Consult the veterinarian: who will choose the right treatment for the species, age and condition, and the milk and meat withdrawal time if needed
- Remove ticks carefully: use tweezers close to the skin and pull straight out without crushing the body, and wear gloves
- Avoid wrong methods: such as oil, burning or squeezing the tick, which can increase infection
- Treat the pen: the step many people skip, explained below
How to treat the pen
- Clean constantly: remove manure, wet bedding and waste, and dispose of it away from the pen
- Seal cracks: repair cracks and holes in walls, roofs and floors, which are the hiding places of soft ticks
- Allow sun and ventilation: dryness and airflow reduce tick survival
- Cut the weeds: remove tall weeds and plant debris around the pen
- Treat cracks and corners: after cleaning, treat cracks and corners with a product registered for use in animal houses, following its label, with animals, feed and drinkers removed during spraying and kept out until the re-entry interval ends
- Repeat the inspection: check the pen and the herd after treatment, as a second treatment may be needed
To read the label before any spraying see How to Read a Pesticide Label. To choose a sprayer that suits the size of the pen see Types of Agricultural Sprayers.
Preventing ticks from coming back
- Inspect the herd regularly, especially the ears, under the tail and the udder
- Isolate and inspect new animals before they join the herd
- Avoid overcrowding inside the pen
- Treat dogs and other animals on the farm, since they can carry ticks; for details see Ticks: What They Are and How to Remove Them from Your Dog and Home
- Set a seasonal prevention plan with the veterinarian
You can browse veterinary products and farm and barn supplies at the Orkida store, or visit one of our branches with a photo or a sample of the tick and we will help you choose the right product to treat the pen.
Frequently asked questions about ticks on camels and sheep
Can I use the sheep treatment on camels?
No. Species, weights and sensitivity to medicines differ, and the veterinarian decides the right treatment for each species.
Can ticks pass to people?
Yes. They can bite people and carry some diseases, so wear gloves and long clothing when checking animals and removing ticks, and wash your hands well.
Is spraying the pen enough without treating the animal?
No. Ticks are on the animal and in the pen at the same time, so both must be treated in the right way.
Should I remove a tick with oil or fire?
No. These are wrong methods that can make the tick release its contents into the wound and increase infection. Use tweezers and pull straight out.