New cases of the disease-carrying bug among livestock have emerged.
Saint Lucia’s livestock farmers are being urged to implement safety measures following the resurgence of the amblyomma variegatum, otherwise known as the tropical bont tick.
The last major outbreak of the amblyomma variegatum in Saint Lucia was in 1996.
Timothy Norville, Senior Animal Health Officer and coordinator of the Tick Eradication Program at the Ministry of Agriculture said at that time assistance was attained in an effort to eradicate the tick.
“We got assistance from what is known as CAP, the Caribbean Amblyomma Program. This was funded by an outside agency, so much of the pressure was taken off of us when it came to acquiring the drug, Bayticol, which assisted in running the program.”
In early 2000 Saint Lucia attained provisional free status with evidence of the tick populations having been destroyed. However new cases of the disease-carrying bug among livestock have emerged, and farmers are being warned to be proactive.
“Anyone who suspects that their animal has the amblyomma or has a tick infestation we advise them to call our office or to call the extension office and have someone visit so that we can confirm what it is. On that confirmation we will provide them with a receipt or a prescription and they go over to our Plant Propagation Unit at Union, and they can purchase. If they have any need for further assistance on how to apply the medication and how frequently, our officers are always willing and able to guide them through.”
While the ministry has put measures in place to ensure that all known cases are contained, due to the tick’s extensive increase in numbers, horses, toads and dogs are also being sourced as hosts.
The public is being asked to look out for the tick which is recognizable due to its bright, pretty colouring and report any sightings to the Tick Eradication Office at 758.468.5621.
