A research project entitled, “Tick control practices and survey of acaricide resistance status in cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicumanatolicumin selected areas of Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh”. Sponsored by Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, Bhopal, M.P. with a budget outlay of Rs 5,48,000/- is running in the department since 2017-18.
Monitoring acaricide resistance in field ticks and use of suitable managemental practices are essential for managing tick populations infesting animals. In this project, bioassay techniques like Adult Immersion Test and Larval Packet Test were used for evaluation of resistance against various acaricides like synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphate and formamidines in Rhipicephalusmicroplus and Hyalomma anatolicum ticks, collected from different villages in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Significant level of resistance inRhipicephalusmicroplus towards various types of acaricides was detected. The level of resistance developed in Hyalomma anatolicum ticks against various acaricides is quite low as compared to Rhipicephalusmicroplus ticks. Presently, we are determining the level of resistance in ticks against ivermectin and organophosphate compounds. Data generated on acaricide resistance status of these two most prevalent and economically important ticks in this region will provide new insights in acaricidal resistance pattern of this region and will help in formulating suitable control measures.