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| Tropical Bont Tick Alert |
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| (July 20, 2010) |
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The Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Louis E. Petersen, Jr., announces that a population of tropical bont tick was found this week in the Golden Grove area on St. Croix on a herd of sheep and cattle. These ticks were discovered by a farmer who then called the Division of Veterinary Services. The ticks were collected and positively identified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Wednesday. This is the first bont tick found in the Territory since April 2008.
The tropical bont tick is a large, brightly colored tick. It has the potential to carry a fatal livestock disease which would have negative economic implications for the local and US livestock industries. The tick can also cause a serious skin disease in livestock. The bont tick does not affect people and generally does not affect domestic pets such as cats and dogs.
According to Dr. Bethany Bradford, Director of Veterinary Services, “the Division of Veterinary Services has continued working on eradicating the bont tick since the end of the federally funded tick program in December 2008. The staff of four examines over 1000 animals a month and offers a free tick spraying service for all registered animals during scheduled farm visits”.
Commissioner Petersen asks for the cooperation of all livestock farmers and horse owners in St. Croix in the on going eradication effort. Farms in the affected area will be inspected every two weeks and all animals will be tagged and registered. Movement of animals will be strictly monitored and all owners needing to move animals will be required to call the Department of Agriculture in advance for an inspection and movement pass. All animals presented at the abattoir will also need a movement pass and will need to be tagged.
The Commissioner also asks that if anyone thinks they have seen the bont tick to call the Department of Agriculture immediately.
For more information Commissioner Petersen encourages farmers and others to contact Dr. Bradford at the Division of Veterinary Services at 778-0998 ext 252. |
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To protect the health of the Virgin Islands livestock and poultry populations, Virgin Islands animal health officials, farmers and animal owners must be able to quickly and effectively trace an animal disease to its source. The NAIS provides the funding and expertise to VIDOA Veterinary Services to help farmers and owners to protect their animals.When a disease outbreak occurs, VIDOA animal health officials need to know:Which animals are involved in a disease outbreakWhere the infected animals are currently locatedWhat other animals might have been exposed to the diseaseWhich
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