GASHAW KEBEDE, A: Dynamics of ticks and its control on cattl

Ticks infestation is severe in the western part of Ethiopia and at a conservative estimate one million US $ is lost annually only through rejection of down graded hides and skins attributed to tick damage. Babesiosis, anaplasmosis, cowdriosis and theileriosis are the tick borne diseases known to exist and cause damage on productivity of cattle in Ethiopia. Studies of the ecology are the tool with which we are able to analyze the properties of tick populations and to use that knowledge in the of more economically efficient tick and tick-borne disease control and eradication strategies. It also provide efficient methods for detecting low levels of tick infestations in association with quarantine procedures. They also reveal why tick control becomes much more difficult when tick numbers on the pasture are reduced during eradication programs. Knowledge of tick seasonal dynamics enables us to the control strategies to suit different breeds production types of cattle in different environments. The management plan ed for Jimma zone southwestern Ethiopia where the mainstay of the people is coffee and livestock production.