Eradication of East Coast fever
Creek, M.J.
Veterinary Record 128(24): 575
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 1909479 Document Number: 384653
The authors comment on previous correspondence on the subject of East Coast fever (caused by Theileria parva) and control of the vector tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus [see M.J. Creek (1991) Veterinary Record, 15 June, p. 575, and R.G. Mares (1991) Veterinary Record, 18 May, p. 482 and 20 July, p. 59]. In the light of their own experience in Malawi, they suggest that intensive dipping of zebu is undesirable. Malawi is having to re-examine its policy of dipping every 7 days in arsenic trioxide due to problems of resistance and environmental contamination; only 20 000 (2.5%) of Malawi's 800 000 head of cattle are exotic or improved breeds, and the local cattle have excellent calfhood-acquired immunity (to both ticks and disease). Intensive dipping would destroy this immunity. Where improved herds do exist, vaccination or the use of a modern pour-on acaricide is proposed. It is concluded that the best approach to the control of East Coast fever is to reduce the frequency of dipping, or not to dip at all, and hence maintain enzootic stability, and reduce environmental pollution and the expenditure of foreign currency.