The Entomological Guide to Rhipicephalus

Ticks are among the most competent and versatile vectors of pathogens and are second to mosquitoes as vectors of a number of human pathogens. They are the most important vector of pathogens affecting cattle worldwide. Problems with tick-borne diseases were related to the introduction of improved breeds of cattle into tick-infested areas because of their greater productivity compared to well-adapted indigenous breeds. The global loss due to ticks and tick borne diseases (TTBDs) was estimated to be between $13.9 and $18.7 billion annually while in India the cost of controlling TTBDs has been estimated at $498.7 million/annum. Also, cattle infested with ticks and infected with tick-borne disease agents were moved into areas where these tick species had not previously existed. This book is written by an international collection of tick experts of prestigious organizations and covers in-depth information on different aspects of ticks i.e. biology, acaricide resistance, tick-borne diseases, tick management strategies etc. It is a valuable resource for students, academic researchers and professionals because it covers the whole range of ticks and tick-borne diseases. This handbook was assembled through the efforts of five editors and the book chapters' authors, each of whom contributed to different components of the handbook.