THE TROPICAL BONT TICK 



Amblyomma variegatum, the tropical bont ticks, is 

 still causing })roblems in Puerto Rico in the munici- 

 palities of Cidra and Cayey. The number of collections 

 was down to 25 for 1976 as compared to 65 in 1975. 

 Apparently the livestock owners in the infested area are 

 learning to recognize the tick and attempting to coexist 

 with it. 



A real threat exists that this tick could also success- 

 fully establish itself in the continental United States, 

 especially in subtropical Florida or extreme southern 

 Texas. It is also quite likely that it could survive and 



thrive in at least the southern portion of the Gulf Coast 

 States. 



Livestock owners, veterinarians, and animal health 

 technicians in these areas should be on the alert for the 

 presence of an unusually large, brightly colored tick. The 

 engorged female often measures three fourths of an inch 

 in length. The male is highly ornamented and smaller 

 than the female. Suspicious ticks should be collected and 

 immediately forwarded to the Veterinary Services 

 Laboratory for identification. 



TICKS OF VETERINARY IMPORTANCE 



Veterinary Services released the new tick manual 

 entitled "Ticks of Veterinary Importance" (USDA Agri- 

 culture Handbook No. 485) in May 1976. The purpose 



of this manual is to serve as a training aid and provide 

 basic information on ticks and tick-borne diseases for 

 State and Federal animal health personnel. 



