Experts on acaricide resistance forge sustainable path forward in livestock tick control during two-day global meeting

In a critical step toward sustainable livestock management, a global group of experts on tick control and acaricide resistance management in livestock convened on 19-20 September 2023 to co-create evidence-based knowledge and craft a roadmap for tackling the pressing issue of tick infestations and acaricide resistance in livestock.

The two-day meeting was held virtually and served as a pivotal moment in the development of comprehensive guidelines aimed at reshaping the future of tick control and acaricide resistance management. With the first deadline approaching for completing the landscape analysis, the experts assessed progress and laid the groundwork for the work ahead.

The meeting alternated between plenary discussions and sessions assigned to each Working Group. One of the primary goals of the gathering was to define the table of contents for the new guidelines. This essential task, conducted through collaborative effort, will serve not only as a structure for the guidelines, but also as the cornerstone for future research and practical applications in livestock tick management.

In his opening remarks, Keith Sumption, FAO Chief Veterinary Officer, highlighted the “many challenges to profitable livestock production, not the least of which is parasitism” and “the strength of the community of practice on Acaricide Resistance Management of Livestock Ticks to enable to work collectively to find and maintain economically, socially and environmentally sustainable solutions”.

Indeed, the Community of Practice is an inclusive, international and multistakeholder community established by FAO, which brings together relevant stakeholders from across sectors and disciplines to address challenges, options and possible pathways for the sustainable management of ticks and acaricide resistance in livestock.

Following the two-day discussions, the experts collectively drafted a common pathway towards sustainable tick control and acaricide resistance management in livestock. This shared vision embodies the commitment of FAO and its Community of Practice on Acaricide Resistance Management of Livestock Ticks to address the issue holistically, using a One Health approach.