International collaboration to attack the cattle fever tick
Building on previous success developing genetic tools to combat deer ticks, researchers in Nevada are partnering with those in Uruguay to genetically modify cattle tick genes.
Cattle fever ticks were largely eradicated in the United States but sporadically show up in outbreaks tied to cross-border movement. Current control methods rely heavily on chemical pesticides, which can harm humans, pass into soil and water and eventually lead to resistance in ticks.
The team has established a specialized tick-rearing and injection suite in Uruguay, where ticks will be studied for gene function and potential modification. By working internationally, the United States will benefit from a greater understanding of the tick genome and accelerated innovation of possible solutions to this global agricultural threat.
Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station | Project supported by integrated funds; USDA Capacity – Research. Photo courtesy of Monika Gulia-Nuss/Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station.
