Diseases of ruminants in the Caribbean with special focus on ticks and tick-associated diseases

Reports on a survey carried out in eight CARICOM and two non-CARICOM countries and a literature search. Many ticks and tick-associated diseases such as Boophilus microplus, Amblyomma variegatum and Babesia bigemina, arrived naturally. Anaplasma marginale, and ovine and caprine babesiosis and anaplasmosis have been observed in the region. Two New World ticks parasitised arriving Old World ruminants, namely A. cajennense and Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. The former has yielded African Wad Medani virus (Reoviridae, Orbivirus) in Jamaica. Tick parasitism is widespread in the region. Fear of further spread of A. variegatum has led to efforts being directed towards its eradication in the Lesser Antilles. Of considerable concern also has been the spread and increased prevalance of dermatophilosis (Dermatophilus congolensis) which has occurred in concert, apparently, with the spread of A. variegatum in the Eastern Caribbean. Other parasites affect ruminants in various parts of the region. Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, a New World parasite was absent notably from a few countries only. Among the virus diseases, the majority of countries experience bovine leukosis while bluetongue disease antibody only was common in ruminants. More recently, bluetongue disease virus has been isolated. Foot-and-mouth disease was a real threat to South-Eastern Guyana and vesicular stomatitis occurred in Belize. Caprine arthritis encephalitis antibody was reported from most countries. Tetanus, leptospirosis, foot-rot, mastitis, and dermatophilosis were among the more important of many bacterial diseases. Protein and energy were reported to be major deficiencies, especially in grazing animals during dry seasons. The analysis of the review suggested that four major investigational thrusts into: ticks and associated diseases (underway); helminthiasis; infertility; and nutrition, inclusive of minerals, would benefit the ruminants in the region