The effect of pasture rotation on winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) infestation of pastures populated by reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus).

Abstract

The winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) is a growing problem in captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). Pasture rotation might contribute to taking on this problem. The effect of pasture rotation on the infestation of the winter tick under field conditions was assessed in this research. Numbers of larvae were determined for the control and test pastures from September until November using a flagging technique. The conclusion of this research is that pasture rotation may reduce, although not eliminate, the number of larvae present on a pasture, at least during certain times of observation.