Arthropods of veterinary importance for small ruminants in French West Indies and Guiana

Abstract

The list of the ectoparasites of small ruminants would need an actualization. It seems however that in the French West Indies, ticks and, in Guiana, tabanids and myiasis agents are the arthropods the most detrimental for livestock. Measures must be taken to avoid the transfer of Amblyomma variegatum to currently free islands of the Caribbean (including Les Saintes and St-Barthelemy) and to the mainland (including French Guyana). In tick infested areas, a systematic control must be achieved by regular application of acaricides on small ruminants as well as on cattle.