Symptoms of Livestock PoisoningBecause livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, horses, swine) are mammals, they react to organophosphate and carbamate poisoning just like people. Excessive defecation, urination, tears, twitching and convulsions are symptoms of acute poisoning. Asphyxiation is the ultimate cause of death if an antidote is not administered as described on the product label. Smaller doses lead to corresponding but less severe symptoms. Pesticide Information TableFor each of the chemicals recommended in this fact sheet the table below lists the chemical class, common name, some trade names and formulations, and the preslaughter interval. Also indicated is whether a pesticide applicators' license is required to purchase or apply a product under either the regulations of the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks (MELP) or the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB). Preslaughter intervals (PSI) will vary according to the formulation used and the kind of animal treated. Please read the definitions at the bottom of the table which explain the abbreviations used in the table. READ THE PRODUCT LABEL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
DEFINITION OF ABBREVIATIONS:
Application MethodsPesticides are applied to livestock through insecticide-impregnated ear tags or tag tapes, sprays or dusts, free-choice or forced-use self-treatment backrubbers and dust bags, pour-ons and injectables. Pesticides are usually applied to poultry as dusts or sprays either directly to the birds or to their nests and roosts. If handling facilities are required to treat livestock, they should be designed with safety in mind for both people and cattle, for efficiency of operation, and allow for proper application of treatments. 1. Ear tags/tag tapesInsecticidal ear tags and ear tags tapes were designed for horn fly control and reduction of face flies on cattle. Insecticide is slowly released from the ear tag that is attached to one of the animal's ears or from "band-aid"-like tapes that are attached to the neck of an identification ear tag. In both cases insecticide is applied to the shoulders and sides of the animals as they swing their heads to dislodge the flies. The tags should be applied using the special pliers to all yearling and mature cattle in a herd. To reduce tag loss in pastures with bush, attach the ear tag on the back side of the ear. Calves may also be tagged, however first check the product label for any age restrictions. Follow label instructions for proper attachment of tags and to avoid injury to the ears; always wear gloves. The tags/tapes should be removed at the end of the season and collected up for proper disposal. Due to the development of resistance by horn flies in many parts of Canada to the synthetic pyrethroid insecticides used in most ear tags/tapes, producers are advised to alternate these tags/tapes in successive years with organophosphate (OP) insecticide-impregnated ear tags or another application method using OP or carbamate insecticides. Alternatively producers can use an ear tag containing a pyrethroid and an OP insecticide as part of a resistance management program. 2. Sprays and DustsReady-to-use and emulsifiable concentrate liquid (EC) and wettable powder (WP) insecticide formulations are available which can be applied to cattle on an as-needed basis at set minimum intervals. Ready-to-use products are usually aerosols that are applied along the backline and upper sides of livestock. The residual control of these products is very short and they must be applied daily to provide adequate protection. Concentrate products are mixed with water and applied to cattle as whole-body sprays (up to 4.5 L/animal) using a high or low pressure sprayer. These sprays are very effective, however more cattle herding and handling is required than may be practical or desirable. Ready-to-use dust formulations in shaker cans are applied in the same way as aerosol products but will provide a little longer residual control. 3. Backrubbers and Dust BagsThese devices provide for self-treatment of insecticides in either free-choice or forced-use situations. Liquid concentrate formulations should be mixed according to label instructions with low viscosity oil such as diesel, No. 2 fuel oil, SAE 30 motor oil, or mineral oil; do not use crank-case oil or used motor oil.
Free-choice application involves backrubbers located in pastures where animals are free to use them as they require. In order to familiarize cattle with using a backrubber, it is recommended that the device be placed with the cattle the previous winter. Free-choice backrubbers are very effective for lice control and the cattle soon learn to use the device to get relief from lice infestations. Once in the pasture, the backrubbers must be located near a salt or mineral lick, or where cattle water or rest for part of the day, to make it as convenient as possible for the cattle to use the device. The backrubbers should be checked regularly to make sure they are not empty and are not leaking or wasting solution. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance to ensure proper operation.
Forced-use application involves suspending a dust bag or backrubber in a gate leading into a fenced-off water supply or salt lick. If the gateway is narrower than 1.5 m, it is recommended that two gateways be used for treatment to ensure animals have entry into and exit from the enclosure. Occasionally an animal will loiter under a backrubber blocking the gateway. Animals are forced to be treated as they pass under the bag or backrubber and thus every animal is treated at least daily. This is an advantage over free-choice application, however forced-use may result in greater insecticide usage beyond what is necessary to protect the herd. The applicators must be checked regularly for insecticide level and topped up as necessary. 4. Pour-onsPour-on treatment involves the application of an insecticide along the backline of livestock at a prescribed dosage. Pour-ons are available ready-to-use or are prepared from a concentrate, and are applied using graduated ladles, graduated squeeze bottles or dosage-adjustable hand "guns". It is important that the correct dosage be applied to the animals to ensure control of the pest and to avoid poisoning the animal. Because pour-on application requires much less chemical, is less wasteful, and the dosage is more precise than whole-body sprays, pour-on application should be used whenever possible. 5. InjectablesInjectable products are administered to livestock using syringes to inject the ready-to-use product into the animal following the label instructions. Injectables offer the same advantages as pour-ons. Again it is important to inject the correct dosage to ensure effective pest control. Consult your local veterinarian for information on the proper use and care of syringes and needles.
Black Flies |
Bot Flies |
Cattle Grubs |
Face Fly |
Hog Mange Mite |
Horn Fly
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