TY  - JOUR
JF  - Acarologia
T1  - Adaptation and Invasion Dynamics of Rhipicephalus microplus in South Africa: Ecology, Resistance, and Management Implications
VL  - 66
IS  - Suppl
SP  - 240
EP  - 240
PY  - 2026
SN  - 0044-586X
SN  - 2107-7207
PB  - Les Amis d'Acarologia
AU  - Nimmi, Seoraj-Pillai
AU  - Tsireledzo Goodwill, Makwarela
AU  - Tshifhiwa Constance, Nangammbi
UR  - https://doi.org/10.24349/laqj-i3ih
DO  - 10.24349/laqj-i3ih
DA  - 2026-07-20
ET  - 2026-07-20
KW  - Rhipicephalus microplus
KW  - Tick invasion
KW  - South Africa
KW  - Acaricide resistance
KW  - Diagnostics
AB  - The Asiatic blue tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) has recently spread across South Africa, displacing the indigenou R. decoloratus and causing major economic and animal health losses. This review synthesises evidence on the tick’s range expansion, ecological drivers, acaricide resistance patterns and management implications. A narrative synthesis was conducted using published studies on tick distribution, climate suitability, livestock movements, communal grazing practices, population genetics, acaricide resistance and molecular diagnostics. Reports on climate projections, host movement and integrated parasite management were included. Range expansion of R. microplus is driven by climate suitability, cattle movement and communal grazing. The tick’s success is compounded by multimulti-classdecision-support tools, and research into alternative controls,multi- class decision-support class resistance across major acaricide groups. Population genetics reveal significant gene flow facilitated by livestock movement and predict further habitat expansion under climate change. Reliance on chemical control alone is unsustainable. Integrated parasite management—combining strategic acaricide rotation, targeted selective treatments, pasture management and strict biosecurity—is required. Recommendations include nationwide resistance monitoring, validation of molecular markers, development of farmer-focused decision support tools, and research into alternative controls such as vaccines.
ER -