Vaccines against Cattle Ticks: Current Status

Abstract

Rhipicephalus microplus, famous as the cattle tick, is a hematophagous ectoparasite distributed worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. Its infestations represent a threat to the cattle industry since they generate a negative economic impact on cattle production and animal welfare. The method par excellence for tick control is based on applying chemical agents. However, their use has had limited efficacy, often accompanied by environmental contamination and the selection of tick’s resistant to most chemical agents, rendering them ineffective. One of the alternative methods to combat R. microplus infestations is the development of vaccines. Two commercial vaccines are based on the Bm86 antigen, TickGARD®, and Gavac®. However, the efficacy is highly variable between different geographical regions. While it is true that other alternatives have been tested, the search for vaccine antigens that provide high protection against R. microplus remains a challenge in which genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic studies are required. This review briefly summarizes the current situation regarding the discovery of candidate antigens for vaccines against ticks in cattle, as well as the methodologies employed for their search and development.