News
December 05, 2025
Data Modeling Drives Texas A&M War on Cattle Ticks
Texas A&M AgriLife scientists have uncovered new insights into how cattle fever ticks survive and spread across South Texas, revealing hidden refuges that could explain why the pest remains one of the U.S. cattle industry's greatest threats.
**Data Modeling Drives Texas A&M War on Cattle Ticks**
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M AgriLife scientists are deploying sophisticated data modeling techniques to better understand and combat the persistent threat of cattle fever ticks in South Texas. This research has unveiled previously unknown details about the ticks’ survival strategies and dispersal patterns, offering crucial information for developing more effective control measures.
Cattle fever ticks are a significant economic burden on the U.S. cattle industry. These parasites transmit microscopic protozoa that cause bovine babesiosis, commonly known as cattle fever. The disease leads to severe anemia, fever, and often death in cattle, resulting in substantial financial losses for ranchers.
For years, researchers and ranchers have battled to eradicate these ticks, but their resilience and ability to re-emerge in treated areas has proven a constant challenge. The recent work by Texas A&M AgriLife is focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the ticks' behavior and ecology, particularly how they manage to persist even in areas where control efforts are underway.
Using advanced data modeling, the scientists have been able to analyze factors such as climate, vegetation, and cattle movement to identify specific areas where the ticks find refuge. These refuges, which might include specific types of pasture or microclimates that offer protection from environmental stressors and control treatments, are critical to the ticks’ survival. By pinpointing these locations, researchers can develop targeted strategies to disrupt the ticks’ life cycle and prevent future outbreaks.
The new insights gained from this research are expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of tick control programs. Instead of relying on broad-spectrum treatments, ranchers and regulatory agencies can now focus their efforts on these identified refuge areas, optimizing the use of resources and minimizing the impact on the environment.
Furthermore, the data models are helping scientists predict the potential spread of cattle fever ticks into new areas. This predictive capability allows for proactive measures, such as targeted surveillance and preventative treatments, to be implemented before infestations become widespread. The ongoing work at Texas A&M AgriLife represents a crucial step forward in the ongoing battle against cattle fever ticks, promising a more sustainable and effective approach to protecting the U.S. cattle industry.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M AgriLife scientists are deploying sophisticated data modeling techniques to better understand and combat the persistent threat of cattle fever ticks in South Texas. This research has unveiled previously unknown details about the ticks’ survival strategies and dispersal patterns, offering crucial information for developing more effective control measures.
Cattle fever ticks are a significant economic burden on the U.S. cattle industry. These parasites transmit microscopic protozoa that cause bovine babesiosis, commonly known as cattle fever. The disease leads to severe anemia, fever, and often death in cattle, resulting in substantial financial losses for ranchers.
For years, researchers and ranchers have battled to eradicate these ticks, but their resilience and ability to re-emerge in treated areas has proven a constant challenge. The recent work by Texas A&M AgriLife is focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the ticks' behavior and ecology, particularly how they manage to persist even in areas where control efforts are underway.
Using advanced data modeling, the scientists have been able to analyze factors such as climate, vegetation, and cattle movement to identify specific areas where the ticks find refuge. These refuges, which might include specific types of pasture or microclimates that offer protection from environmental stressors and control treatments, are critical to the ticks’ survival. By pinpointing these locations, researchers can develop targeted strategies to disrupt the ticks’ life cycle and prevent future outbreaks.
The new insights gained from this research are expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of tick control programs. Instead of relying on broad-spectrum treatments, ranchers and regulatory agencies can now focus their efforts on these identified refuge areas, optimizing the use of resources and minimizing the impact on the environment.
Furthermore, the data models are helping scientists predict the potential spread of cattle fever ticks into new areas. This predictive capability allows for proactive measures, such as targeted surveillance and preventative treatments, to be implemented before infestations become widespread. The ongoing work at Texas A&M AgriLife represents a crucial step forward in the ongoing battle against cattle fever ticks, promising a more sustainable and effective approach to protecting the U.S. cattle industry.
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Technology