Flies Ticks Lice
When using OPs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will be treating any other of the above-mentioned parasites that are present. This can increase the development of pesticide resistance to all of these parasites each time an OP product is used.
Note: Toxic to humans
A variety of application methods for administering pesticide products to cattle are in use.
Ear tags Spray on Dip Backrubber Powder
Premises surface spray Premises paintable bait
Reported in: Flies Ticks
Everyone working in the rural industry has a ‘duty of care’; a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for everyone on the property.
Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat animals for internal and external parasites.
A guide to the different chemical actives and the pests they affect are in Table 1. See the Products Search Guides for FlyBoss, LiceBoss, WormBoss and TickBoss for the appropriate formulation and application method for your target pest. Note that combinations and mixtures of actives may improve treatment efficacy.
Table 1. Organophosphates their actives, combinations and mixtures and a summary of the targeted parasites for which formulations are registered for. Boxed check marks indicate the pest targeted by multiple actives.
Chemical |
Pests targeted (may vary with formulation) |
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Worms |
Flies |
Ticks |
Lice |
Mites |
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Buffalo fly Stable fly |
Premises flies* |
Fly strike |
Cattle tick Paralysis tick Bush tick |
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OPs |
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Azamethiphos |
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Chlorfenvinphos |
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Chlorpyrifos |
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Coumaphos |
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Diazinon |
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Ethion |
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Maldison |
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Pirimphos-methyl |
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Tetrachlorvinphos |
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Trichlorfon |
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Combination (same target boxed) |
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Chlorfenvinphos and cypermethrin |
Buffalo fly |
Cattle and other ticks |
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Ethion and deltamethrin |
Buffalo fly |
Cattle and bush tick |
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Diazinon and pyrethrins |
*IRAC Mode of Action group 1B
Organophosphates (OPs) are synthetic chemicals that belong to the organic esters of phosphoric acid. OPs kill insects by altering their normal neurotransmission.
OPs have a broad spectrum of activity.
Most OPs act by contact with the insect—a few are also systemic. OPs exert their effects on the nervous system of organisms. As such, they are relatively fast-acting and susceptible insects will be killed within 4–8 hours of exposure.
OPs cause accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh) by blocking the enzyme (acetylcholinesterase) which normally breaks down this neurotransmitter. ACh is common to both insects and mammals and as a result, OPs are toxic to humans.