Contact Info
- Victorino Cantu III
361-325-4402
Managing External Parasites
Chronic Wasting Disease
Fever Tick Situation
Live Cattle Market
Upcoming Events /
Managing External Parasites
Several individuals have called or visited having questions about preventing or treating external parasites in cattle. This will become more common as the Spring goes on and we turn into Summer. Parasites that are most common include: horn fly, house fly, mosquito, screwworm fly, horse fly, lice and ticks.As we all may know, these parasites can cause even death in an animal so it is very important to try to prevent or treat the parasite as it becomes present. Many of these parasites can be prevented by maintaining proper sanitary conditions on the farm. Aside from this, grazing management may also reduce the risk of Horn Fly’s for example. If cattle are only allowed to consume 50% of the grass before being moved to another pasture, it prevents the cattle from having to ingest organic material that is closer to the ground. Preventing this will significantly decrease the chances of horn fly’s being developed in the feces. Other chemicals that you can apply to treat this parasites include: Dectomax (doramectin), Permethrin, Vapona (Dichlorvos) and Elector (Spinosad) amongst many others.
Chronic Wasting Disease
The Chronic Wasting Disease has only been found in WTD. Until last month, 100% of the positives were quarantined deer. Unfortunately, that changed last month when a free ranging deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. The appropriate measures are being taken but Texas State Game Wardens still ask to please report any suspicious citing’s. For more information or to report a deer with chronic wasting disease symptoms please contact our local Texas State Game Warden, Howard Pierce at 361-474-3176.Fever Tick Situation
For those of you who are unaware, here is a quick report on the Fever Tick Situation.141 Infested Quarantines Premises
98 Exposed Quarantined Premises
2,083 Adjacent/Check Quarantined Premises
For more information on the fever tick program and terminology used, please visit
Live Cattle Market
After following the market for the first couple of months in 2017 there has been minimal variation in the market. The live cattle market prices are still on the down side but looking at it on the bright side, at least the trend remains constant. With the many factors that affect live cattle prices and the new administration in DC it is challenging to predict where the market will be in a couple of months. To the right you can see the Market Report for Gulf Coast Cattle Auction in Alice, TX. Prices shown are only an indication of where the market is.
Upcoming Events
Brooks County Stock Show- Feb 27- March 4
ANR Committee Meeting- Feb 28 @ 2pm in Brooks County Extension Office (Everyone is welcome to attend)
Walk Across Texas Halfway Event (Softball Tournament)- March 25
Baked Potato Shooting Sports Fundraiser- March 31
Brooks County Clean-up Day- April 15
Pesticide Applicator License Training- May 2 in Edinburg
Vector Management Workshop 5 CEU’s- San Antonio, TX- April 20 and Weslaco, TX- April 27
For more information on any of these events please contact your local Brooks County Extension Office @ 361-325-4402.