Influence of identification ear tags on the numbers of adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (Acari: Ixodidae) on the ears of cattle.

The influence of ear tags on the number of adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was investigated. Tagged ears carried significantly more ticks than untagged ears, but differences decreased with time. Ticks were seen crowding under and close to the back of the tag, on the outside of the ear.