Development of a computer model of the population dynamics of Amblyomma variegatum and simulations of eradication strategies for use in the Caribbean.

Control or eradication efforts should cover wide areas because of long-range migration potential of immature ticks attached to birds, such as cattle egrets. Careful follow-up inspections are also imperative. Simulation 1 shows how rapidly the population numbers may expand from small numbers, either introduced or missed. Simulation 4 indicates extending the treatment cycle beyond the residual effectiveness of the acaricide to save labor or funds would be false economy. The result could be to maintain the tick population indefinitely, with an accompanying increase in long-term control costs. Simulations 2 and 3 indicate that eradication is possible if response is prompt and the treatment cycle is less than the period of residual effectiveness of the acaricide used.