Ticks in the Caribbean Region

At least 45 species of ticks (comprising soft and hard ticks) have been reported in the Caribbean to date. Infested hosts include ruminants, equids, dogs, cats, nondomesticated mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and humans. Tick species of veterinary significance include Amblyomma variegatum, Amblyomma cajennense, Rhipicephalus sanguineus , and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus due to their ability to be effective vectors of tick-borne diseases. The losses were due to dermatophilosis, heartwater and the physical damage of livestock caused by the ticks. The present situation of the eradication program of A. variegatum , the most important tick from nine islands in the Caribbean region, has been discussed.