Abstract

The purpose of this review is to elucidate the effect ectoparasites on cattle, their mechanism of attack on the host and the control measures that are available to mitigate their parasitic effect on their host. Ectoparasite is a parasite that lives on or in the skin yet not inside the body. Bugs and lice are ectoparasites. Invasion with an ectoparasite is called an ectoparasitosis. There are two major classes of arthropods of veterinary importance, namely, the Insecta and Arachnida. For the purpose of this review, emphasis will be laid on the order Diptera. Diptera are an order of insects that involves the two-winged or genuine flies, which have the hindwings lessened to shape adjusting organs (halteres). It incorporates numerous gnawing structures, for example, mosquitoes and tsetse flies that are vectors of disease.