Russian scientists have developed a biologically harmless means of protecting livestock from ticks

Argas ticks are known for choosing closed shelters as their homes, and often settle in agricultural buildings - in stables, cowsheds, birds, and so on, according to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture. At the same time, these arthropods are carriers of many dangerous diseases and pose a serious threat to farm animals, the report says. By itself, tick saliva, when bitten, also harms animals, from a multiple decrease in productivity to death.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, ticks annually bite up to 70% of all farm animals and poultry in personal subsidiary plots of the Stavropol Territory, and this is almost half of the region's sheep population and a fifth of all poultry.

The Ministry of Agriculture reports that SSAU scientists have received a patent for a remedy that prevents infection with the argas mite. This drug must be sprayed in the places where the tick may live, while it is absolutely safe for the immunity of livestock and does not cause allergic reactions when it gets on human skin. Through the use of this drug, it will be possible to significantly reduce the risks to livestock, scientists say.