Status of deltamethrin resistance in field isolates of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks of Jammu and Kashmir

Deltamethrin resistance was assessed in field isolates of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected from six districts of Jammu and Kashmir (north-western Himalayan region) using the larval packet test (LPT). Out of six isolates, resistance to deltamethrin at level I was detected in two isolates (RF = 2.41-3.6) and at level II in one isolate (RF = 8.08). All the ticks collected from Doda, Kishtwar and Kulgam were susceptible to deltamethrin. The presence of acaricidal resistance requires urgent measures including integrated tick management, efforts to break tick life-cycle, providing long-term relief from tick infestation and minimising the use of synthetic acaricides.