Protect Your Herd. Grow Your Knowledge.
Practical, field-tested guidance on tick control, dipping and livestock health — built for Zambian conditions.
Zambia Tick Season Calendar
Tick pressure varies throughout the year. Plan your dipping schedule around the seasons.
Rainy Season
Nov – AprPeak tick activity. Warm, humid conditions accelerate tick breeding. Dip every 5–7 days. Use Alphatraz 250 or Alphacyp 20 for heavy infestations.
Recommended products
Hot Dry Season
Aug – OctTick populations remain active in warm areas. Continue regular dipping every 7–14 days. Pour-ons are effective for smaller herds.
Recommended products
Cool Dry Season
May – JulReduced tick activity but don't stop treatment. Extend intervals to 14–21 days. Good time for pour-on treatments.
Recommended products
Step-by-Step Field Guides
How to Dip Your Cattle Correctly
- 1Prepare the dip solution according to the product label — do not guess concentrations
- 2Ensure the dip tank is clean and the solution is fresh
- 3Walk cattle through slowly — each animal must be fully submerged for at least 30 seconds
- 4Allow cattle to drip-dry in a clean holding pen before returning to pasture
- 5Record the date, product used, and number of animals treated
- 6Top up the dip tank after every 50–100 animals (follow product instructions)
How to Apply Pour-On Products
- 1Restrain the animal safely in a crush or head clamp
- 2Part the hair along the backline from the poll (between the horns) to the tail head
- 3Apply the correct dose evenly along the backline using the applicator
- 4Do not apply to wet animals or if rain is expected within 6 hours
- 5Dose according to the animal's estimated body weight — do not underdose
- 6Record the treatment date and product used for each animal
Signs of Tick-Borne Disease
- 1High fever (above 40°C / 104°F) — animal is listless and off feed
- 2Red or dark-coloured urine (redwater / babesiosis)
- 3Pale or yellow mucous membranes (anaplasmosis / gallsickness)
- 4Swollen lymph nodes, especially around the ears and neck
- 5Sudden drop in milk production in dairy cattle
- 6If you see these signs, contact a veterinarian immediately — early treatment saves lives
Frequently Asked Questions
During the rainy season (November to April), dip every 5–7 days. During the dry season, you can extend to every 14–21 days. The key is consistency — irregular dipping allows tick populations to build up.
Need Expert Advice?
Visit your nearest Agriserve Agro branch for personalised livestock health advice from our trained team.