Yes, Highland cows can get ticks, particularly during warmer months and in areas with long grass, woodland edges, or damp pasture. While their thick coats offer some protection, they do not prevent ticks entirely. In fact, dense hair can sometimes make ticks harder to spot.
For owners, the key is not panic but prevention. Understanding how to check for ticks, reduce risk, and treat infestations early will protect both your cattle and your long-term management costs.
Where Do Ticks Commonly Attach on Highland Cows?
Ticks tend to attach in areas where the skin is thinner or where cattle cannot easily scratch. On Highland cows, common attachment points include:
- Under the tail
- Inside the ears
- Around the udder or sheath
- Under the front legs
- Along the neck and dewlap
Because Highland cows have long hair, regular physical checks are important, especially during peak tick season.
When Are Ticks Most Active?
Tick activity is usually highest in spring and summer but can extend into autumn depending on climate. In both the UK and many US states, ticks thrive in long grass, hedgerows, woodland edges, and damp pasture.
Land management plays a role in exposure. Poorly maintained pasture or overgrown boundaries increase tick habitat, which is another reason good grazing management matters. This connects closely with how much land a Highland cow needs and how that land is maintained.
Signs Your Highland Cow May Have Ticks
Low-level tick presence may not cause obvious symptoms, but heavier infestations can lead to:
- Excessive scratching or rubbing
- Skin irritation or small swellings
- Hair loss in affected areas
- Lethargy in more severe cases
Early detection prevents more serious problems. Routine handling checks make a significant difference.
Can Ticks Cause Health Problems?
Yes. Ticks can transmit diseases, although this varies by region. In the UK, tick-borne illnesses are less common in cattle than in sheep, but risk still exists. In parts of the US, tick-borne diseases can pose a greater concern.
General livestock guidance from agricultural bodies such as AHDB emphasises monitoring external parasites as part of responsible herd health management.
How to Prevent Ticks on Highland Cows
Prevention focuses on pasture management and routine monitoring rather than constant chemical treatment.
- Keep grass trimmed in high-traffic areas
- Reduce dense hedgerow overgrowth where practical
- Rotate grazing to prevent heavily infested patches
- Check cattle regularly during peak season
Providing adequate space also reduces parasite pressure overall, reinforcing the importance of proper stocking levels discussed in our guide to Highland cow land requirements.
Do You Need Chemical Treatments?
Chemical pour-on treatments are sometimes used in heavier infestations, but they should not be the first or only strategy. Overuse can lead to resistance and unnecessary cost.
Consulting a local veterinarian before applying treatment is strongly recommended, especially if cattle show signs of illness.
Does Their Thick Coat Make Ticks Worse?
The Highland cow’s long coat does not necessarily increase tick risk, but it can make detection more difficult. Regular hands-on checks are more effective than visual inspection alone.
Good nutrition and overall health also help cattle cope better with minor parasite exposure. This is one reason monitoring your Highland cow feed cost per month is linked indirectly to overall resilience.
Should You Worry?
Ticks are a manageable issue for most Highland cow owners. With sensible pasture care, seasonal awareness, and routine checks, infestations can usually be controlled before they become serious.
Like many aspects of cattle ownership, prevention is simpler and cheaper than treatment. Paying attention during high-risk months will keep both your cows and your budget in better condition.