Diversity and phenology of host-seeking ticks were studied in the Flint Hills region of the USA, which is a prominent region for raising beef cattle. Between a two-year period from 2015–2017, ticks were collected using the dragging method from 9 distant locations, 6 of which were studied seasonally and 3 continuously throughout the study period. Of the 10,055 ticks collected, 76.5% were the Lonestar tick (Amblyomma americanum), 14% were American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and 9.1% were Gulf Coast tick (A. maculatum). The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis were also found, albeit in low numbers. The host-seeking activity of all three predominant tick species peaked once during the late spring, summer months in the region. The phenology of all ticks was positively associated with accumulated temperature and photoperiod. Additionally, the Normalized Vegetation Difference Index (NDVI) was associated with A. americanum, and saturation deficit and relative humidity were negatively associated with D. variabilis and A. maculatum tick phenology, respectively. This finding is useful to predict the times during a year in which cattle are at higher risk for exposure to these ticks and associated pathogens.

Highlights Bovine anaplasmosis has a wide distribution across the State of Kansas. Several commonly promoted management practices associated with anaplasmosis were found to be associated with herd infection status. Many commonly promoted management practices were found to not be associated with herd infection status.

Transportation of cattle is one of the most common practices in the beef industry. This proceedings focuses on some specific opportunities for the beef industry pertaining to transportation. Whether transporting calves for veal production or cull cows for slaughter, fitness for transport must be evaluated by the producer. Cattle haulers need to focus on opportunities to provide a comfortable, safe ride between destinations. Finally, cattlemen and cattlewomen must be prepared to help cattle prepare and recover from transportation to improve cattle health and performance.

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Bovine anaplasmosis is an economically significant disease of cattle concerning the producers and veterinary practitioners of the state of Kansas as well as the rest of the United States. Its transmission by iatrogenic vectors has been well classified. The role of persistently infected ticks in the transmission of Anaplasma marginale is also well known, but their role as biological magnifiers and their ability to harbor the bacteria in novel ecological areas warrant further examination. The objective of this study was to quantify the distribution and infection status of Ixodidae ticks throughout the rangeland of the Flint Hills region of Kansas.