Cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) is said to have already been present in Okinawa Prefecture during the Meiji Era (1868-1912).
In the Yaeyama area, there were three major outbreaks of babesiosis transmitted by cattle tick in 1934, 1938-39, and 1953-54. In 1971, just before Okinawa's reversion to Japan, a full-fledged eradication program was launched on Ishigaki Island.
However, the Yaeyama area has more grazing and breeding cattle than the main island of Okinawa, and many cattle graze in the wilderness and escape from fences, making it extremely difficult to exterminate cattle tick from all cattle. Starting in 1991, cattle tick eradication was promoted on each island in each year, and cattle tick was eradicated in Taketomi Island and Hatoma Island in 1991, Kohama Island and Hateruma Island in 1992, Yonaguni Island in 1993, Iriomote Island in 1994, and finally in 1996, eradication of the Ousima tick was achieved on Ishigaki Island. Since then, various inspection tests, such as blood protozoa tests, have continued, and the restriction on cattle movement from the Yaeyama area was lifted in April 1999.

Note: Vigilance continues to be exercised against cattle tick, as well as fruit flies, to prevent re-infestation.

Let’s enjoy the scenery around Ishigaki Island through 360-degree photos!

Back to the 16th TARF Open House (Online)

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