Research on nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in South Texas revealed they carry cattle fever ticks (CFT), vectors for bovine babesiosis that threatens the cattle industry despite ongoing eradication efforts. GPS tracking of 30 nilgai showed highly variable home ranges with females (median 1,606 ha) potentially spreading CFT more than males (median 4,665 ha) due to seasonal movement patterns during summer months when female social groups disperse. The study found that while nilgai will cross most fence types, they won’t cross 1.25m cattle fences parallel to paved highways, suggesting these barriers could help control CFT spread – highlighting how understanding wildlife movement at livestock interfaces can inform disease management strategies.
