Ectoparasites of cattle include arachnids and insects. They are responsible for serious economic losses throughout the world.

Ticks tend to be most prevalent in summer months in warm areas, while mites and lice are more frequently encountered in winter months in cooler climates. Damage caused by ectoparasites includes worry, skin damage, and the transmission of disease organisms.

Ectoparasites can develop resistance to chemicals used for their control. Products now available have good to excellent effectiveness but are labour intensive in their application.

Descriptions of economically significant ectoparasites of cattle are listed in the following section. Other ectoparasites of minor importance or which are restricted to limited geographic areas are listed last.