Assessment of the efficacy of Deltamethrin 1% pourson (Smash) and Deltamethrin 1% SC (Pali) and comparison of their mode of applications against ticks in Ethiopia

Abstract

The efficacy of Deltamethrin 1% pour-on (Smash) and Deltamethrin 1% SC (Pali) against ticks was evaluated on cattle at private cattle farm (04053’03” N; 38008’31” E, altitude of 1620 masl), in Yabello district of Borena zone, Ethiopia. Experimental cattle were divided into three groups. Cattle in Group 1 were each treated with Deltamethrin 1% pour-on (Smash) and cattle in Group 2 were treated with Deltamethrin 1% SC (Pali) while the third group received no treatment and served as a control. During the experimental period (10 to 29 January 2011), the three groups of cattle were attended separately to avoid contacts. A high degree of efficacy of Deltamethrin 1% pour-on (Smash) and Deltamethrin 1% SC (Pali) against singleand multi-host ticks was achieved by a single application of each product. Deltamethrin 1% pour-on (Smash) controlled ticks for 15 days while Deltamethrin 1% SC (Pali) did for 13 days. Deltamethrin 1% pour-on (Smash) shown to be 97.3- 100% effective in the control of ticks from Day 2 to Day 14 post treatment. The percentage tick control achieved by Delthamethrin1% SC (Pali) ranged from 96.5-100% from Day 2 to Day 10 post treatment. The result demonstrated that Deltamethrin 1% when applied as pour-on effectively controlled ticks on cattle than when applied as spray form. Comparative advantage of pour-on application over spraying is that the pour-on application is relatively easier than the spraying when spraying facilities are not available. Pour-on application does not require specialized manpower to perform the operation and pastoralists can easily carry Deltamethrin 1% pour-on (Smash) and can apply while moving with their livestock.

Key words: Deltamethrin, efficacy trial, Ixodid ticks, pour-on, synthetic pyrethroids