In-vitro Acaricidal efficacy evaluation trial of Ixodid ticks at Borana, Ethiopia.

Abstract

The study was conducted from September 2011 to May 2012 in Borana pastoral community with the objectives of determining the efficacy of Amitraz 12.5% and Diazinon 60% Emulsion Concentrate (EC) against Rhipicephalus pulchellus and Amblyoma gemma using modified Adult Immersion Test (AIT) and to assess the pastoralist communities’ perceptions on acaricide (usage, delivery and methods of tick control practice). Acaricide treatment is the only method for tick control in the community, where Amitraz was the most widely used followed by Diazinon. Manual spraying and hand dressing of each acaricide relaying on frequent applications of often inadequate acaricide concentrations without alternation of acaricidal products was the common practice. The result of AIT on engorged female ticks revealed that, Amitraz 12.5% produced significantly higher (P<0.05) level of oviposition inhibition (Percent control = 95.5%) in A. gemma and Rh. pulchellus than Diazinon 60% EC (Percent control = 80.9 %). Both acaricides however are relatively less efficient against R. pulchellus and A. gemma. Furthermore, Amitraz and Diazinon are the two mostly used acaricides by the community. Under laboratory condition, Amitraz seems to provide more oviposition inhibition effect against Rh. pulchellus and A. gemma than Diazinon 60% EC. Therefore, in vivo trial to assess the residual effect of these acaricides is suggested.

Key words: Acaricide, Cattle, Efficacy, Ethiopia, In-vitro evaluation, Ixodidae ticks