In vitro and in vivo acaricidal efficacy study of amitraz and diazinon against some tick species infesting Camelus dromedarius around Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Tick infestation is considered to be a major concern as ticks cause widespread distress, act as vectors of disease and affect the economic conditions of livestock-rearing. Although the use of chemicals is still the most effective method of tick control, uncontrolled applications may have accelerated the emergence of tick resistance to several active ingredients available. The present work estimated the efficacy of two commonly used acaricides (amitraz and diazinon) against Rhipicephalus pulchellus and Hyalomma dromedarii collected from Camelus dromedarius by using in vitro and in vivo field trial methods. The in vitro test employed a preliminary immersion technique and the field trial involved a manual application of the acaricides on camels predominantly infested with both tick species under field condition. Three groups of camels (I, II and III) containing six head of animals each with a mean number of >20 tick counts received diazinon, amitraz and distilled water, respectively. The in vitro assay showed no statistically significant tickicidal difference (p>0.05) between these compounds although amitraz proved a relatively better efficacy. For both acaricides, doubled concentration was more effective in tick killing. The field trial evidenced that both drugs caused a significant reduction (p<0.05) in mean tick count when compared to the negative control. However, amitraz showed a significant superiority (p<0.05) as compared to diazinon (85.2%) eliminating almost all ticks from the body of infested camels 72 h post treatment with 99.1% efficacy. Whereas, the maximum antiparasitic efficacy brought about by diazinon was 85.2% after 72 h of application. In conclusion, comparing the efficacy of the two acaricides from these preliminary tests, amitraz is the preferable one. Furthermore, right application and choice of acaricides needs to be pursued in order to avoid any resistance against ticks in camels.

Molecular Characterization of Octopamine/Tyramine Receptor Gene of Amitraz-Resistant Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus Ticks from Uganda

“…The emergence of resistance against synthetic pyrethroids (SP) and its co-formulations with organophosphates (OP) makes amitraz a cornerstone for tick control in Uganda. Amitraz is one of the most widely used acaricides for tick control in Uganda [9,10] and in the rest of Africa [11][12][13]. Amitraz belongs to a group of pesticides known as formamidines [14,15].…”

Study on Prevalence of Ixodid Ticks of Goats and Acaricide Utilization Practices of Herd Owners in Benatsemay District, South Omo Zone, South-Western Ethiopia

“…Nonetheless, the uncontrolled and high frequency of commercial acaricide applications may have hastened the emergence of tick resistance to a variety of active chemicals. Following the introduction of acaricide in Africa around 1890, tick treatment based on various application methods became the primary technique of tick control in Africa, resulting in a slew of issues such as pollution, the development of resistant tick strains, and rising expenses 11 Similarly, ticks have been mostly controlled in Ethiopia for decades by a range of acaricides, such as organochlorines, organophosphates, macrocyclic lactones, carbamates, amidines, or synthetic pyrethroids. 12 Yet, ticks usually develop resistance to acaricides when exposed to favorable factors such as most widespread usage, under concentration, frequent use of organochlorines, and organophosphates compound.…”

“…12 Yet, ticks usually develop resistance to acaricides when exposed to favorable factors such as most widespread usage, under concentration, frequent use of organochlorines, and organophosphates compound. 11 The inclusion of local indigenous knowledge is ever more becoming a topical subject to enhance livestock veterinary care and helps in decision-making about fundamental aspects in the life of the farmers. Ticks were the major ectoparasites of goats that affect productivity in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa.…”

In Vitro Acaricidal Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used against Ticks in Eastern Ethiopia

“…In Ethiopia, over the past decades, ticks are mainly controlled by using a variety of synthetic acaricides [5]. However, ticks have developed resistance against commercial acaricides in Ethiopia with the widespread, underor overconcentrated, and frequent use of these compounds [6,7]. Thus, there is an urgent need for new tick control strategies to overcome the drawback associated with the use of synthetic drugs.…”