In vivo efficacy of a biotherapic and eugenol formulation against Rhipicephalus microplus

Abstract

The control of Rhipicephalus microplus is essential to prevent cattle discomfort and economic losses. However, increased resistance and acaricides inefficiency lead producers to adopt strategies that could result in the accumulation of chemical residues in meat and milk with possibilities of poisoning in animals and people. This scenario demonstrates the necessity of research into the identification of novel, effective and environmentally safe therapeutic options for cattle tick control. The objectives of this study were to develop and assess the efficacy of R. microplus biotherapic and of 5% eugenol for the control of R. microplus in artificially infested calves. Eighteen male 6-month-old Holstein calves were divided into three groups of six animals. In Group 1, the animals did not receive medication (control group); in Group 2, the animals received 1 mL of R. microplus biotherapic at dilution 6CH (centesimal Hahnemannian), orally administered twice daily. And in Group 3, they received a single application of eugenol 5% in the pour-on formulation. The median efficacy for biotherapy and eugenol 5% was respectively 10.13 and 13.97%; however, upon analyzing reproductive efficiency, it is noteworthy that the biotherapic had 45.86% efficiency and was superior to the action of eugenol (12.03%) after 37 days of treatment. The ultrastructural study provided information about the effects of R. microplus biotherapic on the ovaries of engorged females and showed disorganization in the deposition of the oocyte exochorion. The results suggest hatchability inhibition of larvae, interference in R. microplus reproduction and future possibilities for eco-friendly control of R. microplus with biotherapic 6CH.

Assessment of weight gain and control of parasitism by Rhipicephalus microplus in dairy cattle in the field using organosynthetic parasiticide, phytotherapics and homeopathy

“…However, Figueiredo et al (2018) using a 30CH biotherapeutic did not find significant differences in infestation in relation to the control group. Valente et al (2017) also reported very low effectiveness (42%) of a 6CH biotherapeutic formulation.…”

Acaricidal and repellent activities of ethanol extracts of nine chinese medicinal herbs against Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

“…Recent studies have focused on natural substances, such as secondary plant metabolites with acaricidal or repellent activities, to protect livestock against ticks (Lunguinho et al 2021 ). Notably, essential oils derived from clove, cottonseed, and lemon grass have been investigated as potential substitutes for synthetic pesticides (Valente et al 2017 ; Jain et al 2020 ; Apel et al 2009 ; Castro et al 2018 ; Santos and Vogel 2012 ). However, few studies have evaluated ethanol extracts as potential acaricides and repellents against ticks.…”

Acaricide resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks collected from communal grazing cattle in South Africa

“…The tickis known as the indigenous tick to the African continent and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Rhipicephalus decoloratus is regarded as the major vector for transmission of tick-borne diseases, such as Babesia bigemina , Anaplasma marginale , and Anaplasma central , to cattle, whereas its counteracting species, Rhipicephalus microplus , can also transmit Babesia bovis , amongst other pathogens [ 2 – 4 ]. Heavy infestation of ticks results in the production and economic losses by reducing milk yield in cows, meat, and damage to the skin.…”