Prevalence of tick infestation and comparative efficacy of different drugs in buffaloes

Abstract

An epidemiological study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence, type of ticks present in buffaloes in Karur district and to assess the efficacy of two different types of insecticides against tick infestation under field conditions such as ivermectin and deltamethrin spray. A total of 165 buffaloes were selected randomly and examined carefully for tick infestation. Both physical examination and laboratory investigation were employed in the study. The study revealed that buffaloes in the study area were infested with single Boophilus species (70.32%) and multiple (29.63%) species of ticks. The preferred sites of tick attachment to infested animals were udders, external genitalia and inner thigh (64.8%) then neck and chest (52.0%), perineum (9.25%) and ears (3.7%). The obtained results revealed that poor husbandry practices of small holder farmers be a determinant making the animals more prone to tick infestation in this district. The result shows that Ivermection injection gives 96% and Deltamethrin spray gives 48% efficacy. To improving the hygienic conditions associated with treatment of Ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg Body weight) and spraying of Deltamethrin (1%) for surrounding environment every 7 days are recommended to control 100% of tick infestation under field condition.