Acaricidal efficacy of Melia azedarach, Olea ferruginea, and Zanthoxylum armatum against Rhipicephalus microplus from District Buner, Mardan, and Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Infestations of Rhipicephalus microplus are common in animals. Due to its evolving resistance to acaricides used to treat this contagious disease, the tick R. microplus causes large losses in livestock animals. Many medicinal plants are alternatives to conventional medications for treating various conditions, including parasitic diseases. To retain the cow herd’s productivity, minimize financial losses, and prevent the misuse of synthetic chemical acaricides, finding ways to reduce R. microplus infestations with herbal acaricides is imperative. Whole-plant extracts derived from Olea ferruginea and Zanthoxylum armatum were collected from Buner, Mealia Azedarach from Nowshera, and prepared plant extract. The female adult ticks were collected from the cattle. These plant extracts were applied against adult female R. microplus, O. ferruginea extract significantly reduced egg laying (P<0.01) and increased oviposition inhibition in adult female ticks at a concentration of 40 mg/mL, as shown in the Adult Immersion Test. In contrast, Z. armatum, M. azedarach extracts, and an isolated substance demonstrated a lower acaricidal effect on adult female R. microplus. To ascertain the proportional contributions of different phytochemicals from whole-plant extracts on acaricidal action, research is needed. Further acaricidal effectiveness testing utilizing cattle infected with R. microplus will be designed in light of these findings.