Tick control practices in communal Tsholotsho

Abstract

This study assessed the use of indigenous acaricides in Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe. An observational study design plus laboratory analysis were used in this study. Data on demographic profiles and tick control practices in 21 villages was collected using a questionnaire. Seven hundred and fifty nine (n=759) ticks were collected from cattle using systematic sampling at 15 dip tanks. Marula efficacy was assessed using pregnancy, repellence and mortality tests. Farmers used several tick control remedies (physical removal, chemicals, and plant and animal extracts), some of which have potential to harm the health of the public. Marula caused significant decrease in mass among pregnant ticks (p<0.05), had a significant kill percentage (p< 0.05), and also repelled, killed and hindered egg laying. The active ingredients in marula formulations should be investigated. The extra-label use of conventional acaricide, and the use of compounds with potential to harm the public health needs to be regulated.