Piroplasm infestations in cattle: exploring tick control usingextract and neem oil emulsion.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tick-borne diseases represent a major threat to both animal and human health globally. This study explores the prevalence of tick infestation and associated piroplasm infections specificallyandspecies in cattle, in addition to evaluating the acaricidal effectiveness ofextract () and neem oil emulsion (). METHODS: Among 130 cattle examined, 61 were infested with ticks and subsequently screened for piroplasm infections. Molecular analysis identified infections caused byand. RESULTS: A strong association was found between tick infestation andspecies, whileinfection showed a slight correlation. Hemolymph examination confirmed the critical role of ticks in the life cycle of piroplasm infection.extract and neem oil were tested for their acaricidal properties against adult ticks ().extract (0.5 mg/mL) caused tick mortality within 24 h. However, neem oil induced rapid and significant tick mortality at (20 mg/L) and (15 mg/L), achieving 100% mortality within the same time frame. Both treatments demonstrated high effectiveness, with results indicating strong dose-and time-dependent effects compared to controls. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed extensive morphological damage to treated ticks. This damage included destruction of the hypostome, loss of surface striations, wrinkling with pore formation, and cracking following exposure to neem oil andextract. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the potential ofextract and neem oil emulsion as effective natural acaricides for controlling tick infestations and reducing tick-borne diseases.