Ectoparasiticidal Activity of Herbal Product Keetguard Liquid against Riphicephalus Microplus in Ruminants

Aims: The present study was aimed to determine the in vivo and in vitro efficacy of herbal ectoparasiticidal and fly repellant Keetguard liquid (Supplied by M/s Ayurvet Ltd. Baddi, HP, India) against Rhipicephalus microplus.
Study Design: 24 non descript cows with natural and heavy tick infestation were selected for the trial and divided into four groups of 6 animals Group I, Group II, Group III and Group IV. Each group of animals was kept as control for specific period of time and thereafter they were treated with 1:20 dilution of Keetguard liquid applied over the body coat by spray method once a day and twice weekly.
Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted under field condition and was undertaken by Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur.
Methodology: In vivo efficacy of Keetguard liquid on nymphal, larval and adult stages of ticks was determined by treating the cattles with keetguard liquid as per prescription (The dosage was standardized on the basis of preclinical trails). The number of each stage of ticks per square unit was counted. Observations were noted after 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 48 and 72 hours in vitro efficacy of Keetguard liquid towards larval, nymphal and adult stages of ticks from cattle was evaluated by observing mortality of larval, nymphal stages of ticks and adult ticks in filter paper impregnated with keetguard at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of exposure to test solution.
Results: Keetguard significantly removed all nymphs in 10 hrs and the adult ticks in 24 hrs in in vivo study. A time interval of 24 hrs and 72 hrs was required for complete mortality of nymphal/larval stages of ticks and adult ticks respectively when tested in vitro. Besides the immediate effect on adult ticks, the egg-laying property of the survived ticks was also assessed. Keetguard significantly afflicted oviposition percentage in adult female ticks (5%) as compared to untreated females (92.5%). The average egg mass in both groups was 3.2 mg and 12.8 mg respectively. No reifestation was observed till 45 days after treatment signifying the potential residual activity of the Keetguard liquid.
Conclusion: The product was found highly efficacious against the ectoparasite infestation in animals as well safe and eco-friendly. It can effectively reduce the ectoparasites nuisance ultimately turning out to high productive performances in animals. Besides the immediate effect on adult ticks, the egg-laying property of the ticks was also reduced.