In vitro control of the camel nasal botfly, Cephalopina titillator, with doramectin, lavender, camphor, and onion oils

Serodiagnosis of nasal myasis in camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Egypt using third larval instar affinity-purified glycoprotein

The larvae of Cephalopina titillator cause nasopharyngeal myiasis in camels, which parasitize the living tissues of the nasal and paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. C. titillator infestation adversely affects camel health, meat, and milk production, and can even cause death. In our study, to improve the immunodiagnosis of camel nasal myiasis, a sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed and evaluated using the Concanavalin-A (Con-A) affinity purification for the C. titillator-N-acetylglucosamine (Ct-GlucNAc) glycoprotein fraction from third larval instars as an antigen for detecting C. titillator antibodies. Crude antigens were prepared from larval instars of C. titillator and evaluated by indirect ELISA. The third C. titillator larval antigen (L3Ct) had the highest protein content (P < 0.001) and the best diagnostic value; chi-square = 235 (P < 0.001). Four glycoprotein fractions were purified separately from the L3Ct antigen by Con-A purification and evaluated. The Ct-GlucNAc glycoprotein fraction was the fraction of choice with the highest diagnostic accuracy (P < 0.05). Using Ct-GlucNAc as a coating antigen, indirect ELISA showed a 99.3% sensitivity for positive results in camel myiasis samples and 100% specificity for negative results in healthy camel samples. The diagnostic accuracy was 99.7%, and no cross reactivity was detected for other parasitic diseases. The indirect ELISA results were confirmed by the western immunoblotting which was characterized by comparing sera from naturally infested dromedary camels with C. titillator, sera from healthy camels and sera from camels with other parasitic infections (Echinococcus granulosus, Fasciola gigantica, Hard ticks; Hyalomma dromedarii, Trichostronglid sp., Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium sp.). Immunoreactive antigenic bands of 63, 50, 30 and 18 kDa were predominantly detected in sera from camels with nasopharyngeal myiasis and didn't react with healthy and camel's sera from other parasitic infections. However, seven immunoreactive bands appeared at 120, 70, 63, 48, 35, 29, and 19 kDa in the crude L3Ct antigen. In addition, a positive rate of C. titillator immunodiagnosis was detected by indirect ELISA (48.6%, chi-square = 483, P < 0.001), which was significantly greater than that of postmortem diagnosis (31%). In conclusion, the current study introduces a new diagnostic immunoaffinity glycoprotein fraction of C. titillator 3rd larval instar-based ELISA as a highly accurate, simple and fast method to detect specific antibodies of nasal myiasis in camels.

Synthesis of eco-friendly layered double hydroxide and nanoemulsion for jasmine and peppermint oils and their larvicidal activities against Culex pipiens Linnaeus

Mosquito-borne diseases represent a growing health challenge over time. Numerous potential phytochemicals are target-specific, biodegradable, and eco-friendly. The larvicidal activity of essential oils, a jasmine blend consisting of Jasmine oil and Azores jasmine (AJ) (Jasminum sambac and Jasminum azoricum) and peppermint (PP) Mentha arvensis and their nanoformulations against 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Culex pipiens, was evaluated after subjecting to different concentrations (62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm). Two forms of phase-different nanodelivery systems of layered double hydroxide LDH and oil/water nanoemulsions were formulated. The synthesized nanoemulsions showed particle sizes of 199 and 333 nm for AJ-NE and PP-NE, with a polydispersity index of 0.249 and 0.198, respectively. Chemical and physiochemical analysis of TEM, SEM, XRD, zeta potential, drug loading capacity, and drug release measurements were done to confirm the synthesis and loading efficiencies of essential oils' active ingredients. At high concentrations of AJ and PP nanoemulsions (2000 ppm), O/W nanoemulsions showed higher larval mortality than both LDH conjugates and crude oils. The mortality rate reached 100% for 2nd and 4th instar larvae. The relative toxicities revealed that PP nanoemulsion (MA-NE) was the most effective larvicide, followed by AJ nanoemulsion (AJ-NE). There was a significant increase in defensive enzymes, phenoloxidase, and α and β-esterase enzymes in the treated groups. After treatment of L4 with AJ, AJ-NE, PP, and PP-NE, the levels of phenoloxidase were 545.67, 731.00, 700.00, and 799.67 u/mg, respectively, compared with control 669.67 u/mg. The activity levels of α-esterase were 9.71, 10.32, 8.91, and 10.55 mg α-naphthol/min/mg protein, respectively. It could be concluded that the AJ-NE and PP-NE nanoformulations have promising larvicidal activity and could act as safe and effective alternatives to chemical insecticides.

Novel acaricidal and growth-regulating activity of Aloe vera and Rheum rhabarbarum extracts and their oil/water nanoemulsions against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii

Hyalomma dromedarii is an important tick species infesting livestock. This work evaluated the novel adulticidal, insect growth-regulating, and enzymatic efficacy of ethanol plant extracts of Aloe vera and Rheum rhabarbarum and their nanoemulsions against males and engorged females of the camel tick, H. dromedarii. The physicochemical properties of nanoemulsions were evaluated. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses indicated that the extracts contained polyphenols and flavonoids, which could enhance their acaricidal effect. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) of the nanoemulsions of A. vera and R. rhabarbarum were 196.7 and 291 nm, whereas their zeta potentials were - 29.1 and - 53.1 mV, respectively. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) indicated that nanoemulsions showed a regular spherical shape (less than 100 nm). Fifteen days post-treatment (PT) with 25%, the mortality% of A. vera and R. rhabarbarum were 88.5 and 96.2%, respectively. Five days PT, the median lethal concentration values of A. vera, R. rhabarbarum, and their nanoemulsions were 7.8, 7.1, 2.8, and 1.02%, respectively, and their toxicity indices were 91.02, 100, 36.4, and 100%, respectively. Their median lethal time values PT with 3.5% were 6.09, 5.09, 1.75, and 1.34 days, respectively. Nanoemulsions enhanced the efficacy of the crude extract 1-7 folds, 5 days PT, and accelerated their speed of killing ticks 2-4 times. The total protein and carbohydrates, Acetylcholinesterase, Alpha esterase, and Amylase were affected PT. The reproductive potential of engorged females was adversely impacted. In conclusion, the novel A. vera and R. rhabarbarum extracts were promising acaricides, and their nanoformulations enhanced their efficacies.

Prevalence and pathology of Cephalopina titillator infestation in Camelus bactrianus from Xinjiang, China

BACKGROUND

In camels, nasopharyngeal myiasis is caused by the larvae of Cephalopina titillator, which parasitize the tissues of nasal and paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. C. titillator infestation adversely affects the health of camels and decreases milk and meat production and even death. However, the C. titillator infestation in Bactrian camels has not been widely studied.

METHODS

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of C. titillator in Bactrian camels of northwestern Xinjiang. Suspected larvae recovered from infested camels were evaluated for C. titillator by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequences of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) and cytochrome b (CYTB) genes from the C. titillator of camels were aligned from the NCBI database. Furthermore, the gross and histopathological alterations associated with C. titillator infestation were evaluated via pathological examination.

RESULTS

Of 1263 camels examined 685 (54.2%) camels were infested with suspected C. titillator larvae. Different larval stages were topically detected in the nasal passages and pharynx of the camel heads. Microscopy analysis of the pharyngeal mucosa tissue revealed necrotic tissue debris and some inflammatory cells. Molecular detection of the larval COX1 and CYTB genes indicated that pathogen collected in Bactrian camels was C. titillator. The epidemiological study demonstrated that the prevalence rate of C.titillator infestation was significantly higher in camels of Bestierek Town Pasture (67.2%) and Karamagai Town Pasture (63.6%) compared to Kitagel Town Pasture (38.7%) and Qibal Town Pasture (35.8%) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the prevalence rates in male (52.6%) and female (54.6%) camels (P > 0.05). The prevalence was higher in warm (64.2%) than that in cold (48.4%) seasons (P < 0.001). The prevalence in camels with non-nomadic method (67.2%) was significantly higher than in animals with nomadic method (47.5%) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of C.titillator infestation was significantly higher in animals of aged 5-10 (60.1%) and aged > 10 (61.1%) years old compared to those of aged < 5 (31.7%) years old camels (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that there is a high prevalence of C. titillator in Bactrian camels from Xinjiang, closely related to age, season, pasture environment, and husbandry methods. Developing prevention, diagnosis, and control programs to prevent transmission is necessary.

Ovicidal Aroma Shields for Prevention of Blow Fly Strikes Caused by Lucilia sericata (Meigen), Diptera: Calliphoridae

The blow fly, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Culicidae) is a primary facultative ectoparasite controlled by insecticides that have environmental and safety concerns; therefore, its natural and safe control is crucial. L. sericata eggs were subjected to 400 μL of 5% of 24 materials of plant-borne origin. The number of hatched and unhatched eggs were counted 24 h postexposure. Stopmyasis^® expressed the highest ovicidal effect, followed by cedarwood, orange, and tea tree oils. The mean ovicidal results were 46.09-95.24% grouped as Class A, which provided the lowest hatchability rates. Even though benzoin, vanillin, citronella, and camphor oils grouped as Class B provided moderate ovicidal effects (33.69-43.92%), their efficacy differed significantly from those of the treatments in Classes A and C containing the control group and vetiver, eucalyptus, Olbas^®, neem, sunflower, oil blends, patchouli, frankincense, p-menthane-3,8 diol (PMD), lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, calry sag, myrtle, and silicone oil. According to our knowledge, most (19 out of 24) applied materials were used as ovicides against L. serricata for the first time, except orange, eucalyptus, patchouli, cinnamon oils, and six of them were applied as ovicides against pests for the first time. Stopmyasis containing Géraniol and PMD is the drug of choice as an ecofriendly product to prevent blow fly strikes through correct diagnosis and prompt treatment preventing a disastrous and destructive course of the disease and improving quality of life.

Novel Pesticidal Efficacy of Araucaria heterophylla and Commiphora molmol Extracts against Camel and Cattle Blood-Sucking Ectoparasites

Botanical insecticides are promising pest control agents. This research investigated the novel pesticidal efficacy of Araucaria heterophylla and Commiphora molmol extracts against four ectoparasites through treated envelopes. Seven days post-treatment (PT) with 25 mg/mL of C. molmol and A. heterophylla, complete mortality of the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii and cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus were reached. Against H. dromedarii, the median lethal concentrations (LC50s) of the methanol extracts were 1.13 and 1.04 mg/mL and those of the hexane extracts were 1.47 and 1.38 mg/mL, respectively. The LC50 values of methanol and hexane extracts against R. annulatus were 1.09 and 1.41 plus 1.55 and 1.08 mg/mL, respectively. Seven days PT with 12.5 mg/mL, extracts completely controlled Haematopinus eurysternus and Hippobosca maculata; LC50 of Ha. eurysternus were 0.56 and 0.62 mg/mL for methanol extracts and 0.55 and 1.00 mg/mL for hexane extracts, respectively, whereas those of Hi. maculata were 0.67 and 0.78 mg/mL for methanol extract and 0.68 and 0.32 mg/mL, respectively, for hexane extracts. C. molmol extracts contained sesquiterpene, fatty acid esters and phenols, whereas those of A. heterophylla possessed monoterpene, sesquiterpene, terpene alcohols, fatty acid, and phenols. Consequently, methanol extracts of C. molmol and A. heterophylla were recommended as ecofriendly pesticides.

Agrobiological Interactions of Essential Oils of Two Menthol Mints: Mentha piperita and Mentha arvensis

This review article discusses the active constituents and potential of two menthol mint oils, Mentha piperita (MPEO) and Mentha arvensis (MAEO), as natural sources for botanical pesticides. The biological activities of these menthol mint oils, which can be useful in agriculture, have been broadly researched, especially toward phytotoxic microorganisms. To a lesser extent, the insecticidal and herbicidal activities of mint EOs have also been studied. It is apparent that the prospect of using menthol mint oils in agriculture is increasing in popularity. A number of investigations showed that the in vitro efficacy of MPEO and MAEO, as well as that of their main constituent, menthol, is pronounced. The results of in vitro research are useful for choosing EOs for further investigations. However, it is clear that in situ experiments are crucial and should be more extensively developed. At the same time, known techniques are to be applied to this area and new methods should be worked out, aiming at the improvement of EOs’ pesticidal efficacy and cost-effectiveness, for future implementation in agricultural pest control.

Efficacy and repellency of some essential oils and their blends against larval and adult house flies, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

House flies are global pests and notoriously difficult to control. Essential oils of vetiver, cinnamon, and lavender and their blends were tested for toxic and repellent effects against larval and adult flies. All of the oils had moderate toxicity for eggs. Mortality of 2^nd instar larvae was 57-78% in dipping assays, 38-100% in contact assays, and 94-100% in treated media. Lavender was less effective (38% mortality) than the others (91-100%) in contact bioassays. Oil blends were not more effective against larvae than individual oils. Vetiver and cinnamon oils were strongly repellent (84 and 78%, respectively) for larvae in treated media. None of the oils were repellent for adult house flies in olfactometer assays, but testing of additional products demonstrated significant repellency for neem oil, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), and vanillin. Contact/fumigant toxicity of vetiver, cinnamon, and lavender oils was 100%, significantly higher than mortality from sunflower oil (67%). Blends of oils were not more effective against adults than the individual oils, but blends diluted with sunflower oil were as effective as the individual oils. Essentials oils of vetiver and cinnamon may have potential for fly management in situations where conventional insecticides cannot be used.

Potential of essential oils to prevent fly strike and their effects on the longevity of adult Lucilia sericata

Lucilia sericata is a facultative ectoparasite causing fly strike or myiasis in warm-blooded vertebrates. It is controlled by traps or insecticides, but both have drawbacks and alternative ways of control are urgently needed. Essential oils (EOs) of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and their blends (OBs); OB1 (2 ml of each EO plus 4 ml of sunflower oil as a carrier) and OB2 (2 ml of each EO) were tested. Oils were tested at 5% for deterrence assays, and a dose response assay 0.01-0.6%, was conducted to determine forced-contact toxicity. We evaluated the efficacy of oils as oviposition deterrents, repellents/attractants, and their effects on mortality and longevity of adult L. sericata. Our data indicated that 0.2% EOs killed all flies by 5 min post-treatment and that vetiver oil greatly deterred flies from the oviposition medium and reduced adult longevity. Sunflower oil repelled all flies from ovipositing and greatly reduced the lifespan of treated adults. The blend of the four oils (OB1) had the greatest repellent effect on the flies. EOs have insecticidal, repellent, and oviposition-deterrent activities against L. sericata that could be used for suppression of blow fly populations.

Lavandula Essential Oils: A Current Review of Applications in Medicinal, Food, and Cosmetic Industries of Lavender

The global essential oil market has been steadily increasing in size over the past few years, and is estimated to reach ca. $7.5 billion USD per annum by 2018. Lavenders ( Lavandula; Lamiaceae) contribute significantly to this market, yielding ca. 1500 tons of essential oils which are primarily used in cosmetics, personal care products, and medicines. Recent literature indicates that these oils may also have applications in food preservation and pest control, among others. The medicinal and pharmaceutical properties of lavenders are chiefly due their essential oils, in particular the major essential oil constituents linalool and linalyl acetate, although certain activities have been attributed to the phenolic compounds. In addition, there is evidence that the major and minor essential oil constituents act synergistically to provide various biological effects. A substantial amount of current research focuses on evaluating the biological activities of lavender essential oils for potential use in traditional and complementary medicine, food systems, cosmetic and fragrance formulations, and insect control products. This review examines recent progress in these areas, and highlights the current and future implications for these economically and medicinally valuable plants.

High innate attractiveness to black targets in the blue blowfly, Calliphora vomitoria (L.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Calliphora vomitoria is a myiasis-causing fly in many animal species including humans. The control of blowflies is still anchored on the use of chemicals. However, mass trapping and lure-and-kill techniques represent a promising alternative to pesticides. Visual and olfactory cues are the main stimuli routing the fly's landing behavior. Notably, color attractiveness has been barely explored in flies of medical and veterinary importance, with special reference to blowflies. In this study, we investigated the innate color preferences in C. vomitoria adults, testing binary combinations of painted targets under laboratory conditions. The identity of tested species C. vomitoria was confirmed by DNA sequencing (18S and cox1 genes). C. vomitoria flies showed a significant preference for black colored targets in all tested binary color combinations, after 5, 15, 30 and 60 min of exposure. Black targets were significantly preferred over blue, red, yellow and white ones. Spectral characteristics of all tested color combinations were quantified and the innate attraction of blowflies towards black targets was discussed in relation to their behavioral ecology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on innate color preferences in the Calliphora genus. Our findings can be useful to develop new, cheap and reliable monitoring traps as well as "lure and kill" tools to control blowfly pests.

Efficacy of some essential oils on Cephalopina titillator with special concern to nasal myiasis prevalence among camels and its consequent histopathological changes

Nasopharyngeal myiasis is an important high incidence disease among camels in the Middle East and North of Africa caused by Cephalopina titillator (C. titillator) that results in sever economic losses in many camel breeding areas around the world. The current study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of three essential oils; camphor, ginger and cinnamon oils and their histopathological effects on the 3rd larval instar of C. titillator, with special regard to the prevalence percentage of C. titillator infestation in slaughtered camels at Egyptian abattoirs in addition to investigate histopathological alterations of the infested animal's tissue. This study fulfilled that the prevalence of C. titillator infestation was 35.2% among slaughtered camels during summer season. The three tested essential oils were caused a significant mortality of C. tittilator; however, camphor oil was exhibited greater and quicker insecticidal effect than ginger and cinnamon oils at the same concentration in terms of mortality of the 3rd instar C. tittilator larvae. There was a concentration-dependent effect on the larvae among the tested essential oils. The tested essential oils were caused remarkable histopathological alterations on the treated larval cuticle. The main salient lesions of the examined infested camel's tissue were necrotic and inflammatory alterations associated with cystic dilation of submucosal glands.

Toxicity and growth inhibition potential of vetiver, cinnamon, and lavender essential oils and their blends against larvae of the sheep blowfly, Lucilia sericata

BACKGROUND

Myiasis induced by the sheep blowfly, Lucilia sericata, represents a public health problem widely distributed throughout the world. L. sericata larval stages feed on both humans and animals. L. sericata adults and larvae can play a role in spreading agents of mycobacterial infections.

OBJECTIVES

It is critical to establish new and safe alternative methods of controlling L. sericata.

METHODS

The insecticidal effectiveness and growth inhibition potential of three commercially available essential oils (EOs), vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), as well as their blends, were tested against the second (L2) and third (L3) larval stages of L. sericata. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil was used as a carrier and tested on L2 and L3 larvae. To the best of our knowledge, all applied essential oils, except lavender, and oil blends were tested against L. sericata for the first time.

RESULTS

All applied oils did not repel L2 from the treated liver but adversely affected their development. Contact treatments on L. sericata L3 indicated that vetiver and cinnamon oils significantly affected treated larvae. Total mortality rates were 93.33 and 95.56%, respectively. Furthermore, oil blends tested through contact assays killed larvae when used at higher concentrations; adult emergence was eliminated post-treatment with doses >30% for oil blend 1 and >10% for oil blend 2.

CONCLUSION

Overall, cinnamon and vetiver oils (5%) were selected as reliable and cheap biopesticides for controlling larvae of L. sericata. The tested oils are inexpensive and represent new promising botanical insecticides in the fight against blowflies causing myiasis.

Control of biting lice, Mallophaga - a review

The chewing lice (Mallophaga) are common parasites of different animals. Most of them infest terrestrial and marine birds, including pigeons, doves, swans, cormorants and penguins. Mallophaga have not been found on marine mammals but only on terrestrial ones, including livestock and pets. Their bites damage cattle, sheep, goats, horses and poultry, causing itch and scratch and arousing phthiriasis and dermatitis. Notably, Mallophaga can vector important parasites, such as the filarial heartworm Sarconema eurycerca. Livestock losses due to chewing lice are often underestimated, maybe because farmers notice the presence of the biting lice only when the infestation is too high. In this review, we examined current knowledge on the various strategies available for Mallophaga control. The effective management of their populations has been obtained through the employ of several synthetic insecticides. However, pesticide overuse led to serious concerns for human health and the environment. Natural enemies of Mallophaga are scarcely studied. Their biological control with predators and parasites has not been explored yet. However, the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae has been reported as effective in vitro and in vivo experiments against Damalinia bovis infestation on cattle. Furthermore, different Bacillus thuringiensis preparations have been tested against Mallophaga, the most effective were B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki, kenyae and morrisoni. Lastly, plant-borne insecticides have been evaluated against Mallophaga. Tested products mainly contained bioactive principles from two Meliaceae, Azadirachta indica, and Carapa guianensis. High efficacy of neem-borne preparations was reported, leading to the development of several products currently marketed. Overall, our review highlighted that our knowledge about Mallophaga vector activity and control is extremely patchy. Their control still relied on the employ of chemical pesticides widely used to fight other primary pests and vectors of livestock, such as ticks, while the development of eco-friendly control tool is scarce. Behavior-based control of Mallophaga, using pheromone-based lures or even the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) may also represent a potential route for their control, but our limited knowledge on their behavioral ecology and chemical communication strongly limit any possible approach.

Larvicidal activity of camphor and lavender oils against sheep blowfly, Luciliasericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

In this study, the essential oils of camphor and lavender were tested in vitro against the third instar larvae of Lucilia sericata for the first time, following dipping toxicity technique. The toxicity results revealed that L. sericata larvae were susceptible to the applied essential oils. Lavender oil was more effective than camphor in killing of L. sericata larvae. With 32 % concentration, the mortality percentages of larvae were 100 and 93.3 %, respectively. Light and scanning electron microscopic examinations were done to determine the cuticular changes of L. sericata larvae following exposure to the applied essential oils. Larvae showed cuticular swelling and distortion after oil treatment, but its level was greater with lavender oil. The current study suggested that an alternative, effective and natural product can be developed as larvicides against L. sericata using camphor and lavender oils.

The antitrichomonal efficacy of garlic and metronidazole against Trichomonas gallinae infecting domestic pigeons

Trichomonas gallinae is the causative agent of canker in pigeon. This work was carried out to investigate in the vitro and in vivo efficacy of aqueous water extract of garlic (AGE) on the growth of T. gallinae infecting pigeons compared to those of metronidazole (MTZ). MTZ and AGE were added, at different concentrations, to glucose-serum broth medium containing 1 × 10(4) trophozoites/ml. In the in vivo experiment, 48 squabs were grouped into four groups. The first group (gr. I) was not infected and not treated. Each squab of the other group was infected with 1 × 10(4) trophozoites. The second group (gr. II) was infected and not treated. On day 0, the third group (gr. III) was treated with MTZ (50 mg/kg BW) and the fourth group (gr. IV) was treated with AGE (200 mg/kg BW) for seven successive days in drinking water. In vitro study revealed that the MLC, 24, 48, and 72 h post treatment were 50, 25, and 12.5 μg/ml, respectively, for MTZ and 75, 50, and 50 mg/ml, respectively, for AGE. Garlic (200 mg/kg BW) had the highest antitrichomonal effect and shortened course of treatment of pigeons from 7 days in gr. III to 5 days. Squabs in gr. II suffered from macrocytic hypochromic anemia, whereas squabs in grs. III and IV showed normal blood pictures. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin were increased, whereas AST, ALT, and the total cholesterol were decreased in grs. III and IV when compared to those of gr. II. Pigeons protected with AGE showed increased body weight and reduced mortality percentage than the other groups. Our results indicated that garlic may be a promising phytotherapeutic agent for protection against trichomoniasis in pigeons.

The acaricidal efficacy of aqueous neem extract and ivermectin against Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi in experimentally infested rabbits

Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi is one of the most important veterinary ectoparasites in rabbits and results in considerable loss of weight, productivity, and wool quality. The acaricidal activity of aqueous leaf extract of neem (CAN) and ivermectin (IVR) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo against S. scabiei var. cuniculi. Rabbits were classified into four groups (ten rabbits each). The first group (group 1) was designated as the negative control group. Each rabbit of the other groups was experimentally infested with 50 mites. One month post-infestation, the second group (group 2) was not treated and taken into account as the positive control group. The third group (group 3) was subcutaneously injected with 1 % IVR (200 μg/kg body weight, three times within a week interval). The fourth group (group 4) was treated topically with CAN (25 %) every 3 days for three consecutive weeks. Index scoring of lesions was described weekly. The number of live mites (larvae, nymphs, and adults) on each rabbit was counted on the 14th, 28th, and 42th day post-treatment (PT). Blood samples were taken 28 and 42 days PT for estimation of some chemical parameters. The body weight and cumulative body weight gain were recoded 14, 28, and 42 days PT. CAN (40 %) was highly efficacious against larvae of S. scabiei var. cuniculi as 100 % mortality was reached 24 h PT. On the other hand, all treated mites with CAN (20 %) and IVR died 48 h PT. The lethal values of CAN (LC50, LC90, LC95, and LC99) were 7.496, 14.67, 17.75, and 25.37 %, respectively, 48 h PT. Lesion scoring in groups 3 and 4 were significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05), reaching 0.20 and 0.40, respectively, when compared with that of group 2 (4.00), 42 days PT. Twenty-eight days PT, the reduction percentages of mites infesting rabbits were 93.38 and 93.09 % for IVR and CAN, respectively. However, complete mite reduction was reached 42 days PT. Rabbits treated with CAN did not show signs of restlessness or irritation, respiratory signs, or inflammation on the eye and/or skin at the time of application or afterwards. Regarding biochemical analysis, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and total cholesterol in rabbits treated with CAN were decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) than those of rabbits of the positive control group and those treated with IVR. On the other hand, the levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin of rabbits in group 4 were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased when compared with the corresponding values of groups 2 and 3. The body weight and cumulative body weight gain of rabbits treated with CAN were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) when compared with such values of groups 2 and 3, 28 and 42 days PT. The present data indicated that CAN had in vitro and in vivo acaricidal efficiency similar to that of IVR and improved the performance of rabbits without inducing adverse effects on treated rabbits; consequently, CAN could be suitable as a promising alternative acaricide for veterinary use.