[Control of Anocentor nitens (Neumann, 1897) (Acari: Ixodidae) on equines].

The research article reports a study that investigates the effectiveness of different methods to control the tick Anocentor nitens on horses. The methods include use of spraying devices and application of a specialized acaricide paste.

Study Overview

• The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of specific control methods for managing the tick Anocentor nitens in equines. The ticks seemed to take shelter in the equine auricular pavilion (ear region) and nasal diverticulum (nose region).
• The control methods under investigation were the use of spraying devices and a certain acaricide (anti-tick compound) paste formulation. The control efforts were observed from October 2003 to March 2008.

Methods of the Study

• The research team classified the infestation levels on a scale of 0 to 3, with 0 indicating no infestation and 3 being the highest level of infestation.
• From April 2004 to March 2006, a schedule of weekly acaricide sprays was implemented. The treatment was divided into two series, with the first starting in April 2004 and the second in July, same year. Both series involved six spraying treatments with a pyrethroid chemical base–cypermethrin 0.015%.
• In addition to the sprays, topical treatments were applied monthly in the equine ear regions using a powder acaricide.
• From April 2006 to March 2008, similar treatment schedules were employed, but every two months. An experimental acaricide paste was used instead, applied in the equines’ ear and nose regions.

Findings of the Study

• The results showed no significant reduction in parasitic loads during the second and third phases of the study when compared with the control period.
• However, a significant reduction in tick infestation was observed during the fourth and fifth phases, compared to both the control period and the results from phases two and three. This outcome indicated the effectiveness of the treatment using the experimental acaricide paste formulation.
• The main finding of the study is that A. nitens populations housed in the nasal diverticulum play an essential part in maintaining the infestations on horses. The researchers concluded that this anatomical location requires special attention when controlling ticks in horses.