UTILIZATION OF KAMIAS (AVERRHOA BILIMBI) FRUIT AND ALOE VERA (ALOE BARBADENSIS MILLER) LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST BROWN DOG TICKS (RHIPICEPHALUS SANGUINEUS)

Abstract

Ticks pose a significant threat to both human and animal health, highlighting the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic acaricides. This study investigated the efficacy of Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi) fruit and Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) leaf extracts, collectively referred to as AloeKamia, against Brown Dog Ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). The study aimed to address gaps in existing research, particularly regarding the synergistic effects of these plant extracts and the limited literature on the effectiveness of Aloe Vera against brown dog ticks. This study employed a true experimental research design. Kamias fruit underwent water extraction, while Aloe Vera leaves were subjected to ethanolic extraction to obtain the plant extracts. A total of ninety (90) Brown Dog Ticks were collected from dogs and maintained under natural experimental conditions. Four concentrations of the AloeKamia extract were prepared: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, achieved by varying the extract-to-water ratio. A commercial anti-tick spray containing fipronil and a negative control using pure water were included for comparison. Each concentration was applied to ticks placed in petri dishes, and mortality rates were observed and recorded throughout the experimental period. The experimental trials demonstrated concentration-dependent efficacy of the AloeKamia extracts, achieving a 100% mortality rate across all tested concentrations. Higher extract concentrations resulted in faster tick mortality, with ticks dying within 33 minutes. In comparison, the commercialized anti-tick spray showed statistically significant differences (F-value = 15.9964, P = 0.0161), yielding a lower mortality rate of 73.33% and a longer average time of 100 minutes to eliminate ticks. The findings highlight the strong potential of AloeKamia as a natural alternative for tick control. The plant-based extracts effectively reduced tick populations and demonstrated rapid acaricidal action. Overall, the study indicates that AloeKamia is a highly effective and fast-acting solution for controlling Brown Dog Ticks, surpassing the efficacy of the commercialized anti-tick spray.