Abstract:
The acaricidal activity of Azadirachta indica (neem) aqueous fruit extracts was evaluated against Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis
(mange mites) in an on-farm trial using grower pigs. Aqueous neem fruit extracts of three concentrations 5%, 10%, and 25% w/v
and a commercial acaricide, 12.5% amitraz-based Triatix spray (positive control), were compared with pigs that received no
treatment (negative control). Thirty grower pigs of the Dalland breed were allocated to the five treatments in a completely
randomized experiment. Each experimental animal was sprayed on day 0 and again on day 7. Counts of mange mites, scoring
of lesion index, and calculation of rubbing index were done weekly. Topical application of 25% aqueous neem fruit extract had a
higher efficacy ratio (p < 0.05) than the other fruit extract concentrations, and performed similarly to an amitraz-based acaricide,
suggesting a dose-dependent response. Amitraz (positive control) cured clinical mange on grower pigs after 5 weeks and 25%
aqueous neem fruit extract 6 weeks post-treatment. The results indicated that aqueous neem fruit extracts have acaricidal effects
against mange mites and can provide a cheaper, safer, and more eco-friendly alternative for the control of Sarcoptes mange in
pigs.
