Use of Homeopathic Complex in the Control of Dairy Cattle Ticks

Background: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus parasitism causes large losses in bovine herds, and its control by means of synthetic carrapaticides causes resistance problems, as well as the risk of residues in food and environment.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a homeopathic complex in the control of the natural infestation of lactating dairy cows and its in vitro effect on engorged females.

Methods: The tests were carried out in two dairy farms between May and October 2018. One farm is certified organic, with 70 animals, and the other uses the conventional production model, with 16 animals. The homeopathic formulation was composed of Staphysagria 3 DH, Cina 6 CH, Sulphur 6 CH and auto-isotherapic of tick 30 CH. The bovine females received orally 10 grams per day of the homeopathic complex, incorporated into sucrose. The outcome parameters, as designated by the producers, were degree of infestation (%) and physical appearance of the parasites. For in vitro evaluation engorged females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, collected from naturally infested animals, were submitted to the immersion test.

Results: According to the producers’ designation, in both farms there was a mean reduction of infestation by 80% in the treatment period and alteration in the coloration of the lighter parasites, with a more wrinkled appearance. In the in vitro test, the homeopathic complex showed an efficacy of 13% and 55%, in the organic and conventional farm respectively.

Conclusion: The homeopathic complex presented effective control in the natural infestation of ticks in dairy cows of organic and conventional farms.

Keywords: Rhipicephalus microplus, high dilution, organic

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).