Clinical Evaluation of Neem-Azal® 1% T/S against Dog Ticks and Flea Infestation in Jos Metropolis North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Dogs are the common successful canids and pet animals adapted to human habitation worldwide. They are usually infested with parasites that could harm their owners. The aim of the study was to clinically evaluate the effect of Neem-Azal® 1% T/S against Dog ticks and fleas infestation in jos metropolitan Veterinary Clinics and environs. A total of 36 days, infested with ectoparatites in six locations were physically examined and treated with NeemAzal® 1% T/S. Out of a total of 877 ticks examined infesting dogs Amblyomma lepidum was 133(15%) and Rhiphicephalus sanguineus was 7444 (85%). The only Flea species encountered was Ctenocephalides canis 155 (100%). The geometric mean tick count reductions at Day 3, 10, and 21 were 45%, 65%, and 100%, respectively. For fleas at day 3 it was 100% and percentage of tick and flea-free dogs at Day 10 were 70% and 100% respectively and the differences were highly significant at Day 21 (P<0.0001) except dogs treated at ECWA Rural Veterinary Clinic group experienced ticks re-infestation 21 days post treatment (P>0.05). An improvement of the hair coat of all dogs treated with Neem-Azal® 1% T/S shampoo was observed and a dog that showed signs of myiasis was healed. The product is therefore recommended as a suitable routine treatment of Dogs against ticks and fleas infestation in Jos Metropolis of North-central Nigeria.