Efficacy of Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica) and Clove Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) against Ear Mites in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

Ear mites are a common ectoparasite that causes a skin disease known as mange in rabbits. Its infestation will contribute to poor growth, decrease production performances and in severe cases, cause mortality. To date, chemical pesticides are still widely used to control rabbit mites, where long-term use will contribute to the evolution of mite resistance. Essential oils have become an alternative method due to their efficacy and safety. This study was aimed to determine the efficacy of clove oil and neem oil against rabbit ear mites. The rabbits were divided into four treatment groups: T1, T2 and T3 and T4, each having three rabbits. These groups were topically treated with ivermectin (control group), clove oil, neem oil, 50:50 of clove and neem oil respectively on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. The number of mites was counted and recorded as post-treatment evaluations by microscopic examination of skin scrapings from each group. The number of mites were progressively decreased in T2, but fluctuated in T1, T3 and T4. The number of live mites for each treatment was not statistically different (p>0.05) between treatments for days 0, 7 and 21, but the number of mites was statistically different (p<0.05) between all treatments for days 14 and 28. T4 that was treated with both clove and neem oil showed the highest efficacy with 94% for day 14 post-treatment, while treatment with neem oil (T3) showed the highest efficacy (89.7%) for day 28 after treatment. The results revealed that the mixture of both oils was the most effective against rabbit ear mites, however comparing the two oils, neem was more effective than clove oil in controlling the mites.