Evaluation of oil of Cedrus deodara and benzyl benzoate in sarcoptic mange in sheep

Abstract

Two commonly used acaricidal drugs in India containing oil Cedrus deodara (OCD) and benzyl benzoate (BB), respectively, were used in 24 lambs (3–6 months) naturally infected with Sarcoptes mites. The lambs were divided in three equal groups. Two groups were kept as treated groups and a third as control. Drugs were applied locally on affected parts on alternate days and recovery changes in skin lesions were observed regularly at the time of application. Blood samples from each group were collected and analysed for total erythrocytes, leukocytes, and haemoglobin concentration every 10 d Post treatment (PT). The two treated groups responded to the treatment but recovery in the C. deodara group (CDG) was faster and lesions were free from mites after 5 applications (tenth day) as compared to the seventh application (fourteenth day) in the benzyl benzoate group (BBG). Erythrocyte and leukocyte counts were significantly different in treated groups as compared to control. Animals treated with OCD had significantly more erythrocyte and leukocyte counts compared to control; however, haemoglobin did not show significant difference. Oil of C. deodara was found more efficacious in controlling sarcoptic mange in sheep.