A review of Ethnoveterinary Botanicals Used for Tick Control in Wukari, Taraba State, North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The use of traditional methods to control ectoparasites in livestock is a common practice among Fulani herdsmen. Such methods involve manual removal of ticks, avoidance of tick-infested areas, pasture burning and the use of plants with acaricidal activity. The aim of this study was to document and review acaricidal plants used for the control of ticks by Fulani herdsmen in Wukari Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State, Nigeria. Open-ended questionnaires and guided dialogue techniques were used to interview 58 Fulani herdsmen across five districts in Wukari LGA. Information collected included the common/vernacular names of the plant species, parts used, methods of preparation and administration and toxicity of the plant species. Extensive literature search was conducted to find extra information on what is known about the identified plants. A total of 22 plant species belonging to 16 plant families were documented as being used for the control of ticks in livestock by the herdsmen interviewed. Information obtained from literature indicate that 86% of the plant species already have documented acaricidal and/or tick repellent properties and 50% have similar ethnomedical uses in other parts of the world. Most of the plants employed by the Fulani herdsmen for tick control appear promising as alternative source to commonly used synthetic acaricides.