Rapid quantitative assay for acaricidal effects on Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis and Otodectes cynotis

Brimer et al. (Vet. Parasitol. 51: 123-135, 1993 and 59: 249-255, 1995) developed a migration assay for acaricidal effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and macrocyclic lactones utilising Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis mites. In contrast to many others, this assay is fully quantitative but quite time-consuming. The aim of the present investigation was to modify this assay to become faster and simpler. As a result accurate determinations can now be obtained within 6h, as opposed to 24h. Furthermore it was demonstrated that also Otodectes cynotis mites can be used with only minor modifications of the procedures. The cholinesterase inhibitor diazinon and the formamide amitraz were used as acaricides. Thus, the mite migration assay now has been proven useful for acaricidal compounds belonging to three chemical groups with different modes of action, namely organophosphorous cholinesterase inhibitors, macrocyclic lactones acting on the glutamanergic/GABAegic motoneurons, and formamide inhibitors of the octopamine systems of arthropods.