Sheep scab control using trans-cinnamic acid

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Parasitology
• Chemical Efficacy Studies

Background:

• Psoroptes mange mites cause sheep scab, a significant economic concern in livestock.
• Current treatments for sheep scab can have limitations, necessitating the search for novel acaricides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of trans-cinnamic acid ethyl ester against Psoroptes mange mites.
• To determine the in vitro and in vivo effects of trans-cinnamic acid ethyl ester on sheep scab.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assays assessed mite mortality at various concentrations and exposure times.
• In vivo studies involved topical spray application of trans-cinnamic acid ethyl ester in a lecithin suspension on infested sheep.
• Residual activity was tested on treated skin and cloth substrates.

Main Results:

• In vitro, concentrations of 0.1% to 10% (v/v) resulted in 20% to 100% mite mortality within 24 hours.
• The concentration for 95% mortality was 6.29%.
• In vivo, 7 out of 8 sheep treated with trans-cinnamic acid ethyl ester were cured of sheep scab for 56 days, with one case of mite recovery.

Conclusions:

• Trans-cinnamic acid ethyl ester demonstrates potent acaricidal activity against Psoroptes mites in vitro and in vivo.
• The compound shows potential as a therapeutic agent for sheep scab, but its short residual activity may limit widespread commercial application.
• Further development of application technology is recommended to optimize its use in managing sheep scab.