Author(s): Willbrord Kalala, Joseph Magadula and Hammerthon Mdegela

Abstract: Commiphora swynertonii (CS) exudate tapped from bark is extensively used by Maasai and many other tribes in Tanzania and Kenya for treatment of various ailments in animals and human beings. The exudate is said to have strong wound healing ability and acaricidal activity. The aim of this study was to establish effectiveness of acaricidal activity of the exudate on common ticks Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (RA) and Amblyioma variegatum (AV). Larval Packet test (LPT) and Adult immersion test (AIT) were used. The exudate was found to have strong acaricidal activity against the ticks with LC50 = 1.72 mg/ml for RA while for AV it was 1.91 mg/ml. The LC 99 of the exudate for RA was 3.5 mg/ml and that of AV was 3.7 mg/ml. The exudate also prevented or reduced oviposition and egg hatching capability. Thus CS exudate is recommended for use in protecting livestock and domesticate animals against ectoparasites.