The general objective of the study is to determine the acaricidal effect of euphorbia latex against the brown dog tick, it specifically aims to determine the efficacy of euphorbia latex (Euphorbia milii) against brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) at varying levels of concentration at different lengths of exposure and methods of application, determine the efficacy of euphorbia latex in comparison to Frontline® and identify the most effective concentration of euphorbia latex against brown dog tick.

There were two (2) methods of application used in the study, the spray method and dip method. The five (5) treatments used were T₁ Frontline®, T₂-25% Euphorbia latex, T3-50% Euphorbia latex, T4-75% Euphorbia latex and T5-100% Euphorbia latex. The three observations time set to determine the killing efficacy of the euphorbia latex were 30 minutes time after exposure, 60 minutes time after exposure and 90 minutes time after exposure of treatments.
Each treatment was replicated three times. The experimental lay-out used was the Split-split plot arrangement randomized as an RCBD.

Based on the result of the study on the mortality rate of ticks as affected by the two methods of application of euphorbia latex, a highly significant result was obtained where dip method was more effective application against the brown dog tick compared to the spray method of application.

In the mortality of ticks as affected by different levels of concentration of euphorbia latex, the result showed that T5 (100% Euphorbia Latex) exhibited the same effect with that of control, which is Frontline®. These findings indicate that pure concentrations of euphorbia latex could be effective acaricide against the brown dog tick.
In the mortality of ticks as affected by different time of exposure to euphorbia latex, the result showed that the longer time of exposure to the euphorbia latex, the higher the mortality because this shows that after the application of treatment the latex had a prolonged action.

Based on the results of the study, euphorbia latex shows promising acaricidal effect and can be used to control against the brown dog tick. The effect however, varied with the methods of application, different levels of concentration as well as the length of time the ticks were exposed to the latex.

Thesis (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.