Essential oils as an alternative control against cattle ticks in México: an integrative review.

Abstract

The control of cattle ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus) is critical in livestock farming, especially in pasture-based systems, as these ectoparasites are vectors of diseases such as bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis. However, chemical pesticides have led to the development of resistance in tick populations, as well as in the elimination of beneficial soil fauna and the animal itself, making essential the development of alternative control methods. Essential oils (EOs), derived from plants, have emerged as a promising alternative due to their natural acaricidal and repellent properties. EOs rich in monoterpenes, carvacrol, and other bioactive compounds have demonstrated significant efficacy in controlling ticks, including those resistant to conventional pesticides. Plants such as cinnamon, cumin, and pepper have shown particular promise. The use of EOs not only offers a safer and more sustainable approach to tick management but also reduces the risks associated with chemical pesticide use. However, research on the use of essential oils in Mexico and the world is incipient. This opens a wide window of opportunity to generate alternative treatments for tick control. Therefore, further research is needed to optimize EO formulations and delivery methods for effective tick control in livestock systems.