Comparative Efficacy of Fipronil, Ivermectin and Clove Oil (Eugenia caryophyllata) against Psoroptes cuniculi Mites in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of fipronil, ivermectin and clove oil against frequently reported Psoroptes cuniculi mites which are responsible for causing intense pruritus and scab formation on skin, ear pinna and ear canal in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The rabbits were divided into 3 groups viz. A, B and C each having 10 rabbits. These groups were topically treated with fipronil, ivermectin and clove oil on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. Pre and post treatment evaluations were made on the basis of clinical improvement and microscopic examination of skin scrapings in each group. Results revealed that all 3 drugs were effective against P. cuniculi; but ivermectin led recovery was quicker than rest of the two drugs. All three groups were free of lesions and mites on day 21 of treatment.