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# Acaricide Resistance Mapping in Central and Western Uganda: A 2024 Field Survey

A comprehensive field survey documenting acaricide resistance patterns across 42 dip tanks in central and western Uganda, revealing critical shifts in tick susceptibility to amitraz and deltamethrin-based formulations. The study highlights the urgent need for resistance-informed rotation strategies among livestock farmers.

Dr. Sarah Namukasa, Prof. John Magambo 15 June 2025
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## Introduction

Acaricide resistance poses a critical threat to livestock productivity across East Africa. Despite widespread use of chemical tick control, systematic resistance monitoring remains limited in Uganda. This study presents findings from a 12-month survey covering 42 communal and private dip tanks in the central and western regions.

## Methodology

Tick samples (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Boophilus decoloratus) were collected from 42 sites between January and December 2024. Larval packet tests were conducted using commercial concentrations of amitraz (12.5%), deltamethrin (5%), and cypermethrin (15%) formulations. Resistance ratios were calculated against susceptible reference strains maintained at Makerere University.

## Key Findings

- 38% of sites showed moderate to high resistance to amitraz-only formulations
- Deltamethrin-based products (including Sangadelta®) maintained >90% efficacy at 33 of 42 sites
- Sites practising regular rotation between chemical classes showed significantly lower resistance ratios (p<0.01)
- Co-formulations combining amitraz with synthetic pyrethroids showed enhanced efficacy at resistant sites

## Recommendations

The data strongly supports implementing structured acaricide rotation programmes, with a minimum 3-month interval between chemical class switches. Farmers should be educated on the importance of correct dilution rates and dip-wash maintenance to preserve product efficacy.

Authors

DS
Dr. Sarah Namukasa

PhD, Veterinary Pharmacology

Sanga Vet. Chem. Ltd

Head of Research and Development at Sanga Vet. Chem. Ltd, specialising in acaricide formulation and tick resistance management across East Africa.

PJ
Prof. John Magambo

Professor of Veterinary Parasitology

Makerere University

Leading researcher in tick-borne diseases and acaricide resistance patterns across the East African region with over 20 years of field experience.

resistance acaricides ticks Uganda field survey

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