Efficacy of repellents against fleas and ticks: a field trial on free roaming dogs in Mali, West Africa

Résumé

Introduction This study evaluated the efficacy of repellent products in protecting free‑roaming dogs from flea and tick infestations in Mali, West Africa. The work included a comparative assessment of four commonly marketed collar‑type repelling devices—the ultrasonic collar (TICKLESS Mini Dog), the plastic botanical‑based collar (MEDIDOG Natürliches Zeckenhalsband), the ceramic‑bead collar with microbial coating (Bailey Bijoux), and the natural amber bead collar (PetLove Bernsteinkette)—alongside a biocidal SpotOn formulation (TGF X‑Line SpotOn) containing 9.9% Eucalyptus citriodora oil (H/C). These collar‑type products are widely promoted as non‑chemical alternatives but remain poorly supported by empirical evidence. Ultrasonic collars claim to emit high‑frequency sound waves intended to deter fleas and ticks, whereas ceramic, plastic, and amber collars rely on passive mechanisms such as surface charge, friction, or volatile compounds released from the materials. The SpotOn formulation, in contrast, functions through volatile plant compounds presumed to act on parasite chemoreceptors and reduce attachment without relying on insecticidal killing. Methods The evaluation was conducted in two parallel phases. The first trial focused on small dogs (3–6 kg) to allow sensitive comparison across all repellent products. All repellents were tested together, with 10 dogs in the SpotOn group, 6 dogs assigned to each collar‑type treatment, and 10 untreated dogs as controls over an 86‑day study period. A second trial assessed the SpotOn formulation across a broader range of body sizes to determine whether efficacy was maintained when applied at the recommended dose for heavier dogs. In this phase, 40 dogs—20 medium (6–15 kg) and 20 large (15–30 kg)—were enrolled and monitored for reinfestation over the same period. Results Laboratory assays confirmed that the SpotOn’s primary mode of action was repellency rather than insecticidal activity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that regular application of the SpotOn provides effective, long‑lasting protection against fleas and ticks under challenging field conditions, whereas none of the tested collar‑type products showed significant repellent effects.

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