Abstract

Potential Role of Biosynthesized Nanoparticles against Hard Ticks of Ruminants

Authors: Palwasha Shahzadi, Dur ea Shahwar, Laraib Zaman, Fouzia Naseem, Faraz Nadeem, Ammara Fareed, Kinza Riaz, Tehreem Shehzad and Zaib-UN-Nisa

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2025.050

Abstract
Hard ticks (Ixodidae family) are ectoparasites that present a serious health risk to ruminants through their mode of disease transmission for anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, and babesiosis. Acaricides have long been used to manage ticks but given the risk of acaricide resistance and environmental issues, new methods have been necessitated. Nanoparticles (NPs) are becoming more popular as antiparasitics, antibacterials, and antivirals since they possess distinctive characteristics of having a high surface area and rapid action. Thus, it is an improved method for tick treatment. Biosynthetic Zn, Cu, and AgO NPs are found to be highly toxic to ticks as they induce oxidative stress, disrupt vital metabolic processes, and damage cellular architecture. These NPs induce paralysis and death by touching tick cuticles and organs. On top of that, biosynthetic NPs would also enhance the effectiveness of existing acaricides by breaking through the resistant mechanism, thereby providing a dual control approach for tick control. As per recent studies, NPS have also been utilized in the formulations of acaricides, animal feed, or insect repellents to combat infestations of pests. However, it is important to critically analyze the potential health and environmental risks caused by the consumption of NPs throughout the cycle of agricultural production. In a bid to enhance their use in cattle health care, this study investigates the probable applications of NPs in tick management with a focus on effectiveness, challenges, and prospects for future studies.

Keywords: Acaricide resistance; Biosynthetic nanoparticles; Hard ticks; Integrated tick management; Oxidative stress; Tick-borne diseases