The curative efficacy of Propolis on rabbits naturally infested with mite

The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Propolis (bee glue) ointment 10 % and Ivermectin (400 µg/kg, S/C) as curative effect against rabbit mange (Psoroptes cuniculi and Sarcoptes scabiei) infested on face, nose, ears, feet and body surface of rabbits. Thirty infested rabbits, 1-year-old, were examined during January to April 2015. They were divided into three main groups, control infected and untreated group, Propolis ointment 10% treated group and Ivermectin (400 µg/kg, S/C) treated group. Propolis ointment 10% yielded full recovery of the injuries and hair growth in the alopecic areas after applying once a day for 7-10 days on face, nose, feet and body surface and for 5-7 days on ears. From the second week of treatment, all examinations of skin scraping were negative for finding mange which may suggests the cidal effect of Propolis. In Ivermectin (400 µg/kg, S/C) treatment the rabbits returned to normal skin after an average of 20-25 days in face, nose and feet and 15-20 days on ears. On skin scraping, eggs were detected which suggests incomplete recovery as re- infection had occurred. The treatment of rabbit mange with propolis ointment 10% was effective, supporting the use of propolis as a hopeful natural alternative with no identified collateral effects.