Confidence Semakane Phaahla ^1* Leshweni Jeremia Shai ² Vincent Maduna ² Resoketswe Charlotte Moropeng ² Solomon Ramagoai Magano ^1*

• ¹ University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
• ² Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa

The integration of traditional plant-based methods for controlling ectoparasites in the primary healthcare of livestock is progressively emerging as a crucial intervention to enhance livestock productivity in regions with limited resources, particularly smallholder farming areas facing resource constraints. In Sekhukhune District, where livestock plays a vital role in rural livelihoods, cattle ticks present a significant challenge to cattle farming. This study aims to document the ethnoveterinary practices employed by local communities to control cattle ticks, highlighting the use of alternative methods rooted in indigenous knowledge. Data were collected using a purposive sampling method to select the traditional livestock keepers, herders, and community elders to uncover the plant-based treatments, and management strategies used in tick control. In addition, a semistructured questionnaire and a guided field survey were employed to collect data. A total of 250 participants with an age range from 18 to over 60 years were recruited. The result revealed that elder participants over 60 years were more knowledgeable in comparison to the youth and adults. Furthermore, 28 plant species with potential acaricidal properties and other methods aimed at controlling cattle tick infestation were documented. Cissus quadrangularis was the most frequently cited species, which was widely distributed throughout the district. In addition, these results are framed within the larger context of sustainability, promoting ecofriendly cattle farming practices in the Sekhukhune District while reducing the reliance on conventional acaricides. By documenting this Ethnoveterinary Knowledge, the study contributes to the preservation of Indigenous knowledge while advocating for sustainable approaches to livestock health management in rural areas. The study concludes with valuable insights into the selected local community's traditional methods of managing tick infestations. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of preserving and understanding Indigenous knowledge in livestock health management, particularly in regions where conventional veterinary approaches might face challenges.