Identification of collected ectoparasites of rodents in the west of Khuzestan Province (Ahvaz and Hovizeh), southwest of Iran

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine possible parasitic arthropods fauna in certain rodent species in the west of Khuzestan Province including Ahvaz and its suburb and suburb of Hovizeh, southwest of Iran. MethodsIn the current study Sherman live traps were used to catch the rodents. The rodents were identified using Iranian keys of rodents. The ectoparasites were picked up in different ways from bodies of the anesthetized rodents and stored in 70% ethanol to preserve and identified using international keys. ResultsIn the present study 3 species and 4 genera of ectoparasites and 4 species of rodents were identified. ConclusionsIt is important to explain that the great ectoparasite biodiversity in the west of Khuzestan, with small sampling of rodents, described a high risk factor to transmit the different infectious diseases among domestic animals and humans.