Animal Bait Research Articles

Host choice of Phlebotomus orientalis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in animal baited experiments: a field study in Tahtay Adiyabo district, northern Ethiopia.

BackgroundHost choice and feeding success of sand fly vectors of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are important factors in understanding the epidemiology and for developing efficient control strategies. The aim of the present study was to determine the host preference of Phlebotomus orientalis in the VL focus of Tahtay Adiyabo district, northern Ethiopia.MethodsTwo separate experiments were conducted testing attraction of P. orientalis to humans, domestic animals, and small wild animals. The host choice of P. orientalis and other sand fly species was assessed using tent traps baited with seven different animals (human, cow, sheep, goat, donkey, dog and chicken) and a blank control. Baited traps were rotated every night in a Latin square design for two consecutive full rounds totaling 16 trap-nights. The second set of experiments tested attraction to small wild animals including; ground squirrel (Xerus rutilus), hare (Lepus sp.), gerbil (Tatera robusta) and spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus). Animals were caged in standard rodent traps or cylindrical wire-mesh cages. The bait animals were placed in agricultural field and the attracted sand flies were collected using unlit CDC traps for 10 trapping nights. Sand fly specimens collected from each of the experiments were identified to species level and counted.ResultsSignificant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the attraction and feeding rate of P. orientalis to different baits. In the first experiment, cow-baited tent traps attracted the highest mean number of P. orientalis (mean = 510 flies). The engorgement rate of P. orientalis on donkey was the highest followed by cow, and much lower on goat, sheep, dog and chicken. In the case of smaller wild animals, more numbers of P. orientalis females were attracted to squirrels followed by hares, gerbils and the spiny rat. However, the engorgement rates for P. orientalis in the smaller animals were very low (1.08%) compared with larger domestic animals (30.53%).ConclusionThe tendency of female P. orientalis to engorge in large numbers on certain species of domestic as well as wild animals strongly indicated that the species is primarily zoophilic in its host preference with feeding habits that may vary depending on the availability of hosts.

Culicidae (Diptera) selection of humans, chickens and rabbits in three different environments in the province of Chaco, Argentina

Studies were conducted to determine the selection of humans, chickens and rabbits by Culicidae in three different environments in the province of Chaco, Argentina. Mosquitoes were collected fortnightly using cylindrical metal traps containing animal bait (chickens and rabbits). The mosquitoes were collected between June 2001-May 2002. During the same period and with the same frequency, mosquitoes biting the human operators of the traps were collected during the first 15 min of exposure within different time intervals: from 09:00 am-11:00 am, 01:00 pm-03:00 pm, 05:00 pm-07:00 pm and 09:00 pm-10:00 pm. A total of 19,430 mosquitoes of 49 species belonging to 10 genera were collected. Culex species mainly selected chicken bait and Wyeomyia species selected rabbit bait. Ochlerotatus and Psorophora species were more abundant in rabbit-baited traps. Anopheles triannulatus, Coquillettidia nigricans, Ochlerotatus scapularis, Mansonia titillans and Psorophora albigenu showed a strong attraction for human bait. The Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex and Mansonia species were more active between 05:00 pm-09:00 pm, while Ochlerotatus, Psorophora, Haemagogus and Wyeomyia were most active from 09:00 am-07:00 pm. This study provides additional information about the biology and ecology of arbovirus vectors in Chaco.

Culicidae (Diptera) selection of humans, chickens and rabbits in three different environments in the province of Chaco, Argentina.

Studies were conducted to determine the selection of humans, chickens and rabbits by Culicidae in three different environments in the province of Chaco, Argentina. Mosquitoes were collected fortnightly using cylindrical metal traps containing animal bait (chickens and rabbits). The mosquitoes were collected between June 2001-May 2002. During the same period and with the same frequency, mosquitoes biting the human operators of the traps were collected during the first 15 min of exposure within different time intervals: from 09:00 am-11:00 am, 01:00 pm-03:00 pm, 05:00 pm-07:00 pm and 09:00 pm-10:00 pm. A total of 19,430 mosquitoes of 49 species belonging to 10 genera were collected. Culex species mainly selected chicken bait and Wyeomyia species selected rabbit bait. Ochlerotatus and Psorophora species were more abundant in rabbit-baited traps. Anopheles triannulatus, Coquillettidia nigricans, Ochlerotatus scapularis, Mansonia titillans and Psorophora albigenu showed a strong attraction for human bait. The Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex and Mansonia species were more active between 05:00 pm-09:00 pm, while Ochlerotatus, Psorophora, Haemagogus and Wyeomyia were most active from 09:00 am-07:00 pm. This study provides additional information about the biology and ecology of arbovirus vectors in Chaco.

Host-seeking activity of bluetongue virus vectors: endo/exophagy and circadian rhythm of Culicoides in Western Europe.

Feeding success of free-living hematophagous insects depends on their ability to be active when hosts are available and to reach places where hosts are accessible. When the hematophagous insect is a vector of pathogens, determining the components of host-seeking behavior is of primary interest for the assessment of transmission risk. Our aim was to describe endo/exophagy and circadian host-seeking activity of Palaearctic Culicoides species, which are major biting pests and arbovirus vectors, using drop traps and suction traps baited with four sheep, as bluetongue virus hosts. Collections were carried out in the field, a largely-open stable and an enclosed stable during six collection periods of 24 hours in April/May, in late June and in September/October 2010 in western France. A total of 986 Culicoides belonging to 13 species, mainly C. brunnicans and C. obsoletus, was collected on animal baits. Culicoides brunnicans was clearly exophagic, whereas C. obsoletus was able to enter stables. Culicoides brunnicans exhibited a bimodal pattern of host-seeking activity with peaks just after sunrise and sunset. Culicoides obsoletus was active before sunset in spring and autumn and after sunset in summer, thus illustrating influence of other parameters than light, especially temperature. Description of host-seeking behaviors allowed us to discuss control strategies for transmission of Culicoides-borne pathogens, such as bluetongue virus. However, practical vector-control recommendations are difficult to provide because of the variation in the degree of endophagy and time of host-seeking activity.

Host preferences of PalaearcticCulicoidesbiting midges: implications for transmission of orbiviruses

Feeding success depends on host availability, host defensive reactions and host preferences. Host choice is a critical determinant of the intensity at which pathogens are transmitted. The aim of the current study was to describe host preferences of Palaearctic Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Latreille using traps baited with the five different host species of poultry, horse, cattle, sheep and goat. Collections were carried out nightly in July and August 2009 in western France with three replicates of a 5 × 5 randomized Latin square (five sites, five hosts). Moreover, an ultraviolet (UV) light/suction trap was operated during host-baited collections to correlate Culicoides biting rates and UV light/suction trap catches. A total of 660 Culicoides belonging to 12 species, but comprised mainly of Culicoides scoticus Downes and Kettle, Culicoides dewulfi Goetghebuer and Culicoides obsoletus Meigen, were collected on animal baits. Abundance was highest for the horse, which accounted for 95% of all Culicoides caught, representing 10 species. The horse, the largest bait, was the most attractive host, even when abundance data were corrected by weight, body surface or Kleiber's scaling factor. Culicoides obsoletus was the only dominant species attracted by birds. Both C. scoticus and C. dewulfi were collected mainly from the upper body of the horse. Finally, the quantification of host preferences allows for discussion of implications for the transmission of Culicoides-borne pathogens such as bluetongue virus.

The abundance and host-seeking behavior of culicine species (Diptera: Culicidae) and Anopheles sinensis in Yongcheng city, people's Republic of China

BackgroundThe knowledge of mosquito species diversity and the level of anthropophily exhibited by each species in a region are of great importance to the integrated vector control. Culicine species are the primary vectors of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus and filariasis in China. Anopheles sinensis plays a major role in the maintenance of Plasmodium vivax malaria transmission in China. The goal of this study was to compare the abundance and host-seeking behavior of culicine species and An. sinensis in Yongcheng city, a representative region of P. vivax malaria. Specifically, we wished to determine the relative attractiveness of different animal baits versus human bait to culicine species and An. sinensis.ResultsCulex tritaeniorhynchus was the most prevalent mosquito species and An. sinensis was the sole potential vector of P. vivax malaria in Yongcheng city. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) in the abundance of both An. sinensis and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus collected in distinct baited traps. The relative attractiveness of animal versus human bait was similar towards both An. sinensis and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus. The ranking derived from the mean number of mosquitoes per bait indicated that pigs, goats and calves frequently attracted more mosquitoes than the other hosts tested (dogs, humans, and chickens). These trends were similar across all capture nights at three distinct villages. The human blood index (HBI) of female An. sinensis was 2.94% when computed with mixed meals while 3.70% computed with only the single meal. 19:00~21:00 was the primary peak of host-seeking female An. sinensis while 4:00~5:00 was the smaller peak at night. There was significant correlation between the density of female An. sinensis and the average relative humidity (P < 0.05) in Wangshanzhuang village.ConclusionsPigs, goats and calves were more attractive to An. sinensis and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus than dogs, humans, and chickens. Female An. sinensis host-seeking activity mainly occurred from 19:00 to 21:00. Thus, we propose that future vector control against An. sinensis and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the areas along the Huang-Huai River of central China should target the interface of human activity with domestic animals and adopt before human hosts go to bed at night.

Anopheline mosquitoes and their role for malaria transmission in an endemic area, southern Iran

Objective To find the fauna of Anopheles mosquitoes for control implementation in Jiroft, a southern city of Iran with subtropical climate and seasonal malaria transmission. Methods Anopheles specimens from the various mountainous and plain villages in Jiroft area were collected during malaria transmission from 2006 to 2007. Different methods of collection including hand catch, night biting catch using animal and human bait, total catch and shelter pit and larval collection were performed using WHO methods. Results In total, 365 larvae and 871 adult mosquitoes were colleted and identified using morphological characters and DNA sequence data. Faunistic investigation showed that Anopheles species including Anopheles culicifacies, Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles superpictus ( An. superpictus), Anopheles fluviatilis, Anopheles sergenti ( An. sergenti), Anopheles pulchrrimus ( An. pulchrrimus), Anopheles turkhodi and Anopheles dthali were found in the study area. An. sergenti, An. pulcherrimus and An. superpictus were reported for the first time in Jiroft. Conclusions It can be concluded that several malaria species can be found in this region. In addition to the fauna, further investigation is required on the ecology and bionomics of Anopheline mosquitoes for the implementation of vector control as well as malariological survey in the region.

Assessment of vector/host contact: comparison of animal-baited traps and UV-light/suction trap for collecting Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), vectors of Orbiviruses.

BackgroundThe emergence and massive spread of bluetongue in Western Europe during 2006-2008 had disastrous consequences for sheep and cattle production and confirmed the ability of Palaearctic Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) to transmit the virus. Some aspects of Culicoides ecology, especially host-seeking and feeding behaviors, remain insufficiently described due to the difficulty of collecting them directly on a bait animal, the most reliable method to evaluate biting rates.Our aim was to compare typical animal-baited traps (drop trap and direct aspiration) to both a new sticky cover trap and a UV-light/suction trap (the most commonly used method to collect Culicoides).Methods/resultsCollections were made from 1.45 hours before sunset to 1.45 hours after sunset in June/July 2009 at an experimental sheep farm (INRA, Nouzilly, Western France), with 3 replicates of a 4 sites × 4 traps randomized Latin square using one sheep per site. Collected Culicoides individuals were sorted morphologically to species, sex and physiological stages for females. Sibling species were identified using a molecular assay. A total of 534 Culicoides belonging to 17 species was collected. Abundance was maximal in the drop trap (232 females and 4 males from 10 species) whereas the diversity was the highest in the UV-light/suction trap (136 females and 5 males from 15 species). Significant between-trap differences abundance and parity rates were observed.ConclusionsOnly the direct aspiration collected exclusively host-seeking females, despite a concern that human manipulation may influence estimation of the biting rate. The sticky cover trap assessed accurately the biting rate of abundant species even if it might act as an interception trap. The drop trap collected the highest abundance of Culicoides and may have caught individuals not attracted by sheep but by its structure. Finally, abundances obtained using the UV-light/suction trap did not estimate accurately Culicoides biting rate.

Hook ingestion rates in loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta as a function of animal size, hook size, and bait

Declines in sea turtle populations worldwide have been attributed in part to incidental capture in hook and line fisheries. Methods to reduce turtle bycatch and mortality must strike a bal- ance between bycatch reduction and target species retention if they are to gain acceptance from fish- ers. To investigate potential bycatch reduction measures, we examined the effects of hook size, bait type, baiting technique, and animal size on the frequency of loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta ingesting a baited hook during controlled trials. Results indicated that as hook size increased, the likelihood for deep ingestion decreased. Smaller turtles were less likely to swallow larger hooks. Tur- tles were less likely to swallow hooks baited with sardines than with squid and single-baited rather than threaded baits. Results are likely due to differences in bait texture, hook shielding effects, and turtles' behavioral differences. We suggest that fishing with large hooks, using finfish instead of squid, and using single-baited instead of threaded baits might reduce deep ingestion rates of hooks by loggerheads as large as 65 cm in standard straight carapace length (notch to tip).

Vectors and malaria transmission in deforested, rural communities in north-central Vietnam.

BackgroundMalaria is still prevalent in rural communities of central Vietnam even though, due to deforestation, the primary vector Anopheles dirus is uncommon. In these situations little is known about the secondary vectors which are responsible for maintaining transmission. Basic information on the identification of the species in these rural communities is required so that transmission parameters, such as ecology, behaviour and vectorial status can be assigned to the appropriate species.MethodsIn two rural villages - Khe Ngang and Hang Chuon - in Truong Xuan Commune, Quang Binh Province, north central Vietnam, a series of longitudinal entomological surveys were conducted during the wet and dry seasons from 2003 - 2007. In these surveys anopheline mosquitoes were collected in human landing catches, paired human and animal bait collections, and from larval surveys. Specimens belonging to species complexes were identified by PCR and sequence analysis, incrimination of vectors was by detection of circumsporozoite protein using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsOver 80% of the anopheline fauna was made up of Anopheles sinensis, Anopheles aconitus, Anopheles harrisoni, Anopheles maculatus, Anopheles sawadwongporni, and Anopheles philippinensis. PCR and sequence analysis resolved identification issues in the Funestus Group, Maculatus Group, Hyrcanus Group and Dirus Complex. Most species were zoophilic and while all species could be collected biting humans significantly higher densities were attracted to cattle and buffalo. Anopheles dirus was the most anthropophilic species but was uncommon making up only 1.24% of all anophelines collected. Anopheles sinensis, An. aconitus, An. harrisoni, An. maculatus, An. sawadwongporni, Anopheles peditaeniatus and An. philippinensis were all found positive for circumsporozoite protein. Heterogeneity in oviposition site preference between species enabled vector densities to be high in both the wet and dry seasons allowing for year round transmission.ConclusionsIn rural communities in north central Vietnam, malaria transmission was maintained by a number of anopheline species which though collected feeding on humans were predominantly zoophilic, this behaviour allows for low level but persistent malaria transmission. The important animal baits - cattle and buffalo - were kept in the village and barrier spraying around these animals may be more effective at reducing vector densities and longevity than the currently used indoor residual spraying.

Influence of elevation and avian or mammalian hosts on attraction of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) in southern Ontario

AbstractWe studied Culex pipiens L. in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada, to establish whether or not these mosquitoes are attracted to hosts other than birds at different elevations or as the season progresses. Guinea-pigs and chickens were used as representative mammalian and avian hosts, respectively. Bait animals were placed next to modified CDC miniature light traps (no light and no CO2) hung 1.5 or 5 m above ground in a Niagara woodlot. The season was divided into three 6-week periods (early, middle, and late). Significantly more C. pipiens were captured at the 5 m than at the 1.5 m elevation. In general, chicken-baited traps were preferred over control and guinea-pig-baited traps, with one important exception: there was no significant difference among traps during the late period at 1.5 m elevation. The potential role of C. pipiens as a bridging vector of West Nile virus to humans is discussed.

Strawberry‐Flavored Baits for Pharmaceutical Delivery to Feral Swine

ABSTRACT More effective methods to control feral swine (Sus scrofa) damage are needed. We evaluated 8 oral delivery systems designed to deliver pharmaceuticals to feral swine on 2 properties in southern Texas, USA. We used modified PIGOUT® feral pig bait (Animal Control Technologies Australia P/L, Somerton, Victoria, Australia) throughout our trials to compare species‐specific visitation and removal rates. Given our consistent finding of high nontarget removal of baits intended for feral swine, we question whether a swine‐specific oral delivery system exists for this region.

Are light traps baited with kairomones effective in the capture of Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia intermedia? An evaluation of synthetic human odor as an attractant for phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)

Phlebotomine sand flies are often captured with human bait and/or light traps, either with or without an animal bait. More recently, synthetic attractants have been used as bait in traps to improve the capture of phlebotomine sand flies as well as other insects of medical and veterinary importance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the kairomone 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and the synthetic human odor BG-Mesh Lure (BGML--lactic acid, caproic acid and ammonia) baited in modified CDC light traps on the capture of phlebotomine sand flies. The experiments followed the 5x5 Latin square design. Among the species caught, Lutzomyia intermedia apparently presented a dose-dependent response to octenol. The response obtained with the BGML, alone or in combination with octenol (5 mg/h), indicated some degree of attractiveness of these baits to different phlebotomine sand fly species. Octenol seems to be more attractive to L. intermedia than to Lutzomyia longipalpis, while the BGML presented a higher success in capturing L. longipalpis. When the components of the BGML were used separately, there was no increase in catching the female of L. intermedia. Apparently, there was no synergistic effect between the octenol and the BGML. In conclusion, the octenol and the BGML were demonstrated to be possible baits to attract some phlebotomine sand fly species.

A new species of Marphysa (Eunicidae) from the western Cape of South Africa

The eunicid polychaete Marphysa sanguinea was until recently believed to be a cosmopolitan species, with a distribution ranging from the south-west coast of England to the Pacific coast of America, and New Zealand and Australia in the western Pacific. However, there are many morphological and ecological inter-population differences that render the definitive identification of these numerous populations difficult. The recent designation of a neotype, together with a more detailed morphological description of specimens from the type locality in south-west England, has allowed the concept that M. sanguinea represents a series of cryptic species, to be investigated by examining populations of species previously referred to as Marphysa sanguinea. A new species Marphysa mullawa was described from Moreton Bay Queensland, Australia. In this paper we describe a new species from the western Cape of South Africa which has previously been referred to as ‘Marphysa sanguinea’, using an integrative approach combining morphological data, RAPD-PCR analysis and a study of the sperm ultra-structure. The South African species is a popular bait animal for local sea anglers and is heavily exploited throughout the western Cape. The RAPD-PCR analysis also demonstrates that populations referred to as ‘Marphysa sanguinea’ from other geographical locations studied have distinct genetic pools, providing further evidence that Marphysa sanguinea is not a cosmopolitan species and consists of a suite of cryptic species.

Modification of Disney trap for capture of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)

This paper describes the modifications made to the original model of the Disney trap, with a view to easier handling of the same, greater practicability in the collection of sand flies, protection of the animal bait and durability of the trap in the field.

Estudo dos hábitos alimentares de flebotomíneos em área rural no sul do Brasil

To investigate the fauna and host feeding preferences of sandflies as for domestic animals in an endemic area of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. The sandflies collections were carried out from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am in an area 40 meters away from one of the residences in a farm in Southern Brazil, between January and April, 2004. Collection was performed using four Falcão light traps, placed 5 m apart from each other beside a cage, each one of them containing an animal bait (swine, dog, rabbit, and chicken). A total of 1,697 specimens of sandflies were collected as follows: Nyssomyia whitmani, Pintomyia fischeri, Migonemyia migonei, Nyssomyia neivai, Pintomyia pessoai and Psathromyia shannoni. The prevalent species was N. whitmani. There were no feeding preferences of sandflies as for the animals studied. N. whitmani and P. fischeri are opportunistic species and female insects probably adjust their eating habits to host availability, suggesting eating eclecticism of these insects in anthropic environments.

Lethal and behavioural effects of three synthetic repellents (DEET, IR3535 and KBR 3023) on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in laboratory assays

The knock-down, mortality and 'irritancy' effects of three synthetic repellents (DEET, IR3535 and KBR 3023) on Aedes aegypti (L) (Diptera: Culicidae) were evaluated in the laboratory in the absence of animal bait. Filter paper tests were carried out to assess the knock-down effect (KDt(50) and KDt(95)) and mortality (LC(50) and LC(95)) induced by each repellent. 'Irritancy' tests were carried out to compare the flight response (time to first take-off, or FT) to increasing concentrations of repellents (2-7%) and at five distances from the treated surface (0-40 mm). DEET had an insecticidal effect (KDt(50) = 9.7 min at 7%; CL(50)= 1165 mg/m(2)), whereas IR3535 and KBR 3023 did not. Relative to an untreated control, IR3535 was an irritant (relative irritancy or RI > 1) at doses of 5% and 7% (RI = 17.7 and 9.9, respectively), whereas DEET was an irritant at lower concentrations (RI = 12.3 at 2% DEET). KBR 3023 was the weakest irritant over the same range of concentrations (RI(max) = 3.6 at 6%). DEET was more of an irritant (RI(20) = 9.4) than IR3535 (RI(20) = 2.9) over a range of distances (0-20 mm), and KBR 3023 was not an irritant unless mosquitoes made contact with the treated surface. All three repellents had a significant effect on mosquitoes, but DEET exhibited a more complex mode of action than the others due to its insecticidal properties. The repellents do not behave as a single class of compounds with a common mode of action, but most probably affect different physiological systems in insects. The physiological and molecular mechanisms of repellents, especially DEET, should be investigated to ensure a better use of these molecules for skin applications and/or for treating materials against mosquitoes.

Risk of transmission of canine leishmaniosis in eastern Spain

Veterinary RecordVolume 156, Issue 23 p. 743-744 Short Communication Risk of transmission of canine leishmaniosis in eastern Spain J. Lucientes MVD, PhD, J. Lucientes MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Palmero MBD, J. Palmero MBD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. L. Guarga MVD, PhD, J. L. Guarga MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorM. J. Gracia MVD, PhD, M. J. Gracia MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorM. A. PeribáÑez MVD, PhD, M. A. PeribáÑez MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Zárate MVD, J. Zárate MVD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. A. Castillo MVD, PhD, J. A. Castillo MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this author J. Lucientes MVD, PhD, J. Lucientes MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Palmero MBD, J. Palmero MBD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. L. Guarga MVD, PhD, J. L. Guarga MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorM. J. Gracia MVD, PhD, M. J. Gracia MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorM. A. PeribáÑez MVD, PhD, M. A. PeribáÑez MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. Zárate MVD, J. Zárate MVD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJ. A. Castillo MVD, PhD, J. A. Castillo MVD, PhD Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, SpainSearch for more papers by this author First published: 04 June 2005 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.156.23.743AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume156, Issue23June 2005Pages 743-744 RelatedInformation

EFFICACY OF HUNTING, FEEDING, AND FENCING TO REDUCE CROP DAMAGE BY WILD BOARS

Since 1980, populations of wild boar (Sus scrofa) have increased over the species' entire European range. This increase has led to conflicts because wild boars cause crop damage amounting to several million U.S. dollars every year. Wildlife management agencies promote and financially support 3 major methods to reduce the loss: (1) intensive harvest, (2) supplemental feeding in forests to bait animals for easier shooting and to distract them from agricultural fields, and (3) building electrical fences around crops at risk. Our objective was to investigate how effective these methods were in reducing field damage by wild boars. Based on data from 44 hunting territories in the Canton Thurgau, Switzerland, we related damage frequency to harvest success, supplemental feeding, and fencing effort by means of 2 multiple regression analyses. The analysis of mean damage frequency among territories (averaged over 3 years) and changes in damage frequency within territories from 1994 to 1996 showed that only hunting reduced damage by wild boars. Because our results question the effectiveness of wild boar management practices and wild boar populations and damage are increasing throughout Europe, we suggest that control efforts and funds be reconsidered. Because only hunting seems to clearly reduce wild boar damage, we suggest more emphasis be put on the development and introduction of new harvest models among local hunting teams.

Animal bait effect on the recovery of Boophilus microplus larvae from experimentally infested grass in Morelos, Mexico

ABSTRACT To quantify the influence of the animal presence on the percentage of Boophilus microplus larvaerecovery from plots experimentally infested with this tick, it was carried out a trial in Jiutepec,Morelos, Mexico, during autumn 1999 and winter 1999-2000. For this purpose there were comparedfour sampling methods: human walking with chaps, bovine dressed walking, double walking flaggingand double walking with baited flagging. The comparison was made on tree grasses: Andropogungayanus (gamba), Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel) and Melinis minutiflora (molasses) . It was observed thesame recovery efficiency of B. microplus larvae in the four sampling methods studied in the twoseasons. There were no statistical differences, although, there were differences (P < 0.05) among thegrass species. The higher number of larvae recovered was recorded in the low third of the chaps, inthe head and front legs of the bovine dressed, from the buffel grass and on the ventral region and legsin the other two grasses.