Control Of Ectoparasites Research Articles

Experimental oral delivery of the systemic acaricide moxidectin to free-ranging white-tailed deer (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) parasitized by Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae).

Orally delivered, host-targeted, systemic acaricide treatment has potential to be an effective areawide tick abatement strategy. Past efforts using ivermectin for livestock were reported effective at controlling both Amblyomma americanum (L.) and Ixodes scapularis Say on Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann). However, the labeled 48-day withdrawal period for human consumption largely prevented utilization of this strategy targeting I. scapularis in autumn, when peak adult host-seeking activity coincides with regulated white-tailed deer hunting seasons. The modern-day compound moxidectin is the active ingredient in the pour-on formulation Cydectin (5 mg moxidectin/ml; Bayer Healthcare LLC), with a labeled 0-day withdrawal period for human consumption of treated cattle. We sought to re-examine the systemic acaricide approach for tick management by determining if we could successfully deliver Cydectin to free-ranging white-tailed deer. Over 2 yr in late spring/early summer, coinciding with adult and nymphal A. americanum activity, we fed Cydectin-coated corn to free-ranging white-tailed deer in coastal Connecticut. Through serum analysis, we documented moxidectin levels at or above those previously reported effective for control of ectoparasites (5-8 ppb for moxidectin and ivermectin) in 24 of 29 white-tailed deer captured (83%) while exposed to treated corn. While we did not document differences in burdens of parasitizing A. americanum based on moxidectin sera levels, we did document fewer engorged specimens on deer with increased sera levels. The systemic use of moxidectin for tick management in critical reproductive hosts has the potential to be effective in an areawide capacity while also permitting human consumption of treated venison.

Parasiticides: Weapons for Controlling Microbial Vector-Borne Diseases in Veterinary Medicine; The Potential of Ethnobotanic/Phytoparasiticides: An Asset to One Health.

Some ectoparasites are vectors of illness-causing bacteria and viruses, and these are treated with antibiotic and antiviral drugs, which eventually contribute to the excessive use of antimicrobials. Therefore, the control of ectoparasites is crucial, and the challenge will be to manage them in a sustainable way. Data from a preliminary ethnobotanical survey was reanalyzed to obtain information on the use of various plant species in companion animals and livestock as ectoparasiticides. The survey responses were reviewed for traditional use of plants as ectoparasiticides, and cross-sectional bibliographic research was undertaken. The following plants were selected among the nine mentioned plants: Juglans regia, Daphne gnidium and Ruta graveolens, which have the most potential to be developed as veterinary ectoparasiticides. Moreover, the absence of published data for Plantago lanceolata and Cistus populifolius suggests that their traditional use as ectoparasiticides is noted here for the first time. In summary, these plants could give promising plant-derived veterinary ectoparasiticides that, ultimately, will help reduce and even avoid the excessive use of antimicrobials.

In vitro efficacy of essential oils against Haematobia irritans

The horn fly (Haematobia irritans) infestation in the cattle in Brazil leads to significant economic damage for livestock. The efficacy of many essential oils has been demonstrated in the control of veterinary ectoparasites. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of four essential oils to adult horn fly control. The essential oil from Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze (Lamiaceae) was extracted by hydro-distillation, while that the water steam distillation method was used to extract the essential oils from Varronia curassavica (Jacq.) Roem. & Schult. (Boraginaceae), Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm. (Zingiberaceae) and Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae). Afterwards, all the essential oils were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC?MS) and Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) for determination of their chemical composition. The bioassays in vitro were performed according to the impregnated filter paper methodology. All the essential oils evaluated in this study exhibited efficacy in vitro against H. irritans. The highest mortality of H. irritans was determined by essential oils from A. zerumbet (100%) and M. suaveolens (96.2%) at 50 mg mL-1. In concentration of 100 mg mL-1 V. curassavica and P. guajava essential oils caused the mortality of 99.2% and 82.8%, respectively. The A. zerumbet, M. suaveolens, V. curassavica and P. guajava essential oils showed in vitro efficacy against H. irritans. Further studies with associations and nanoemultions are necessary to increase the efficacy and stability of these essential oils on field conditions.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON NEUROTOXICITY OF PYRETHROIDS

Pyrethroids are synthetic derivations of natural pyrethrins from the factory Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium. They comprise esters of chrysanthemum acid (ethyl, 2-dimethyl-3-(1-isobutenyl) cyclopropane-1-carboxylate) and halogenated derivations of their acids and alcohols. Pyrethroids are generally used in menage diseases and companion beast ectoparasite control products, and their limited use in the home terrain raises the trouble of exposure and adverse goods in the general population for humans and advanced creatures. Exploration with a wide range of pyrethroids has indicated that the choreothetosis-expectoration (CS) pattern frequently occurs as substances like deltamethrin, cypermethrin, and fenvalerate, which have the mode T- cyano-3-phenoxybenzylalcohol. General, extensively used bracket of Pyrethroid composites are determined grounded upon the symptomology of nonentity goods noted in neurophysiological tests. Numerous lines of substantiation indicate that the voltage sensitive sodium channel for both insects is the one main molecular destination for all pyrethroids and DDT analogues. In biophysical and biochemical examinations, the changes in sodium channel functioning are nearly connected to the impact of these substances on complete neurons. The pyrethroid sodium channel discovery point demonstrates the strict stereo particularity anticipated by in vivo nonentity neurotoxicity estimates. Composites of type I and type II have qualitative goods on currents of the sodium channel tail, divergent impact on complete neurons and differing goods on muscle excitability of the invertebrate shell. Knowledge of the molecular events bolstering pyrethroid neurotoxicity is directly applicable to determining whether this large and important class of diseases constitutes a single “common medium” group or multiple groups for the purposes of cumulative trouble assessment.

When used in animals, a neem (Azadirachta indica)-based ectoparasiticide performs better than a synthetic one

Finding alternate ways to relieve animals from the ectoparasites is one of the most important aspects under One-Health concept. Herbal ectoparasiticides offer a promising alternate to chemical ectoparasiticides. The present study was designed to evaluate the ectoparasiticide efficacy of Nimboliâ (Neem: Azadirachta indica extract) in various animal species, keeping in view the objectives of One-Health. The ectoparasiticide efficacy of Nimboliâ was also compared with a commercial chemical ectoparasiticide Tagafon (Hydroxyethyl Phosporic Acid). Various animals infested with ticks, fleas, lice, flies, and maggots and presented at clinics were treated with Nimboliâ(n=36)and Tagafon (n=19). Mean time taken by each ectoparasiticide to knock-down various ectoparasites was recorded. The present study suggested significantly higher efficacy of Nimboliâ against ticks, fleas, lice, flies and maggots as compared with Tagafon. The mean time taken by Nimboli® to knockdown various ectoparasites of same and different kinds and their larvae was also less compared to the mean time taken by Tagafon. The present study indicated that Nimboliâ is an eco-friendly ectoparasiticide that is safe-to-use both for animals and their handlers, hence can replace chemical ectoparasiticides. The present study highlights the importance of herbal ectoparasiticides, especially those containing neem in the treatment and control of ectoparasites in animals. This information have special relevance for countries that have native neem trees such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Senegal, and Thailand. Since herbal ectoparasiticides are biodegradable, they offer an added advantage of maintaining ecological health.

ДИНАМИКА СОДЕРЖАНИЯ ГИСТАМИНА В КРОВИ ПОСЛЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ КОМБИНИРОВАННОГО ИНСЕКТОАКАРИЦИДНОГО ПРЕПАРАТА

Pyrethroid preparations are used as insecticides and are recommended for the control of ectoparasites in domestic animals, since they are considered relatively non-toxic, or rather less toxic to vertebrates than to insects. The study of the dynamics of histamine content after the use of pyrethroid insecticidal drugs and the study of the features of the allergenic effect of veterinary drugs remains a little-studied area of veterinary clinical pharmacology and toxicology. Insecticidal-acaricidal preparation Creolin-X for external use in the form of a homogeneous oily liquid, transparent in a thin layer, with the smell of coal oil, from dark brown to black-brown. As an active substance it contains: cypermethrin – 2.5%. Creolin-X is a contact drug active against sarcoptoid, ixodic, demodectic mites, lice, fleas, hair eaters, blood–sucking insects and zoophilic flies. Auxiliary substances: carboniferous creolin without phenolic – up to 100%. The purpose of this study is to study the dynamics of histamine content in the blood of calves and to identify the involvement of histamine in the formation of allergic potential after exposure to Creolin-X. Single spraying of calves with Creolin-X in concentrations of 0.2% and 1% did not cause toxic effects in animals. When studying the histamine content in the blood of calves, a significant decrease or increase in 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the use of the drug was not established. A single application of Creolin-X to the skin did not affect the duration of histamine shock in guinea pigs. Creolin-X does not have an allergenic effect when applied to the skin.

Integrated pest management: An eco-friendly approach to control and manage ticks in cattle

In tropical nations like India, ectoparasitic diseases account for a serious threat to both human and animal health. Ectoparasite infestation costs India's economy and health significantly each year. Ectoparasites such as ticks can cause irritation, skin infections, anaemia, Lyme disease, tick fever, and they can spread a number of deadly diseases. Ticks have comparatively fewer natural enemies, but with the use of some predators, parasites, such as ants, spiders, bird etc has been investigated for tick control. The prevalence of tick predation makes it challenging to document it.The majority of arthropod predators are generalists and opportunistic and likely have little impact on ticks. Controlling ticks is therefore a major concern. Several chemical acaricides have been prescribed since the past 50 years. However, their aftereffects, negative side effects, and resistance are a matter of concern now days. As a result, biological control of ectoparasites becomes crucial in various parasite control program. The present research article critically analyses the various techniques for managing the ectoparasites, with a focus on the management, biological, pheromone-assisted control, and more recent biological and genetics methods.

Ticks, Fleas, and Harboured Pathogens from Dogs and Cats in Cyprus.

Ticks and fleas are blood-sucking ectoparasites that cause irritation and anaemia to their hosts and act as vectors of pathogens (vector-borne pathogens, VBPs) of relevance for animal and human health. In the present study, tick and flea species in dogs and cats from Cyprus were recorded and VBPs were detected in the collected specimens. Ectoparasites were collected from 220 animals (161 dogs and 59 cats), and a questionnaire including demographic, clinical, and other information was filled out for each animal. The ectoparasites were morphologically identified and the detection of VBPs was performed by PCR-coupled sequencing. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was found on 108 dogs and 13 cats, and Ixodes gibbosus on 2 dogs. Ctenocephalides felis was the predominant flea species (on 62 dogs and 45 cats), while one dog and one cat were infested by Ctenocephalides canis and Echidnophaga gallinacea, respectively. The VBPs in ticks were Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia felis, Hepatozoon felis and Hepatozoon canis, while Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia sp., Bartonella koehlerae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella henselae were recorded in fleas. Statistical analysis (chi-square test and multiple univariate generalized linear model) showed that animals up to 6 months of age were less likely to be infested with ticks than older animals, but more likely to be infested with fleas. Ticks were more prevalent in sheltered than in owned animals, while the odds ratio of flea presence was higher in owned animals than those living in shelters. The present study is the first investigation on the occurrence of ticks and fleas in dogs and cats from Cyprus, showing the presence of different VBPs in these important ectoparasites. The results point out the importance of systematic ectoparasite control in dogs and cats.

Household prallethrin-based insecticide toxicity on different C. elegans life stage: A possible sign of Huntington Disease

Household insecticide is largely used for insect and ectoparasite control, in city centers as well as in the countryside. The pyrethroids are the most used class of insecticide, these compounds in low doses have low toxicity for mammalians, in comparison to other compounds, with insecticide effects. The contact of these compounds in sublethal doses begins in early life and many cases, in intrauterine life. Considerable diseases still with undefined etiology, such as neurodegenerative conditions, and Huntington's Disease (HD) is one of them. HD is related to overexpression of Polyglutamine (PolyQ40), its aggregation, and non-solubilization, which leads to neural, behavioral, and cognitive damage. In our study, we evaluate the effect of two sublethal doses of a prallethrin-based insecticide (P-BI), in three different Caenorhabditis elegans life stages transgenerational, neonatal, and lifespan. We evaluated the Body bends and pharyngeal pumping rate, and social feeding as behavioral biomarkers. As well as acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), PolyQ40 aggregation, antioxidant enzymes, and heat shock protein (HSP) expression. We observe that the toxic effect of P-BI is more pronounced on transgenerational and lifespan exposure. Both sublethal doses of P-BI decreased the AChE activity and retard the HSP expression as well as increased the PolyQ40 aggregates indicating a clear biomarker for possible effect in the progression of the HD, by the environmental contamination.

Fluazuron Influences the in vitro Production Embryos of Wagyu Cow

Imported breeds raised in tropical countries demand greater use of chemical control of ectoparasites, however, this practice can compromise the results of biotechnologies of reproduction. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of chemical residues of tick or their metabolites in the blood and in the follicular fluid and to verify the in vitro embryo production (IVEP) of Wagyu cows, raised in a tropical country, submitted to fluazuron based tick treatment. Twenty adult Wagyu bovine females were used, donors of oocytes, divided into 2 groups: G1 - animals that were not submitted to tick control and G2, animals that were submitted to chemical control of ticks with fluazuron based product (2.5 mg kg-1 of body weight). After application (D0), all cows were submitted to estrous synchronization and, in four moments (D12, D33, D54 and D75) the aspirations of the follicular fluid from the dominant follicles were performed, the oocytes were collected for IVEP and were collected blood samples for extraction and analysis of the presence of chemical residues, using GC-MS. Plasma residues of fluazuron were detected up to 54 days after application of the tick, but no residues were detected in the follicular fluid. Group 1 had a higher number of total and viable oocytes (p<0.0001), however, the viability rate and the blastocyst rate was lower (p<0.0001), showing that the use of ticks compromised IVEP.

Macrocyclic lactone resistance in nematodes of cattle in Brazil: Blame it to the ticks!

Strategic helminth control in adult cattle would hardly impose sufficient selection pressure to parasite populations but reports of resistance against macrocyclic lactone (ML) based-products have been confirmed worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the scientific literature of ML resistance (< 90.0% efficiency) in helminths of cattle from 2001 (the first report) to 2020 in Brazil. Additional to the data, we studied the correlation of parasite control practices based on a questionnaire given to 32 farmers. The search returned 246 reports and 21 full articles were selected. From these, a Wordcloud and a Keyword Co-occurrence Network graph were created. The published data revealed that most of the studies (19/21) reported multi-species (Cooperia spp., Haemonchus sp., Oesophagostomum radiatum, Trichostrongylus sp.) resistance to ML. None of the reports described the treatment frequency in the tested farms. As for the questionnaire, the majority of farmers (> 70.0%) responded that they rotate products after treatment, animals are treated monthly or biweekly (58.0%), treatments are based on visual evaluation (coat condition, ectoparasite infestation), and that in 94.0% of the times farmers treat all animals. Moreover, farmers use ML in association with potent acaricides (cypermethrin, chlorpyriphos, fluazuron) in more than 90.0% of the times (15/16). It was observed that this regimen was used to prevent and control the cattle-tick Rhipicephalus microplus (90.0%) and the horn-fly, Haematobia irritans (30.0%) infestations. We conclude that the most important factor for nematode resistance was the high level of ML exposure of up to 16 times/year, in combination with acaricides to control ticks and to a lesser extent to control horn-flies. Therefore, selection of helminth populations in cattle in Brazil can be considered secondary to ectoparasite control. The present analysis is critical, as one the most widespread recommendations to avoid drug resistance is to reduce the use of long-acting compounds, due to their extended persistent periods, increasing parasite selection. Moreover, a more serious attitude must be taken regarding parasite control strategies for livestock, reinforcing that health protocols should be based on single acaricidal products whenever possible. Complementary, selective evaluations based on transient threshold population abundance must be enforced to reduce treatment frequency, reducing parasite selection and animal distress.

Study on withdrawal period of emamectin benzoate in orally medicated silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix )

Parasitic diseases have been the major source of concern and cause considerable losses in the freshwater aquaculture of India. Fish parasites proliferate quickly in favourable settings, compromising fish health and frequently resulting in high mortality. Identifying and implementing appropriate control techniques is the need of the hour to combat the diseases. Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is an efficient infeed therapy for ectoparasite control in fish. The aim of the present study was to determine the withdrawal period of EMB in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) commercially important fish species in southeast Asia. The depletion of EMB residues in silver carp muscle treated with a dose of 50 μg kg−1 body weight (BW) day−1 for seven consecutive days was assessed. Muscle tissue was sampled on the 7th day of EMB feeding and 1st-, 3rd-, 7th-, 14th-, 21st-, 35th- and 41st-day post-medication (PM) for QTRAP 4000 LC–MS/MS analysis. The data revealed that the level of EMB in the fish muscle was 13.0 ± 0.1 parts per billion (ppb) on the 0th day of withdrawal. The residue levels were reduced significantly on the 3rd day, with traces of EMB recorded by 21st-day PM and reached undetectable levels by 31st day PM. Considering the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 100 μg kg−1 for fish muscle, the present study's findings support the usage of EMB in silver carp under the conditions employed in the study. The current study provides crucial information on the use of EMB as an antiparasiticide in silver carp, considering the food safety issues.

DETECTION OF VECTOR-BORNE INFECTIONS IN LIONS AND TIGERS AT TWO ZOOS IN TENNESSEE AND OKLAHOMA, USA.

Protozoal and bacterial vector-borne infections are frequently diagnosed in domestic felids. However, with the exception of Mycoplasma haemofelis and Cytauxzoon felis, their occurrence in managed nondomestic felids housed in the United States is largely unknown. Following a case in February 2020 of fulminant cytauxzoonosis in an African lion (Panthera leo), EDTA-whole blood samples were collected opportunistically from February 2020 through June 2020 from 34 adult tigers (Panthera tigris) and eight adult African lions from the same sanctuary in eastern Tennessee as well as 14 adult tigers from a zoo in southern Oklahoma. Samples were analyzed for Cytauxzoon felis, Bartonella spp., hemotropic Mycoplasma, Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp. DNA by PCR amplification. All animals were asymptomatic at the time of collection. None of the Oklahoma animals were positive for vector-borne organisms, but these pathogens were detected in tigers at the Tennessee facility, including Cytauxzoon felis (11.8%), "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (5.9%), and Ehrlichia ewingii (2.9%). During the study period, two animals developed clinical signs of cytauxzoonosis and were assessed for vector-borne infections as part of their diagnostic evaluation. This study documents the presence of tick-borne diseases in managed nondomestic felids in the southeastern United States and underscores that ectoparasite control measures should be practiced to minimize exposure of carnivores in managed care.

Retrospective analysis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in Thailand with emphasis on hematological and ultrasonographic changes.

Background and Aim:Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tropical endemic tick-borne disease that causes fatality or chronic infection involving many organs in dogs. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and hematological and ultrasonographic changes in the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and spleen following CME infection.Materials and Methods:This retrospective study used 30,269 samples collected from dogs at the hematology section of the pathology unit of a university veterinary hospital and 35 samples collected from dogs at the diagnostic imaging unit. CME was determined using the buffy coat smear method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and odds ratios.Results:The data revealed that the average yearly prevalence of CME was 1.32%. Risk factors contributing to CME infection were a tick on the body during physical examination, lack of ectoparasite control, and outdoor living. All 148 dogs with CME infection had low platelet counts. The percentages of CME-infected dogs with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and both enzymes above the normal range were 33.6%, 65.9%, and 29.8%, respectively. The rates for elevated serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and both compounds were 33.1%, 19.1%, and 17.3%, respectively. The most common ultrasonographic changes were liver abnormalities (hyperechogenicity or hypoechogenicity, hepatomegaly, and hypoechoic nodules), hyperechogenicity of the kidneys, and an enlarged spleen. These ultrasonographic changes were consistent with the hematology results, which showed a greater elevation of serum liver enzyme levels than renal enzymes.Conclusion:Ultrasonographic changes during CME infection and after treatment with doxycycline can help to monitor and identify persistent pathological changes in the target organs resulting from immune response to CME.

Detection of antibodies against three zoonotic Bartonella spp. and cross-reactivity among species and Coxiella burnetii in dogs and cats from Central Thailand

Dogs and cats are important reservoir hosts of bacterial zoonotic pathogens, especially the Proteobacteria, Bartonella spp., and Coxiella burnetii. Bartonella spp. and C. burnetii are Gram-negative intracellular bacteria causing cat-scratch disease and query fever, respectively. Despite these two pathogens being dangerous, studies of their seroprevalence and cross-reactivity are limited in Thailand. The objectives of this study were to detect the seroprevalence of three zoonotic species of Bartonella and to evaluate cross-reactivity among Bartonella spp. and with C. burnetii. In total, 570 dog and cat serum samples were detected for antibodies against Bartonella spp. and C. burnetii using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test. At titer ≥ 1:64, tested serum that had a fluorescent intensity score ≥ 2 was interpreted as positive. Additionally, possible factors related to the seroprevalence were analyzed consisting of sex, breed, age, residing area, and ectoparasite control. Overall, the seroprevalence levels of Bartonella spp. and C. burnetii were 13.16% and 1.23%, respectively. All antigens of Bartonella were reacted to sera (1.23–7.72%), furthermore, both phases of C. burnetii were revealed in sera (0.35–1.05%). Interestingly, there was a poor agreement of cross-reactivity among Bartonella spp. at 5.56–8.70%, while cross-reactivity between Bartonella spp. and C. burnetii also showed poor agreement (2.80%). It is suggested that dogs and cats are important reservoirs of Bartonella spp., even in animals with ectoparasite control. The Bartonella seroprevalence was high in pure-breed animals with ectoparasite control, reflecting that Bartonella spp. infections can occur in owned, well-cared-for, and asymptomatic dogs and cats.

Recreational behaviour, risk perceptions, and protective practices against ticks: a cross-sectional comparative study before and during the lockdown enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania

BackgroundGaining insight into the risk perceptions and the knowledge evolution of the public about emerging or changing health risks is vital for the improvement of health promotion activities. Currently, scientific evidence regarding the attitudes of the Romanian public towards ticks is scanty. This study aimed to identify how the lockdown enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania impacted the recreational behaviour, risk perceptions, and protective practices of the Romanian population regarding ticks.MethodsA cross-sectional, nationwide web-based questionnaire was designed and distributed via social media to evaluate if, and how, the COVID-19 lockdown impacted the behaviour of the Romanian public concerning ticks. The survey was available online from 6 May until 15 May 2020, which marked the last day of the travel ban in Romania. The collected data were processed by applying both uni- and multivariate methods.ResultsRespondents reported a higher frequency of finding ticks on themselves and their dogs during the lockdown. Bathing/showering and checking the body for ticks were the two most used protective behaviours both before and during the lockdown. Nevertheless, an overall lower usage rate of protective measures was registered during the lockdown. Almost all dog owners used a form of ectoparasite control for their dogs, and only three stopped due to lockdown-associated reasons. Respondent characteristics that were found to be positively associated with risk perceptions were being female and living in peri-urban/suburban/rural environments.ConclusionsDespite spending less time outdoors during the lockdown, more respondents reported finding ticks on themselves or their dogs. Changes in the preferences for recreational locations, rates of protective practices usage, amount of time spent in specific areas, or tick seasonal activity might have contributed to this outcome. Concerning risk groups, men of all ages, senior citizens, and rural inhabitants should be targeted by the relevant Romanian authorities when promoting local or nationwide tick awareness campaigns.Graphical abstract

First evidence of the activity of an entomopathogenic fungus against the eggs of Sarcoptes scabiei

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana has been successfully used for the control of phytopathogenic arthropods and there are a growing number of studies suggesting that this kind of fungus could also be used for the control of ectoparasites in mammals. This study evaluated for the first time the efficacy of different Beauveria strains against the eggs of Sarcoptes scabiei collected from experimentally infected pigs. Eggs were exposed to fungal conidia and monitored for hatching over 10 days. The strongest effect (28.75 % of hatching inhibition) was obtained with a commercial B. bassiana strain. Furthermore, the detection of fungal genomic within the surface-cleaned eggs demonstrated the ability of B. bassiana to penetrate and proliferate in the egg-shell of S. scabiei. This study provides the first evidence, using molecular techniques, that the development of mycoacaricides may be of interest for the control of S. scabiei infection.

Disposition Kinetics of Amitraz in Lactating Does.

Amitraz, a member of the formamidine pesticide family, commonly used for ectoparasite control, is applied as a dip or low-pressure hand spray to cattle and swine, and the neck collar on dogs. Data on amitraz were generated mainly on laboratory animals, hens, dogs, and baboons. The data on the toxicity and disposition of amitraz in animals and its residues in the milk are inadequate. Therefore, the present study was intended to analyze the disposition kinetics of amitraz and its pattern of elimination in the milk of lactating does after a single dermal application at a concentration of 0.25%. Blood at predetermined time intervals and milk twice daily were collected for eight days post application. The drug concentration was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Amitraz was detected in whole blood as early as 0.5 h, which attained a peak concentration at 12 ± 5 h, followed by a steady decline; however, detection persisted until 168 h. Amitraz was present in the blood at its 50% Cmax even after 48 h, and was still detectable after 7 days. The disposition after a single dermal application was best described non-compartmentally. The mean terminal half-life (t1/2), mean residence time (MRT), and area under the curve (AUC0–t) were 111 ± 31 h, 168 ± 39 h, and 539 ± 211 µg/mL/h, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution (Vdarea) was 92 ± 36 mL/g with an observed clearance (Cl) of 0.57 ± 0.33 mL/kg/h. Thus, the drug was well absorbed, widely distributed and slowly eliminated from the animal body. Amitraz achieved milk concentration approximating 0.2 per cent of the total dose after a single exposure and the steady-state elimination of amitraz in milk above the recommended maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.01 mg/kg can act as a source of public health concern when applied on lactating animals.

Oral pharmacokinetic profile of fipronil and efficacy against flea and tick in dogs.

Fipronil (FIP) is an ectoparasiticide of the phenylpyrazole class, used in veterinary medicine in topical form. Supported by evidence of uncontrolled human exposure to FIP and environmental damage caused by commercially available formulations, its use by oral administration has become promising. The effectiveness of FIP against the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis and the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus and its pharmacokinetics and main active metabolite, fipronil sulfone (SULF) were evaluated after single oral administration of tablets in three different doses (2, 4, and 6mg/kg) in dogs. Through the plasma concentration curves, it was possible to observe that the FIP showed rapid absorption and metabolization and slow elimination. The values of Cmax (β=0.7653) and AUC0- t (β=0.3209) did not increase proportionally with increasing dose. At 48h after treatment, doses of 4mg/kg (AUC0- t =442.39±137.35µg/ml*h) and 6mg/kg (AUC0- t =421.32±102.84µg/ml*h) provided 100% and 99% efficacy against fleas, and 95% and 98% against ticks, respectively. The estimated EC90 of FIP +SULF was 1.30µg/ml against C. felis felis and 2.16µg/ml against R. sanguineus. The correlation between the FIP pharmacokinetic and efficacy data demonstrated its potential for oral administration in the form of tablets for the control of ectoparasites in dogs, as a safer alternative for animals, humans, and the environment, aligned with the One Health concept.

The existence and characteristics of rats and shrews in endemic leptospirosis areas and types of ectoparasites: a case study of West Jakarta, Indonesia

Background: This study aimed to determine the presence and species of the rats and shrews that can potentially cause leptospirosis in West Jakarta, Indonesia, and the species of ectoparasites found in them. Methods: The research was a descriptive study employing a cross-sectional approach. The study population was all species of rats and shrews in the region and the sample collection technique used was purposive sampling. The traps were installed in the homes of respondents who had suffered from leptospirosis and their closest neighbors, with a total of 521 traps. Leptospirosis data based on secondary data was obtained from West Jakarta Health Office (2016-August 2019). The technique for catching rats involved using humane live traps, while the identification of the rats and ectoparasites was done in the laboratory. Results: It was found that more rats were caught in Cengkareng Timur sub-district, Cengkareng District, with a percentage of 14.8%, while the least in Duri Kepa, Kapuk, Kedaung Kali Angke and Kedoya Utara with a percentage of 3.7%. The rats were mostly found in East Cengkareng Sub-District, with the most common type being Rattus rattus (74.1 %) and the least Suncus murinus (11.1%); more male rats were caught (66.7%) than female (33.3%). The type of ectoparasite found in the rats was fleas. Xenopsylla cheopis was the most common type, at 83.3% and more fleas were male, at 66.7%. The most common rat species was Rattus rattus. The ectoparasite most commonly found in them was the female flea Xenopsylla cheopis. Conclusions: Rattus rattus and Xenopsylla cheopis were found in an East Cengkareng sub-district. Surveys, monitoring, and control of rats and ectoparasites are essential for the preparedness and development of an early warning system of possible diseases that they can cause.