Control Of Ectoparasites Research Articles

Is Allopreening a Stimulus-Driven Defense Against Ectoparasites?

Allopreening occurs when 1 bird preens another bird. The behavior is normally directed at the head and neck of the recipient, i.e., regions that the bird cannot self-preen. Studies of penguins, pigeons, and other groups of birds suggest that allopreening plays a role in the control of ectoparasites, such as ticks and feather lice. However, it is not known whether allopreening increases in response to increases in parasite load, or whether it is a programmed response that occurs independently of parasite load. We conducted a laboratory experiment using wild-caught rock pigeons (Columba livia) to test the relationship between ectoparasite load and allopreening rate. We added feather lice (Columbicola columbae) to captive pigeons and tested for changes in allopreening rates compared to control birds with no lice added. Allopreening rates did not change in response to the addition of lice. Interestingly, however, our data revealed a negative correlation between allopreening and self-preening rates.

Adoption of improved camel husbandry practices: An exploratory study among the raika pastoralists of Rajasthan

A study was conducted among Raika Pastoralists of Rajasthan about various improved practices of Camel. the data was collected through personal interview with the help of pre-tested structure schedule from 120 Raika pastoralists of two districts of Marwar region of Rajasthan. among them only 27 Raika was rearing Camel. Data was analysed by help of adoption index and cumulative square root frequency. Majority Raika pastoralists continued adoption of colostrum feeding, ligation & disinfection of navel cord, grazing, deworming, control of ecto-parasites, feeding of tree leaves in summer season and vaccination. But, 95.65 per cent of them did not isolate their sick animals and 91.30 per cent respondents were never adopted shelter for animal due to camel required more space. Discontinuance adoption behaviour was also observed in some improved practices like purchase of quality camel for breeding purposes, upgradation, castration, and marketing of young camel. Non-availability of proven camel breed in the migratory routes was the main reason of discontinuance of these improved practices.

Record Of Tripartiella Bulbosa (Davis 1947) From The Fingerlings Of Labeo Rohita (Hamilton 1822) In West Bengal With Comments On Prevalence Rate And Seasonal Incidence

Protozoan ectoparasites pose a significant threat to the health and survival of fish populations, particularly during their vulnerable early life stages. In this study, an intensive icthyoparasitological survey was conducted in Murshidabad, India, with the aim of investigating the presence and prevalence of trichodinid ciliophorans, specifically Tripartiella bulbosa (Davis 1947), on fingerlings of Labeo rohita (Hamilton 1822). Fingerlings of Labeo rohita were sampled from multiple sites within West Bengal. The gills of the fingerlings were carefully examined, and the presence of Tripartiella bulbosa was recorded. The overall prevalence rate of Tripartiella bulbosa infestation was found to be 65.67%. Notably, the highest prevalence of infestation was observed during the winter season during a study in the year 2022, indicating a seasonal pattern of occurrence for this ciliate ectoparasite. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the prevalence and seasonal patterns of Tripartiella bulbosa infestation in Labeo rohita fingerlings in West Bengal. This information can serve as a basis for developing effective strategies for the prevention, control, and management of trichodinid ciliate ectoparasites in aquaculture systems. Further research is warranted to investigate the impact of these ectoparasites on fish health and to explore potential treatment and mitigation measures for their control.

Lice infestation and diversity in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java, Indonesia.

Background and Aim:Biting lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera and Ischnocera) are ectoparasites that play important roles in the transmission of disease agents that infect turkeys and impact turkey productivity. This study aimed to determine the diversity of lice that infest turkeys in the Central Java Province and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.Materials and Methods:Lice sampling was conducted at 16 different locations from April 2019 to June 2019 in turkeys aged 4 months to 2 years. The samples were stored in 70% alcohol and were identified using avian louse keys. The morphology of the specimens was macroscopically and microscopically evaluated, and the resulting data were descriptively and qualitatively analyzed.Results:A total of 2505 lice were collected, and two families and five genera of lice were identified. Three lice genus members of the Philopteridae family (Lipeurus, Oxylipeurus, and Chelopistes) and two genera of the Menoponidae family (Colpocephalum and Menacanthus) were identified. Lipeurus was the most frequently identified genera in turkeys, whereas Menacanthus was the most rarely identified one. The White Holland breed had the highest number of lice infestations, whereas the Jersey Buff breed exhibited the highest diversity of lice genera. The average number of lice infestations was higher in male turkeys than in female turkeys.Conclusion:The occurrence of ectoparasites in domestic turkeys indicates that the existence and diversity of lice genera in the study location can be influenced by turkey type, turkey maintenance system, enclosure sanitation measures, lack of strategic ectoparasite control, and environmental factors.

Fipronil Tablets: Development and Pharmacokinetic Profile in Beagle Dogs.

Increased human-pet interactions have led to concerns related to the prevention and treatment of ectoparasite infestations. Fipronil (FIP) is a widely used ectoparasiticide in veterinary medicine available for topical administration; however, its use may cause damage to the owners and the environment. The aim of the study was to develop immediate-release tablets of FIP, as well as to determine its pharmacokinetic properties after oral administration in beagle dogs. The prepared FIP tablets were evaluated for pre-compression (angle of repose, speed flow, and Carr's index) and post-compression (weight variation, friability, thickness, hardness, disintegration time, and dissolution rate) parameters. Orally administered FIP at a dose of 2mg/kg was rapidly absorbed with Cmáx of 3.13 ± 1.39μg/mL at 1.83 ± 0.40h post treatment (P.T.) and metabolized with 1.27 ± 1.04μg/mL at 2.33 ± 0.82h P.T. for fipronil sulfone (SULF) (the primary metabolite). The elimination of FIP and SULF occurred slowly and had maintained quantifiable plasma levels in the blood for up to 28days P.T. The goal of the study is aligned with the concept of One Health, which aims to collaboratively achieve the best health for people, animals, and the environment. Therefore, the use of FIP tablets for the control of ectoparasites in dogs may be a safer alternative for owners and the environment.

Canine flea control: too much choice?

Ectoparasite control forms an important part of any routine canine health programme but is also an integral part of the management of pruritic skin disease in the dog. As such it is important that veterinary surgeons are aware of the life cycle of the flea and the mode of action of the numerous flea control products that are currently available. The suitability of a product may be different depending on the health status of the dog and concurrent therapy. This article considers the most important groups of flea control products.

AN EXAMPLE OF RATIONAL DERMANYSSUS GALLINAE CONTROL – PULCAP

The irrational control of Dermanyssus gallinae ectoparasites (De Geer, 1778) in intensive livestock can cause health problems, economic damage, and can also toxicologically harm the health of humans and the environment. Formulation P 547/17 (Pulcap) is a new generation of inert matter (an oil). In Pulcap formulation and technology, the fulfilment of rigorous criteria for rational control of D. gallinae were tested and present in this paper. Those criteria are the following: the safety of the preparation (i.e. the preparation is non-toxic); the feasibility of application of the preparation in facilities, for handling transport cages, on used cages and equipment, as well as in inhabited buildings; the method of application - the preparation is applied by spray method (external application). The aim of the application was also considered. It is to make the control effective, on the condition that eradication is feasible. Then, the conditionality, which imply that the application of this preparation requires fulfilling hygienic conditions, break of production in facilities, a certain temperature and professional approach to it. The efficacy of the preparation is another important criterion. It implies that the clinical results of the application have been monitored in different conditions at different time intervals. It has been proven that there is no resistance to this preparation. The disadvantages of the preparations were also observed. It is the absence of prolonged action on absorbent surfaces, the delay in starting the egg bar and discharging, which increases contamination. The whole program / plan of long-term control has been developed. The cost-effectiveness of the product is the ratio of price and efficiency on an annual level. Eradication is the most economical method of controlling D. gallinae, which relieved farmers from all further costs. There is a great challenge for each type of D. gallinae control, especially the rational one. Reconsidering and further development of the approach of rational control is a way to improve the control of D. gallinae, which we want to encourage.

Canine flea control — what the veterinary nurse needs to know

Ectoparasite control forms an important part of any routine canine health programme. The veterinary nurse is well placed to advise clients about appropriate flea control starting with their first interaction with a client at the puppy clinic, through to their pet's routine yearly health checks. Nurses with a special interest in dermatology who run practice dermatology clinics also need to advise clients about flea control as part of an integrated strategy to control their pet's skin problems. As such it is important that the veterinary nurse is aware of the life cycle of the flea and the mode of action of the numerous products that are currently available.

Economic Importance and Widespread of Ectoparasites Infestation in Indigenous Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). A Study from Selected Local Government Councils and States in Nigeria

A cross sectional study was conducted from June 2016 to August 2017 to identify the widespread of ectoparasites in indigenous chickens and its associated economic significance in randomly selected Local Government Councils and States in Nigeria. A total of 1025 indigenous chickens were examined out of which 90.7% were infested with one or more ectoparasites species. Four types of ectoparasites genera were encountered in this study, 17.0% of the total chickens examined were infested with only one genera while 73.9% were infested with two or more different genera. Among the ectoparasites encountered, lice infestation (85.8%) was the most prevalent followed by mite (70.4%), Flea (27.3%) and tick (6.2%) in descending order of widespread. Ten different species of ectoparasites, namely Menopon gallinae, Lipeurus caponis, Goniodes gigas, Cnemidocoptes mutans, Dermanyssus gallinae, Epidermoptes species, Laminosioptes cysticola, Megninia species, Echidnophaga gallinacean and Argas persicus were identified in the study. Menopon gallinae (50%) was most frequently encountered while Megninia species (2.7%) was least prevalent. The findings of this study showed that ectoparasites infestations were highly prevalent among indigenous chicken flocks, which may likely affect their optimum productivity. Routine prevention and control of ectoparasites should be encouraged in the study areas.Key Words: Indigenous chickens, ectoparasites, infestations, selected local government councils and states in Nigeria.

Ethiopian Hides and Skin Defects and Quality Status: An Assessment at Wet Blue Stage

Hides and skins are important byproducts of livestock playing significant role in the Ethiopian economy. However, the potential of the sector is not adequately exploited due to factors limiting quality of the products. The objective of this s tudy was therefore to identify the major defects of hide and skins and assess their impact on quality. The study was conducted in eight purposely selected tanneries in and around Addis Ababa. Overall, 648 hides, 648 sheepskins and 324 goatskins were assess ed at wet - blue stage for defects and quality grading. Defects were categorized into pre - slaughter, peri - slaughter and post - slaughter problems. The findings showed 13 different types of defects; the major ones being cockle (28.4 - 60%), scratch (31 - 40.74%), s car (9.72 - 17.9%), flaying defect (35.2 - 69.44%) and putrefaction (20.2 - 25.31%). No single hide or skin was found free of defects. Irrespective of the type and number of defects observed, no skin or hide was found to fall in grades 1 and 2 whereas grades 3 a nd 4 accounted for only 0.31 - 2.47%. On the other hand, majority of the hides and skins were grouped in either low grade (5 and 6) or reject categories. Similarly, out of the total sample examined, pre - , peri - and post - slaughter defects accounted for 70 - 87% , 36.7 - 75.3% and 27.2 - 32.9% respectively. When data were filtered for each defect category to show the impact of each on quality, pre - and post - slaughter defects caused maximum loss of quality in cattle hide and sheepskins whereas peri - and post - slaughter defects were responsible for higher loss of quality in goatskins. Similarly, highest rate of rejection was caused by post - slaughter problem in cattle hide (66.7%) and goatskins (67%). About 66 - 73% and 17 - 18% of hides and skins were downgraded to low grade and reject categories by cockle problem alone. Whereas scratch was responsible for 45 - 82% of the products earning low grades. Similarly, flaying defect only has resulted in 22 - 24% of hides and sheepskins being rejected while deteriorating majority of goats kins to low grade category. Putrefaction, although prevalent in lower proportion, has the capacity to cause major rejection mainly in cattle hides and goatskins compared to sheepskin. In conclusion, i n the presence of other major pre - slaughter problems and slaughtering defects, ectoparasite control alone may not significantly improve the quality of both hides and skins. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that hide and skin quality improvement programs should include strategies that can alleviate all majo r problems from supply side (pre - slaughter to post - slaughter) stages.

Incidence of ectoparasite in chiltan wild goat (Artiodactyla: Caprinae) native of Hazarganji chiltan national park (HCNP), Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract The ectoparasite study is of great value to monitor its effect on the health and care of wild goat population. A study was conducted to determine the ectoparasites of chiltan wild goat (Capra aegagrus chialtanensis Lydekker, 1913) in Hazarganji chiltan national park (HCNP) between the months of May to October, 2016. Hard ticks (Ixodidae) species were found in HCNP ground area where high mobility of chiltan goats were observed. It can be pretended in the light of literature that fully or partly fed ticks might cast off from chiltan wild goats. The prevalent ectoparasites in this study were from the two genera of tick viz Hyalomma, and Rhipicepalus (Boophalus). Result showed high prevalence (57.14%), (54.16%) for the male Hyalomma excavatum and H. anatolicum viz 46%, 43% for the two female species respectively. While 100 percent prevalence were observed for male Rhipicepalus (Boophalus) microplus and R. (B.) appendiculatus respectively. Females of the two ticks species were not found in the present study. Moreover, total percent sex-wise count of ticks indicated 78.0% for male ticks compare to females (45.0%). It was concluded that population of tick parasites was high noted in the present study, and this could affect the prosperity and fecundity of chiltan wild goats. Therefore, to reduce ectoparasites burden and its impact on the fertility and health status, planning of strong policy aiming at creating awareness about the value of wildlife and control of ectoparasites with sustainable veterinary services is required. Keywords: Balochistan; Chiltan wild goat; Hard ticks; Hilly-region; Incidence http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700198

СИСТЕМНЫЙ ПОДХОД К ПРОБЛЕМЕ ЭКТОПАРАЗИТОВ В ЖИВОТНОВОДСТВЕ

One of the most serious problems in dairy cattle has been and still is ectoparasites. A gnat (mosquitoes, black flies, biting midges, horseflies) takes a substantial share of them. Moreover, a huge number of flies inhibits livestock farms and pastures. Mites also affect livestock. There are several modern agents to control population of flies. They include Asa Fly (insecticide of the new generation) and Maggot (larvicidal agent). Preventive measures involve external treatment with drugs. Deltamethrin-based drugs (for instance, Deltanil) are often used for this purpose. The control of ectoparasites ensures prevention of bacterial and invasive diseases in livestock. Only an integrated approach will reduce the risks of economic losses caused by ectoparasites and increase body weight gain, milk yield and provide high quality products.

Biotechnological advances for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the case of goat production – A review

Climate change influences goat production directly and indirectly thru its effect on reducing the quality and quantity of feed resources, and increasing spatial and temporal distribution of infectious diseases. The advances of biotechnology now a day’s opened an avenue to improve the nutritive value and digestibility of fibrous feeds by using biological methods (e.g., white rot fungi) and through recombinant DNA engineering techniques. Moreover, supplementation of probiotics, enzymes, antibiotics and organic acids modulate the activities and composition of the rumen microbial ecosystem thereby reduce lactic acid content, improve nutrient digestibility, reduce methanogenesis, optimize voluntary fatty acid profiles, and decrease ruminal ammonia production and protein degradation. All these effects increase productive performances and reduce methane emission from goat production. Genetic engineering and introgression of genes between adapted and non-adapted populations have been used to improve the diseases resistance of goat. Vaccines are used to control infectious diseases, increase productivity by modulating hormones or the immune system functions. Immuno-castration and ectoparasite control are also important biotechnological tools. Immunological and molecular techniques diagnostic technologies (PCR, RT-PCR, microarray, proteomic technique, biosensors, fluorescent-in-situ-hybridisation (FISH) and nanotechnologies) are used to detect and identify diseases and their causal agents. However, the aforementioned biotechnological tools are not yet well developed in developing countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, review, evaluation, and implementation of biotechnological tools in goat production in developing countries is paramount to increase production and productivity, and realize the potential use of biotechnology for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Prevalence and identification of ectoparasites on indigenous chickens in Seharti-Samre District, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from February 2014 to February 2015 to estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites and to assess risk factors in indigenous free scavenging chickens in three sub-districts of Seharti-Samre District, northern Ethiopia. Physical examination, hand picking for visible parasites, skin scraping and laboratory based identification of collected parasites were employed on systematically selected 570 indigenous chickens. An overall prevalence of 68.6% (391/570) ectoparasites with a specific prevalence of 44% (251/570), 14.4% (82/570) and 10.2% (58/570) for Echidnophaga gallinacea, Argus persicus and mixed infestations, respectively were recorded. Prevalence of A. persicus, E. gallinacea and mixed infestation showed statistically significant variation between seasons (OR=2.21, 95%, CI=1.539-3.178), housing in kitchen (OR=3.33,95%, CI=2.0228-5.486) and main house (OR=3.19, 95%, CI=1.910-5.304); age group of birds. The odds of ectoparasites infestation were 3.42 and 7.57 times higher for chick and adults compared with the growers. The current study indicated high prevalence of ectoparasites in backyard poultry management system in the study area. E.gallinacea was found to be the most prevalent ectoparasites identified followed by A. persicus. Designing and implementation of appropriate ectoparasite control measures seems mandatory in order to mitigate economical losses due to ectoparasite infestation.Keywords: Backyard; Ectoparasites; Poultry; Prevalence; Sehart-samre

Beak of the pinch: anti-parasite traits are similar among Darwin’s finch species

Darwin’s finches are an iconic example of adaptive radiation. The size and shape of the beaks of different finch species are diversified for feeding on different size seeds and other food resources. However, beaks also serve other functions, such as preening for the control of ectoparasites. In diverse groups of birds, the effectiveness of preening is governed by the length of the overhanging tip of the upper mandible of the beak. This overhang functions as a template against which the tip of the lower mandible generates a pinching force sufficient to damage or kill ectoparasites. Here we compare feeding versus preening components of the beak morphology of small, medium, and large ground finches that share a single parasite community. Despite adaptive divergence in beak morphology related to feeding, the three species have nearly identical relative mandibular overhang lengths. Moreover, birds with intermediate length overhangs have the lowest feather mite loads. These results suggest that Darwin’s finches maintain an optimal beak morphology to effectively control their ectoparasites.

Duration of annual canine flea and tick protection provided by dog owners in Spain

BackgroundDoses of flea and tick medication acquired by dog owners over a 12 month period were determined from veterinary hospital transaction records in Spain. The number of months of flea and tick protection potentially obtained by dog owners prescribed fluralaner, a flea and tick medication with a 12 week re-dosing interval, was compared with months of flea and tick protection obtained by dog owners prescribed monthly oral or spot-on products. Prior studies in human and veterinary medicine have suggested that longer-acting medications benefit patients by providing improved adherence to provider recommendations.ResultsDog owners took home, on average, significantly more months of protection when they obtained the 12 week duration product fluralaner (4.3 months) than they did when they obtained other flea and tick products providing 1 month of protection [3.24 months (oral), 2.9 months (spot-on)]. Many dog owners (46–64%) obtained only one dose of flea and tick product each year, regardless of the duration of protection offered by the product. Significantly more dog owners obtained 7–12 months of protection when they were prescribed fluralaner (15.7%) by their veterinarians compared with dog owners prescribed monthly flea and tick products [6.8% (oral), 8.3% (spot-on)].ConclusionVeterinary prescription of fluralaner delivers more months of potential flea and tick protection as shown by dog owner acquisition of flea and tick medication. The use of a longer-acting medication requires the administration of fewer doses and may translate into better adherence to veterinary ectoparasite control recommendations.

2007-2017: 10 years of Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis in Argentina

Background: Rickettsia parkeri spotted fever (RpSF) is a tick-borne disease, emergent in Argentina. The first cases were related to transmission through the tick Amblyomma triste, but a role was son after described for A.tigrinum, a relevant fact since this supposed an expansion of the endemic area, given its wide distribution in our country. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the disease in our country. Methods & Materials: A retrospective analysis through revision of medical records (n: 20) of a series of cases of patients with diagnosis of RpSF. A case was considered probable in the presence of clinical and epidemiological clues associated to seroconversion to Rickettsia spp., and confirmed when Rp was identified by means of a positive PCR in a tissue biopsy. Results: 60% were women (n:12/20). Average age was 48 years (Rank: 15-73). Geographical distribution by provinces: 40% Buenos Aires, 25% San Luis, 10% San Juan, 10% Córdoba, 5% La Rioja, 5% Entre Ríos, 5% La Pampa. Environment where contact with the vector took place: 45% peri-urban, 25% rural, 30% wild areas. Activity performed at contact with the vector: 30% occupational, 20% recreational, 50% household. 35% of patients had confirmed contact with dogs. Clinical characteristics: see Table 1. Eschar distribution: 30% scalp and neck, 30% trunk, 20% lower limbs, 5% hands, upper limbs, mammary glands and disseminated (each). 80% were treated with doxicycline, 20% received no antimicrobial treatment. All cases resolved without sequelae.Table 1.Fever95%Headache75%Myalgias75%Regional lymphadenopathies30%Rash85%Maculo-papular76%Maculo-vesicular18%Purpuric6%Inoculation eschar95% Open table in a new tab Conclusion: Described for the first time as a human pathogen in USA in 2004, Rp was shortly after reported in Argentina. RpSF represents a major challenge for the health system, with increasing number of reports throughout the country. Urbanization in the rural-urban interfase and lack of ectoparasite control in dogs could favour its dissemination

Repurposing isoxazoline veterinary drugs for control of vector-borne human diseases

Isoxazolines are oral insecticidal drugs currently licensed for ectoparasite control in companion animals. Here we propose their use in humans for the reduction of vector-borne disease incidence. Fluralaner and afoxolaner rapidly killed Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex mosquitoes and Phlebotomus sand flies after feeding on a drug-supplemented blood meal, with IC50 values ranging from 33 to 575 nM, and were fully active against strains with preexisting resistance to common insecticides. Based on allometric scaling of preclinical pharmacokinetics data, we predict that a single human median dose of 260 mg (IQR, 177-407 mg) for afoxolaner, or 410 mg (IQR, 278-648 mg) for fluralaner, could provide an insecticidal effect lasting 50-90 days against mosquitoes and Phlebotomus sand flies. Computational modeling showed that seasonal mass drug administration of such a single dose to a fraction of a regional population would dramatically reduce clinical cases of Zika and malaria in endemic settings. Isoxazolines therefore represent a promising new component of drug-based vector control.

Owner-reported flea treatment measures and skin disease in cats.

The aim of this study was to obtain information regarding the use of flea treatments and owner-reported flea infestation and skin disease. Owners of 1150 cats were recruited into a long-term longitudinal study ('Bristol Cats' study) and asked to complete questionnaires at set time points. Questionnaires 1 and 5 were used and included data collection for kittens aged 2-4 months (T1) and at 2.5 years of age (T2). Owners were asked which brand of flea treatment, if any, was used at each time point. At T2 owners were asked if they had noted signs of skin disease or fleas on their cat within the previous 12 months and if they had sought veterinary attention for the skin disease or fleas. IBM SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analyses. Skin disease at T2 was reported by owners of 55/1150 (4.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.7-6.2) cats. Many owners who reported skin disease (25/55 [45.5%]; 95% CI 32.3-58.7) had not sought veterinary attention. There were 81/1150 (7.0%; 95% CI 5.6-8.5) cats with reported head shaking and/or ear scratching within the past 12 months at T2. The majority of cats (204/286; 71.3%) received prescription flea treatments at both points. Use of non-prescription flea treatment at T2 was more likely to be associated with owner-reported skin disease/flea infestation than those who used prescription flea treatment ( P <0.001). There was a significant association between the reported presence of fleas and reported presence of skin disease at T2 ( P = 0.03). Despite the potential for reverse causality, the association between owner-reported skin disease and/or flea infestation in their cats and the use of non-prescription flea treatment was as expected. Use of flea treatments and, in particular, the type of ectoparasite control used (prescription or non-prescription) should be carefully assessed when managing cats with skin disease.

Acute coumaphos organophosphate exposure in the domestic dogs: Its implication on haematology and liver functions

Indiscriminate use of organophosphate acaricides especially among livestock and dog owners in the control of ticks and other ectoparasites has taken a worrisome dimension. In the present study, we investigated, the effects of acute dermal exposure in the form of acaricides baths of coumaphos at different concentrations on the haematology, blood pressure and liver functions in local mongrel dogs.Twenty-four, male mongrel dogs of about 8 months of age with an average weight of 9.88 ± 0.4 kg were used for the study. The dogs were divided into four groups consisting of six dogs per group. Group A (control) was bathed with ordinary water, while group B was bathed with the recommended concentration of 0.016% (160 ppm) Coumaphos in water. Groups C and D were bathed with 10 and 20 times the recommended dose (1600 ppm and 3200 ppm), respectively.Significant leucopenia, increased plasma urea and decreased low density lipoprotein (LDL) values were observed at 8 h post exposure, which worsened with time. At 24 and 36 hrs post exposure, normochromic normocytic anaemia, pan leucopenia, bloody diarrhoea, retching, vomiting and paddling were observed in affected animals. Post mortem examination revealed severe lungs, liver and stomach congestion. Multifocal areas of necrosis in the liver and kidney, serosal and mucosal haemorrhages and haemorrhagic meningitis were also observed.The use of excessively high concentration of organophosphate as acaricides bath is associated with severe anticholinesterase poisoning, which may result in death of affected animals.