Ectoparasite Infestation Research Articles

Ectoparasites associated with the Bushveld gerbil (Gerbilliscus leucogaster) and the role of the host and habitat in shaping ectoparasite diversity and infestations.

Rodents are known hosts for various ectoparasite taxa such as fleas, lice, ticks and mites. South Africa is recognized for its animal diversity, yet little is published about the parasite diversity associated with wild rodent species. By focusing on a wildlife-human/domestic animal interface, the study aims to record ectoparasite diversity and levels of infestations of the Bushveld gerbil, Gerbilliscus leucogaster, and to establish the relationship between ectoparasite infestation parameters and host- and habitat factors. Rodents (n = 127) were trapped in 2 habitat types (natural and agricultural) during 2014–2020. More than 6500 individuals of 32 epifaunistic species represented by 21 genera and belonging to 5 taxonomic groups (fleas, sucking lice, ticks, mesostigmatan mites and trombiculid mites) were collected. Mesostigmatan mites and lice were the most abundant and fleas and mesostigmatan mites the most prevalent groups. Flea and mesostigmatan mite numbers and mesostigmatan mite species richness was significantly higher on reproductively active male than female rodents. Only ticks were significantly associated with habitat type, with significantly higher tick numbers and more tick species on rodents in the natural compared to the agricultural habitat. We conclude that the level of infestation by ectoparasites closely associated with the host (fleas and mites) was affected by host-associated factors, while infestation by ectoparasite that spend most of their life in the external environment (ticks) was affected by habitat type.

The skin of people experiencing homelessness: more (known) is less (neglected)

https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljad088 The skin is an Achilles heel of people experiencing homelessness, as their living conditions predispose them to skin disease from environmental exposures and poor hygiene care. People experiencing homelessness also experience challenges engaging with health care and implementing care recommendations.1,2 Increasing rates of homelessness have been reported in high-income countries (estimated in 2019 to be 700 000 individuals in the European Union).3 Epidemiological studies examining the association between homelessness and skin disease can be challenging to design and interpret across contexts because a consensus definition for homelessness is lacking, homelessness data may be unreliable, and housing status can be dynamic within a short time frame. Nilsson et al.4 used Danish health, social and administrative registers to conduct a nationwide cohort study. Homelessness was defined as having had at least one contact with a homeless shelter. The primary outcomes were a hospital-based (in- and outpatient) diagnosis of any skin condition and specific skin conditions. As expected, there was a higher risk [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.25–2.36] of any dermatological diagnosis associated with homelessness. Consistent with other studies,5,6 those experiencing homelessness had higher rates of diagnoses of inflammatory conditions (e.g. psoriasis and eczema), infectious conditions (e.g. ectoparasitic infestation, bacterial skin infection, sexually transmitted infections) and ulcers. Lice infestation had the highest risk estimate associated with homelessness (aIRR 29.55, 95% CI 13.34–65.46). Risk of body lice infestation may depend on whether or not an individual is sheltered: in one study from Paris, body lice and scabies were more prevalent in the unsheltered homeless population.7 Lice infestation is an important diagnostic consideration when evaluating pruritus in those experiencing homelessness.

Prevalence Of Ectoparasites in Cattle in The Payakumbuh Livestock Market

This study aims to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites infestation in cattle at the Payakumbuh Livestock Market. This research was conducted in August 2022. A total of 158 cows were randomly selected to be examined for ectoparasites at the Payakumbuh Livestock Market. Examination of ectoparasites using the permanent mounting method without staining. This study used a descriptive non-experimental design to obtain data on the incidence of ectoparasitic infestation in cattle at the Payakumbuh Livestock Market. Of the 158 cows examined, 85 of them were positive for ectoparasites on the outside of the body with a prevalence of 53.8%. Type of ectoparasites in the form of ticks Dermacentor sp. (50.63%) and Boophilus sp. (13.92%). Ectoparasites were found to be highest in cows with an infestation rate of 55.26% in the age group 8 years the prevalence reached 100% compared to the group of young cattle 56.36%.

Host-related and environmental factors influence long-term ectoparasite infestation dynamics of mouse lemurs in northwestern Madagascar.

Parasite infestations depend on multiple host-related and environmental factors. In the case of ectoparasites, which are exposed to the environment beyond the host, an impact of climate, expressed by seasonal or yearly variations, can be expected. However, long-term dynamics of ectoparasite infestations are rarely studied in nonhuman primates. We investigated the yearly variations in ectoparasite infestations of two small primates, the gray (Microcebus murinus) and the golden-brown (Microcebus ravelobensis) mouse lemur. For a more comprehensive evaluation, we also analyzed the potential effects of yearly and monthly climatic variation (temperature, rainfall) in addition to habitat, host sex, age, species, and body mass, on ectoparasite infestation. Individuals of both host species were sampled in two study sites within the Ankarafantsika National Park in northwestern Madagascar during several months (March-November) and across 4 years (2010, 2011, 2015, 2016). Our results show significant monthly and yearly variations in the infestation rates of three native ectoparasite taxa (Haemaphysalis spp. ticks, Schoutedenichia microcebi chigger mites, Lemurpediculus spp. sucking lice) and in ectoparasite species richness in both mouse lemur species. In addition, significant impacts of several host-related (species, sex, body mass) and environmental factors (habitat, temperature, rainfall) were found, but with differences in relevance for the different parasite taxa and partly deviating in their direction. Although some differences could be attributed to either permanent or temporary presence of the parasites on the host or to ecological differences between the host species, the lack of specific knowledge regarding the life cycle and microhabitat requirements of each parasite taxon precludes a complete understanding of the factors that determine their infestation dynamics. This study demonstrates the presence of yearly and monthly dynamics in lemur-parasite interactions in tropical, seasonal, dry deciduous forests in Madagascar, which call out for broad ecological long-term studies focusing both on primate hosts and their parasites.

Blood Glucose Level and Ectoparasit Flagellata Infestation of Goldfish (Carassius Auratus) Given by Whole Cell Suspension Lernaea with Different Dose and Maintenance Time

The high consumer interest in ornamental fish such as goldfish causes aquaculture to try to meet the highest production so that large scale aquaculture activities appear accompanied by problems due to imbalances between the host, the environment and diseases such as pathogens. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving Whole Cell Lernaea as an immunostimulant development material as an effort to prevent pathogen attacks in aquaculture. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with a factorial pattern, namely factor A was different doses of Whole cell Lernaea and factor B was different length of maintenance. The results showed that the highest blood glucose levels of goldfish occurred in the 0 ppm treatment on day 0 with a range between 53.60-87.60 mg/dL and the lowest in the 5 ppm treatment on day 21 with a range between 44.20-86.60 mg/dL. Ichthyobodo spp. ectoparasite infestation. occurred on days 0 and 14 with a dose of 0 ppm which is about 2-3 ind/head different from giving a dose of 5 ppm during maintenance for 21 days there were no cases of goldfish that were attacked by ectoparasites. There was an interaction between dose and duration of maintenance on blood glucose levels of goldfish given Whole cell lernaea suspension, while there was no interaction with flagella ectoparasite infestation. The best treatment to reduce blood glucose levels to normal is the administration of Whole Cell Lernaea suspension at a dose of 5 ppm and a maintenance time of 21 days.

New locality and host records of mites and ticks (Chelicerata: Acari) parasitizing lizards of Morocco

The aim of this study was to investigate the parasitic relationships of mites and ticks infesting lizards in Morocco and their determinant factors. A total of 1498 lizards representing 27 species, 8 families and 18 genera were randomly captured and examined in their natural habitats. The overall prevalence of ectoparasite infestation was 22.4%, with a mean intensity of 14.5 (95% CI: 12.2 – 16.8). Four families of Acari (Chelicerata) were identified: Ixodidae, Macronyssidae, Pterygosomatidae, and Trombiculidae, with eleven new host records and new data on geographical distributions. Trombiculid mites were the most prevalent (17.2%), followed by the Pterygosomatidae (4.1%), the Ixodidae (1.5%), and the Macronyssidae (0.4%). Nevertheless, Macronyssids showed the highest mean intensity 31.7 (14.3 – 54.2), followed by the Pterygosomatidae 22.0 (16.2 – 30.5), the Trombiculidae 12.7 (10.9 – 14.8), and the Ixodidae 1.7 (1.3 – 2.2). In total, nine species of parasites were found, and co-infestations were recorded on three lizard species. Ixodid prevalence and intensity were significantly related to altitude and host species, whereas Macronyssid prevalence and intensity were associated with host age and altitude. Ectoparasite intensity was associated with lizard sex for all mite families, with males carrying heavier loads than females, while prevalence was related to sex only for Pterygosomatid and Trombiculid mites. Season was important for Macronyssid and Trombiculid infestation intensity. Finally, host characteristics (species, size, age class), along with altitude, were determinant factors for infestation prevalence and intensities in Pterygosomatid and Trombiculid mites. The Ixodidae and Macronyssidae were mainly attached to the ventral side of hosts, whereas the Trombiculidae and Pterygosomatidae were attached to different parts of the host body with aggregations in skin folds. This updated information should prove useful for modeling biodiversity and predicting zoonotic disease outbreaks.

Diversitas Ektoparasit pada Ikan Bawal Bintang (Trachinotus blochii) Budi Daya di Teluk Lampung

Snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) mariculture commodity that admired in Lampung Bay due to faster growth and relatively struggle in dynamics environment changes likes floating cages. Disease infection become challenges when water quality degradation affects by tourism and mariculture activity in Lampung Bay. This research aimed to evaluate ectoparasite diversity that infect snubnose pompano and water qualities parameters at Lampung Bay. Survey conducted three times on 2022, September and October with snubnose pompano sampled amount 2.5% of population. Nine water quality variables were taken and measured in Seafarming Development Centre of Lampung. Results showed three species identified i.e. Pyragraphorus hollisae, Neobenedenia girellae and Benedenia sp. were infected snubnose pompano. Pyragraphorus hollisae dominated in intensity, prevalence while diversity index and uniformity index were low. Ammonia amount was high due to pollution and supported domination of Pyragraphorus hollisae. This research is expected to be one of the references in the treatment of ectoparasite infection in Snubnose pompano cultivation

Chemical aposematism: the potential for non‐host odours in avian defence

Many birds display plumage coloration and patterns that act as visual aposematic and mimetic signals for predators. Avian aposematism can also be communicated via chemical cues, where so‐called non‐host odours (NHO) emitted from the plumage, the uropygial (preen) gland or other chemical sources denote the status of birds as dangerous or unprofitable hosts for ectoparasitic and haematophagous arthropods. Avian NHO are aposematic signals that in natural concentrations repel nuisance arthropods or inhibit their attraction to hosts, as opposed to being generally unpalatable or toxic to predators. Birds that emit NHO preempt encounters with nuisance arthropods and the pathogens they transmit. Nuisance arthropods that respond to NHO avoid birds that exhibit disabling behavioural, anatomical, physiological and/or chemical defences. As with distinctive plumage patterns that evolved as visual warnings to predators, birds are selected to advertise their non‐host status to nuisance arthropods via distinctive semiochemicals. Short‐chain (C6–C10) aldehydes emitted from the plumage of some birds may act as NHO against a variety of nuisance arthropods. In some birds, the size of the uropygial gland (and presumably its secretory output) is negatively correlated with the degree of ectoparasite infestation or the incidence of malarial infection, thus implicating uropygial secretions in defence against dipteran vectors of haemosporidian pathogens. A field experiment demonstrates that volatiles emanating from the uropygial gland of the Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops deter some biting flies. Birds' risky habit of plucking hair from live mammals and incorporating the stolen hair tufts into their nests is hypothesized to serve as a mechanism of appropriating NHO from mammalian skin secretions for nest defence against arthropods. Feathers plucked from heterospecifics and shed snake skins that are incorporated into nests also may emit NHO. Behavioural assays measuring the repellence or attraction‐inhibition of arthropods are needed to elucidate avian NHO. Experimental efforts to elucidate the underlying defences that support avian NHO entail challenges that include the enactment of defences that are variously effective against different arthropods, and the emission of chemical signals that are variously ‘understood’, i.e. avoided, by different arthropods.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE DRUGS BASED ON IMIDACLOPRID AND MOXYDECTIN FOR ECTO- AND ENDOPARASITIC INVASIONS OF DOGS

The article presents data on the effectiveness of the new domestic complex antiparasitic drug "Megastop ultra for dogs" in comparison with the reference drug "Advokat@ for dogs" when used for the treatment and prevention of ecto- and endoparasitic infestations in dogs of different breeds, ages, sexes and body weights.
 Based on the results of an entomological examination of the dogs of the experimental and control groups, parasitism of fleas of the species Ctenocephalus canis and Pulex irritans with an intensity of infestation of 110 to 140 fleas per animal and hair eaters of the species Trichodectes canis with an intensity of infestation of 15 to 32 instances of hair eaters per 100 cm² was found on their bodies. surface of the animal's body. Clinical signs of ectoparasite infection included skin irritation, scabbing, dermatitis, and pruritus.
 After treating dogs with the drug "Megastop ultra for dogs" for 8 hours, its effectiveness against siphonapterosis in dogs was 89.9 %, and after using the reference drug "Advokat@ for dogs" – 91.9 %. Starting from the first and third day after using the drugs, no fleas were found on the dogs' bodies.
 For trichodectosis in dogs, after using the drug "Megastop ultra for dogs" on the 1st day, its effectiveness was 91.4 %, and after using the comparison drug "Advokat@ for dogs" – 93.8 %. At the same time, 2 and 7 days after treatment with drugs, no live hair-eating ectoparasite dogs were found.
 According to the results of the parasitological studies, the animals of the experimental and control groups were found to be spontaneously affected by endoparasites – causative agents of nematodes of the alimentary canal: Toxocara canis with an intensity of infestation (II) from 100 to 170 eggs in one gram of feces (ЕGF)s, Ancylostoma caninum – from 40 to 56 ЕGF and Trichuris vulpis – from 56 to 76 ЕGF. Clinically, nematodes in dogs were manifested by: deterioration of appetite, depression, paleness of mucous membranes, and in some animals, vomiting and mild diarrhea.
 After deworming, helminthocoprological studies were carried out with the establishment of indices of parasitological damage and determination of the intensive effectiveness (IE) and extensive effectiveness (EE) of the drugs. On the basis of the obtained results, it was established that for spontaneous toxocariasis in dogs on the 7th day after deworming, the intensity of the drug "Megastop ultra for dogs" was 94.8 %, and the reference drug "Advokat@ for dogs" was 97.6 %. On the 14th day after deworming the animals, the extensive and intensive effectiveness of both drugs was 100 %.
 Helminthological studies established that for spontaneous hookworm infestation in dogs 7 and 14 days after the use of the researched drug and the reference drug in the recommended doses, the intensive and extensive effectiveness of veterinary drugs was 100 %.
 In the case of spontaneous trichurosis infestation of dogs, it was established that on the 7th and 14th day after deworming, the intensity of the studied drug was 90.0 and 96.7 %, and the intensity of the reference drug was 91.9 and 98.6 %, respectively.
 Field tests have shown that the research drugs are easy to use, well tolerated by animals regardless of breed, age, sex, and body weight, and do not have a toxic effect on the animal's body when they are used once by the "spot-on" method in the manufacturer's recommended doses.

Alopecia in Two Species of Insectivorous Bats during the Critical Time Period of Female Reproduction

Alopecia in bats has been related to multiple stressors, such as ectoparasite infestations, environmental contaminant exposure, idiopathic disease, and reproductive stress. Here we note occurrences of alopecia in 2 species of insectivorous bats, including a federally endangered species. In the summer of 2022, we encountered 3 Eptesicus fuscus (Big Brown Bat) and 7 Myotis grisescens (Gray Bat) with alopecia during mist-net and harp-trap surveys at multiple locations in Tennessee, USA. Seven of the 10 bats with bald spots were adult lactating or post-lactating females, 1 was an adult pregnant female, and 2 were adult nonreproductive males. No bats with alopecia were encountered after the lactation or post-lactation time period, despite continued mist-net and harp-trap surveys. The cause of the alopecia is unknown and warrants further investigation of prevalence across pre-reproductive (pre-pregnancy), reproductive (pregnancy, lactation, and spermatogenesis), and post-reproductive (pup volancy) periods in these populations. Understanding natural molt cycles versus alopecia as an outward sign of stress in individuals is critical for assessing the health of bat populations.

GIS BASED FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF WINGLESS INSECTS INFESTING DOMESTIC POPULATION OF DOGS IN LAHORE, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

The intent of the present study was conducted (January, 2020 to December, 2020) to estimate the prevalence of wingless insects in dog population and to identify the potential risks factors in selected areas of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Results of the study revealed an overall prevalence of wingless insects 50.16% (1204/2400) in dogs of study area. Among various insects, fleas were found predominant (28.5%; 684/2400; P<0.05) as compared to lice (21.66%; 520/2400). Among the reported species 4 were wingless insects (Ctenocepahlides (Ct.) felis, Ct, canis, Linognathus setosus and Trichodectes canis). Breed, age and sex of host were not found to be related with risk factors (P>0.05) affecting incidence of wingless insects. These inscets effect different body parts differently as highest prvelance was noted at neck (15%) and back (11.5%) followed by abdomen (10%) and ear (7.4%).Prevelence of the ectoparasites was found to be 6.2% at forelegs and 4% in congenital area, 4% around the shoulder and 6% around the hind legs, however, tail area was minimally affected (1.2%). Prevelance of Ct. felis was noted to be 35.96, Ct. canis 68.43%, Linognathus setosus 21.1% and Trichodectes canis 78.8%. Town wise incidences were found to be highest in Shalimar Town (62.91%) followed by Wagha Town (59.58%), Aziz Bhatti(59.16%), Data Ganj Bakhsh (55.41%), Nishtar Town (46.66%), Samanabad (44.3%), Iqbal Town (43.6%), Ravi Town (42%), Lahore Cantonment (41.6%) and Gulberg (40.4%). Rate of ectoparasites infestation was observed higher (P<0.05) in stray dogs (80.36%) followed by guard dogs (63.7%), hunting dogs (37.5%) and pet dogs (35.66%). Amongst the different seasons, rainy season showed higher lice prevalence (26.1%; 157/600), fleas (37.8%; 227/600), as compared to summer season and spring. Though, summer season was found to be unfavourable for the increase of almost all these insects. Comparative results of blood profile revealed significant difference (P<0.05) between non-infested and infested dogs, in the sort of lower value of infested/infected animals. To control the prevelance and ultimate effect of wingless insects on dog population applicable a well planned and control startegies as well as extension facilities should be arranged. Pet owners should be provided awareness about the significance of controlling the wingless insects to keep the pets and owner healthy.

Host-pathogen interaction in arthropod vectors: Lessons from viral infections.

Haematophagous arthropods can harbor various pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and nematodes. Insects possess an innate immune system comprising of both cellular and humoral components to fight against various infections. Haemocytes, the cellular components of haemolymph, are central to the insect immune system as their primary functions include phagocytosis, encapsulation, coagulation, detoxification, and storage and distribution of nutritive materials. Plasmatocytes and granulocytesare also involved in cellular defense responses. Blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks, can harbour a variety of viral pathogens that can cause infectious diseases in both human and animal hosts. Therefore, it is imperative to study the virus-vector-host relationships since arthropod vectors are important constituents of the ecosystem. Regardless of the complex immune response of these arthropod vectors, the viruses usually manage to survive and are transmitted to the eventual host. A multidisciplinary approach utilizing novel and strategic interventions is required to control ectoparasite infestations and block vector-borne transmission of viral pathogens to humans and animals. In this review, we discuss the arthropod immune response to viral infections with a primary focus on the innate immune responses of ticks and mosquitoes. We aim to summarize critically the vector immune system and their infection transmission strategies to mammalian hosts to foster debate that could help in developing new therapeutic strategies to protect human and animal hosts against arthropod-borne viral infections.

Volunteer Angling and Technology‐Based Solutions Provide the First Estimate of Sea Lice Infections for Wild Coastal Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii

Anadromous Coastal Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii are one of the least studied salmonids but are a highly prized target in sport fisheries in coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. Despite an observed high prevalence of ectoparasite infections, described by sport anglers as “sea lice,” there is a paucity of data available on the spatial and temporal occurrence of infections on Coastal Cutthroat Trout. We collaborated with the angling community through social media engagement and an online application to report ectoparasites observed on sport catch. In 2018, we received voluntary reports for 1,493 Cutthroat Trout and 416 salmon catch events in marine waters from the province of British Columbia and the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. These data demonstrated that the number of argulids and copepods per trout varied according to body size, capture month, and area. To evaluate accuracy of voluntary parasite counts, we compared results to parasite counts on cutthroat from sampling events conducted by trained biologists. For both voluntary angler reports and those of biologists, spring months had a lower prevalence of argulids and copepods, argulids were common on trout, but absent on salmon, and larger trout were associated with an increased number of argulid and copepod infections.

Backyard Poultry Flocks in Morocco: Demographic Characteristics, Husbandry Practices, and Disease and Biosecurity Management.

Backyard poultry farming is an important tool for poverty alleviation and food security in rural areas of Morocco. A descriptive epidemiologic survey was conducted in 286 backyard poultry flocks from the provinces of Khemisset and Skhirat-Temara to gain baseline data on the current status of backyard poultry flocks in Morocco as well as its potential implications on the transmission and spread of avian diseases. The findings indicated that 88.8% of flocks were raised in a mixed confinement system, with an average flock size of 30 birds (range 1-352). Chickens accounted for 83% of the overall reported birds. More than two-thirds of respondents (69%) kept chickens only, while the remaining flocks raising multiple bird species in total promiscuity. Diseases were the highest cause of mortality (84.7%), followed by predation (15.3%). According to 56.1% of the owners, respiratory symptoms were among the major disease signs reported, besides ectoparasite infestation. Flock health management revealed a lack of preventive vaccination, lack of veterinary consulting, lack of biosecurity practices, and irrational self-medication of diseased birds using antibiotics, pesticides, and hazardous chemicals that could be a significant health risk for consumers. The need for an outreach program about disease prevention and biosecurity practices, along with prophylactic campaigns, should be emphasized to further mitigate the risks of backyard poultry flocks on the commercial sector and public health.

Ectoparasitic fauna of poultry species in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Ectoparasitic fauna of 397 conveniently sampled domestic birds consisting of 213 chickens, 128 turkeys, 21 ducks, 19 guinea fowls, 8 pigeons and 8 geese were investigated in Maiduguri, Borno State. A total of one hundred and fifty-two 152 (38.29%) birds were infested with one ectoparasitic species or the other comprising of 115 (54.00%) chickens, 33 (25.78%) turkeys, 1 (5.26%) guinea fowl and 3 (37.50%) pigeons. No infestation was encountered among geese and ducks examined. The infestation rate differed significantly based on sex and age (p<0.05), but not the management system. Similarly, the occurrence varied significantly (p<0.05) based on locations of sampling (p<0.00001) and species of poultry examined (p<0.000049). Furthermore, 116 (29.21%) of the total birds examined had a single infestation with either louse, tick or mite species, while 36(9.06%) birds had mixed infestation with species from two or more of these ectoparasitic groups. Among the parasites encountered, lice present on 146 (36.77%) birds were the most prevalent, followed by mites 28(7.05%) and ticks 15(3.78%). Nine different species of ectoparasites belonging to the orders Mallophaga and Acarina were identified in the study. Menopon gallinae, Lipeurus caponis, Menacanthus stramineus, Goniodes gigas, Goniocotes gallinae and Columbicola columbae were the lice identified, while Cnemidocoptes mutans and Ornithonyssus bursa were the only species of mite identified. The poultry tick, Argas persicus was the only tick species found. Conclusively, the study revealed a high but variable burden of ectoparasitic infestation among poultry species examined, and that ectoparasites are common in minor poultry species as they do occur in chickens under different management systems in the study area. The need to investigate the diverse effects of ectoparasitism on the different poultry species is suggested here.

Abundances of ectoparasites of sheep in and around Gindeberet district, west Shoa zone, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was carried out in Gindeberet district in Western Shoa Zone of Oromia regional state from June 2021 to October 2021. Sheep are the most important farm animals in our country, especial dominant livestock, providing skin and wool, and cash income in addition to food subsistence value obtained from livestock production. However, due to the abundances of ectoparasites, there is loss of skin value, income and wool due to poor management problem. The purpose of this study was to identify major ectoparasites of sheep and to determine their prevalence in the study area and to assess the magnitudes of these parasites in relation to sex, age and body condition. Out of 200 sheep examined 133 (66.5%) sheep were infested with the major ectoparasite. The major ectoparasite identified were ticks (31%), followed by lice (15.5%), fleas (12.5%), Melophagus ovinus (7%) and Mange mites (0.5%). The overall infestation with ectoparasites, was higher in females (37.5%) than males (29%). The overall prevalence in association with age categories was higher in adult (34%) than in the young (32.5%). The prevalence of major ectoparasite based on the BCS was found to be higher in poor (33.5%) than the medium (21.5%) and the good (11.5%) body condition from the overall occurrence of ectoparasites. The higher prevalence of ticks, lice, fleas, M. ovinus, and mange mites were observed in female and males. The highest prevalence of tick infestation (n=62) were observed in the area, among ectoparasite, ticks were the most prevalent parasites (n=62) with the prevalence of 31% in the area, while the prevalence of mange mites was 0.5% (N=1). Based on age classification the prevalence of ticks (17.5%), lice (9%), fleas (7.5%), Melophagus ovinus (or sheep ked) (4%), and mange mite (0.5%) were highly prevalent in the adults than young’s (13.5%), (6.5%), (5%) and (3%) respectively. From the result of this study, it is possible to conclude that ectoparasite infestation has affected in the production of sheep at the study area.

Perfil de glicose no sangue como um método rápido para observar o estado de saúde de carpa Koi (Cyprinus carpio) - estudo de caso de ectoparasitos em Blitar, Indonésia

Assessment of fish health is one of the efforts of farmers in minimizing losses due to disease. Rapid tests on fish health can be done through blood observations. This study aimed to determine the blood glucose profile of koi carp due to ectoparasite infestation from the level of blood glucose. The results showed that reported parasites from Blitar's koi carp were Trichodina, Dactylogyrus, Gyrodactylus, Myxobolus, Thelohanellus, Ichthyophthirius, and Argulus. Trichodina showed the highest prevalence (100%) in this case while Thelohanellus was the highest intensity level (93.8±16.3). The results of blood glucose level measurement based on parasite infestation levels showed no significant difference (p>0.05) though the health problems caused by parasites in light, medium or heavy infestation. This research also indicated that the blood glucose profile could be used as a rapid method to detect fish health caused by parasites. We suggest that other variables such as nutritional status, life stage or feeding must be conducted to ensure the glucose role in parasite identification as a rapid method for the future work.

Prevalence, clinical presentation, and therapeutic outcome of ectoparasitic infestations in dogs in Egypt.

Skin diseases are usually chronic in nature but not life-threatening. They affect the well-being and pose a threat to the general health of the affected animals. This study aimed to investigate epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of ectoparasitic infestations in dogs in a number of Egyptian governorates. Ninety dogs (58 males and 32 females) aged from 1 month to 11 years from 6 Egyptian governorates were clinically examined during the years 2022 and 2023. Skin scraping samples were taken from all examined dogs, and deep ear swab specimens from five dogs suspected to have ear mites were obtained and parasitologically examined. Different ectoparasites were classified according to their morphological features. Twenty dogs were treated in four different patterns of administration of local, systemic, and supportive medications. The prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in examined dogs was 64% (58/90). The majority of ectoparasitic infestations (50/58) were single, while the rest (8/58) were mixed. Nine species of ectoparasites of fourtaxa were identified: a tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus); which had the highest prevalence among isolated ectoparasites from dogs (29%, 26/90), three flea species (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides orientis, and Ctenocephalides felis) isolated from 18 out of 90 cases (20%), two types of dog chewing louse species (Trichodectes canis and Heterodoxus spiniger) isolated from 2/90 (2.2%) and three mite species: Demodex canis (18/90, 20%), Sarcoptes scabei var. canis (5/90, 6%) and Otodectes cynotis (2/90, 2.2%). The logistic regression analysis of the potential risk factors associated with the prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs revealed that age, breed, housing environment, habitat, and season were the significant factors affecting the prevalence of ectoparasites (p < 0.05) in contrast dog gender did not have a significant effect. Treated dogs showed variations in recovery times and dogs that received ancillary treatment showed rapid skin improvement and hair regrowth. Doramectin was effective against ticks and fleas, but fluralaner was more effective against Demodex mites. The prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs in Egypt could be considered high and necessitates efforts toward accurate diagnosis, treatment, and control to reduce their impact on animal and public health.

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.

Profile of ectoparasites and biometric condition of snakehead (Channa striata Bloch 1793) collected from different habitats

Studies related to the comparison of ectoparasites that infect snakehead from different habitats and their relationship to biometric conditions have not been widely studied. Thus, present study aimed to investigate the prevalence, intensity, dominance, and predilection of ectoparasites on snakehead collected from ditches, paddy fields, and swamps and correlate them with biometric conditions. In total of 90 snakehead fish were collected from ditches, paddy fields, and swamps. The observation of ectoparasites was performed on the gills, fins, and skin. The parameters measured in this study were ectoparasite profiles and biometric condition of fish. Specifically, the parameters of the ectoparasite profile included prevalence, intensity, dominance, and predilection. Meanwhile, the parameters of the biometric conditions were the length-weight relationship, the distribution of length and weight classes, and condition factors. Five species of ectoparasites that have been identified as Tetrahymena sp., Epistylis sp., Trichodina sp., Dactylogyrus sp., and Gyrodactylus sp. Tetrahymena sp. infection in snakehead was reported for the first time. The ditch habitat had the highest prevalence and intensity, which were 76.7% and 15.4 ectoparasites/fish, respectively. Tetrahymena sp. and Epistylis sp. were detected in sneakhead from all habitats, Trichodina sp. was detected at ditch and paddy field habitats, whereas, Gyrodactylus sp. and Dactylogyrus sp. were only found in swamp habitats. The gill was the predilection organ that most vulnerable to ectoparasite infection. Infected Snakehead tend to have lower average weight and length than healthy snakehead. Snakehead with a weight range of 115.2-145.2 g and a length range of 258.5-268.5 mm tend to be more vulnerable to ectoparasite infection compared to other sizes.Keywords:Tetrahymena sp.PrevalenceIntensityPredilectionLength-weight relationship