High Intensity Of Infestation Research Articles

CHARACTERISTICS OF INSECTOFAUNA OF CATTLE FARMS

The article presents data on the determination of the entomofauna of zoophilous flies in the conditions of the cattle breeding farm. Were subjected to parasitological research cattle of various ages: dairy cows, heifers of mating age, calves. The research was carried out on pastures, in production premises and walking areas. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the main representatives of zoophilic flies parasitizing animals in pasture conditions were: Lyperosia irritans, Haematobia stimulans, Musca autumnalis Musca vitripennis. The following types of flies in the case of animals staying in the production premises, were identified on them: Musca domestic, Fannia canicularus, Calliphora uralensis, Calliphora visina, Lucilia sericata and Muscina stabulans. It was established that the extent of infestation by zoophilous flies was 100% among all age groups of cattle. Intensity of infestation in the group of dairy cows was 270.22±4.28 specimens/animal, among heifers and heifers of mating age – 244.67±3.49 specimens/animal, and among calves – 81.67±1.14 specimens/animal. We identified a clear trend regarding the specifics of parasitic insect damage in cattle of different breeds. When staying within the same production group, the highest intensity of infestation (354.50±5.08 insects per animal) was found in black Holstein cows, and the lowest II indicator was found in Simmental cows - 159.83±1.41 insects per animal. The intensity of the infestation of cows by zoophilic flies among representatives of the Holstein breed is 28% higher than that of the Simmental breed, and also 25% higher than that of the cows of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy breed. It was noted that with high indicators of the intensity of invasion by zoophilous flies, the animals showed the maximum degree of restlessness, when analyzing behavioral reactions and the level of well-being of cows. It manifested itself in a constant effort to be in motion. Therefore, as a result of the conducted complex of studies, the extreme relevance of insecticidal treatments of cattle of different age groups has been proven, since a wide range of zoophilic flies has been identified in the places where animals stay.

Age Dynamics of Helminthic Infestations in Dogs in the Plain Belt of Dagestan

Introduction. Among the animal infestations, a large number of zooanthroponoses have been identified. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanisms of helminthiases behaviour and to constantly monitor the helminth fauna in animals that have close contact with humans.The work aimed at studying the age-related features of dogs infestations in the plains of Dagestan, including studying the presence of specific types of helminths. The main attention was paid to the influence of environmental factors and dogs’ lifestyle on the helminthic infestations prevalence and intensity in different age groups.Materials and methods. Age dynamics of helminthic infestation was studied in domestic dogs that were in self-walking and in stray dogs of different ages and sexes. Dogs were divided into three categories: of age 1–6 months old (puppies), of age 1–2 years old (juvenile animals) and adult specimens. In the work the method of animal and human complete helminthological dissection was used, as well as some other methods, such as sequential washing, flotation with the use of saturated solution of ammonium nitrate, Berman-Orlov method of larvoscopy and methods of examinations used in sanitary helminthology.Results. The results show that puppies are infested with 5 types of helminths out of 19 identified in dogs with probability of up to 40 % and the infestation intensity of up to 72 items. In general, infestation rates in puppies were low. The highest prevalence was observed for E. granulosus with infestation extensity 10.0 % and the infestation intensity varying from 12 to 72 items. T. canis also had a high prevalence rate of 40.0 % with infestation intensity from 7 to 19 items. On the other hand, T. hydatigena and A. caninum had the lowest prevalence rate of 6.6 % with infestation intensity from 3 to 12 items. It was found that juvenile animals of 1-2 years old and adult dogs were infested with 12 different types of helminths. It should be emphasized that dogs aged 1-2 years old were especially susceptible to infestation at this stage. In total, six different types of helminths were identified with the high prevalence rate (ranging from 26.6 to 53.3 %) and infestation intensity (from 7 to 109 items). Indicators of the infestation intensity and extensity were higher in dogs infested with E. granulosus and T. canis namely IE 40.0 % and II 21 to 109 items for first species, and 53.34 % and 11–61 items for second species. Helminthiases found in adult dogs were similar to those found in juvenile animals aged 1 to 2 years old, but with a lower degree of infestation. The highest infestation extensity and the highest infestation intensity was observed for E. granulosus and T. canis, respectively – 26.6 %, and 4–16 items. On the other hand, the lower rates were observed for M. xanthosomus, A. alata, D. immitis and T. mystax, with IE 6.6 % and II 1–9 items. It was found that in comparison with juvenile animals, adult dogs are much less likely to be infested with helminths, and this is most likely due to the formation of the age-related immunity.Discussion and conclusions. It was found that the character of helminthic infestations in dogs, depending on their age, is influenced by the changes in natural and climatic conditions, environmental factors and animals keeping and care practices.

Bacteriological study of the liver of cattle for dicroceliosis

The article presents the results of organoleptic and microbiological studies of the chilled liver of cattle affected by the helminth Dicrocoelium lanceatum. The main goal was to determine how temperature regimes affect the quality and safety of the liver of cattle affected by dicrocelia and its contamination with microflora. An organoleptic examination of all animal slaughter products was carried out. According to organoleptic indicators, meat products did not differ from healthy ones, and only liver damage was noted. The liver is filled with blood, and the edges are dulled, the gallbladder is enlarged and filled with dark green bile, mucus and helminths. It was established that the liver is contaminated with microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae family, which were found on the 8th day of storage. Storage of the liver at a temperature of 0 °C for a day in samples No. 1, 4, 5 revealed bacteria of the Escherichia coli group, which increased by 27.7 % in the first sample; in the fourth for 10 days – by 16.1 %; 15 days in the 5th sample – by 10.8 % compared to the control, and also in the fifth sample Proteus vulgaris was isolated, which was 17.4 % and Staphylococcus aureus – 13.5 %. In the third tested sample, on the 8th day, bacteria of the Staphylococcus aureus species were found, which was 41.6 %. With a weak intensity of liver damage and contamination with the microflora of 31 CFU/cm3, slaughter products, namely the affected parts of the liver, are sent for disposal, and the non-affected parts of the liver and carcass are subjected to heat treatment and released for sale without restrictions. Following the current normative documents DSTU 4831:2006, DSTU 7444:2013, and DSTU ISO 6888-1:2003, with a high intensity of infestation, as well as in slaughter products, including liver, for the detection of more than 30 CFU/cm3, such a slaughter product is considered not fresh and subject to disposal. During the storage of beef liver for 15 days at a temperature of 0 °C, certain changes were detected, namely: the parenchyma of the organ is gray, has an unpleasant smell, the surface is covered with mucus, the consistency is flabby, the pit does not align when pressed with a finger.

Species diversity, abundance and damaged caused by rats in oil palm plantation in West and Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Ikhsan M, Priyambodo S, Nurmansyah A, Hendarjanti H, Sahari B. 2020. Species diversity, abundance and damaged caused by rats in oil palm plantation in West and Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 5632-5639. Oil palm is one of the plantation commodities which has an important role in Indonesia’s economy. Indonesia is the largest producer and exporter of oil palm in the world with its export value capable of supplying 55.78% of global consumption. Rats are wild animals that are important pests for human life, both in agriculture plantations and urban areas. Rats can damage crops at various stages of plant growth. This study was aimed to determine the species abundance of rats in oil palm plantations, calculate the severity of crop damage due to rats infestation. Three blocks of mature plants were used in OC and OH plantation blocks were used to calculated, crop damage caused by rats, Identify the species of rats, and estimated rats abundance. The results of these studies showed there were four species of rats found in the oil palm plantation, namely Rattus tiomanicus, R. tanezumi, Rattus sp, and Maxomys hellwaldii. However, only R. tiomanicus and R. tanezumi were dominant species. There were significant differences in the number of, sex, and body weight between R. tiomanicus and R. tanezumi. The OC 12 block had the lowest infestation intensity than the other blocks since it was well maintained. The OH 02 block had the highest infestation intensity, infestation area, and abundance due to a lack of maintenance.

First Record of Cacopsylla pulchella (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) in Albania

The aim of this study is to identify plant lice Cacopsylla pulchella as a new alien insect in the fauna of Albania. In order to assess the potential of this insect as a pest causing damages on trees, infestation level assessment was used. In the first decade of June 2020 samples were collected at three locations in Albania, where Cercis siliquastrum is grown. Samples were collected and brought to the laboratory for further analysis. Field research was performed to assess distribution and infestation intensity across various localities. The intensity of infestation was assessed by visual examination and was categorized according to previously determined categories. C. pulchella was confirmed on C. siliquastrum in three localities in Albania. Most of the infested trees had a moderate or high intensity of infestation. Compared to the results of other countries, it seems that the Judas trees are under heavy attack in Albania. Librazhd and Elbansn districts had the highest recorded infestation level. Infested trees found in this study should be inspected in the following years and this alien insect should be further monitored in order to estimate its potential of becoming an invasive pest in this country.

DISTRIBUTION OF DICTIOCAULOSIS OF CATTLE IN COMMODITY FARMS OF SUMY REGION

The article presents data on the establishment of the spread of dictyocaulosis of cattle in farms of different production facilities of Sumy region. According to researchers, a prominent place among the pulmonary helminthiasis of domestic and wild ruminants belongs to dictyocaulosis. Currently, nematodes are an unresolved problem in cattle farms. The work was performed during 2019 on the basis of the laboratory of the Department of Epizootology and Parasitology of Sumy National Agrarian University, as well as in the conditions of livestock farms of Sumy region, which specialize in the production of marketable milk. Feces were collected from animals systematically throughout the year in different seasons, followed by their study by standardized methods of Berman and Orlov. The intensity of the invasion was determined by counting the number of larvae in 1 g of feces at low magnification. Determination of the intensity of contamination of environmental objects by dictyocaul larvae was performed using the method of M.O Romanenko.
 In the course of research and analysis of statistical reporting, it was found that dictyocaulosis is one of the three most common invasive diseases diagnosed in cattle in Sumy region. It has been proven that the frequency of diagnosing cases of respiratory pathology of various etiologies has increased in livestock farms that are unfavorable for dictyocaulosis. A clear seasonal dynamics of dictyocaulosis in livestock of different age categories was established: in calves under one year of age, the maximum lesion of Dictyocaulus viviparus was registered in June, with an invasion extent of 69.21%. In calves under two years of age, dictyocaulosis was registered in spring and autumn (the extent of invasion in April was 62.1%, in late September-early October - 51.4%). In a study of cattle older than two years, the highest extent of dictyocaulous invasion was found in spring and autumn, respectively, 59.7% and 35.1%. The peak of the outbreak was recorded in late autumn, in contrast to the animals of younger age categories. The highest intensity of infestation is found in calves under one year of age in summer, in older age groups - in autumn. When determining the contamination of environmental objects with larvae of Dictyocaulus viviparus, the highest rates were observed on the vegetation of pastures, near water sources with insufficient levels of insolation. Contamination by larvae of Dictyocaulus viviparus of the surface layers of soil and water sources on pastures was lower and amounted to 52.5 and 32.5 %, respectively.

High prevalence and intensity of infestation of Eutrombicula alfreddugesi (Acarina: Trombiculidae) on Tropidurus torquatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae): effects of body size and on body condition across ten populations along the Brazilian coast

We investigated the infestation of Eutrombicula alfreddugesi mites on Tropidurus torquatus lizards across ten coastal populations in Brazil to evaluate variations among localities and relationships with intrinsic features of hosts (body size and body condition). For each population, we calculated the prevalence of infestation and the mean number of mites per host (mean intensity of infestation). Lizards from all populations were infested by mites, with prevalence ranging from 95.6 to 100%. Mean intensities of infestation also were always high, ranging from 55.3 ± 88.8 to 280.9 ± 208.2 mites per lizard. The lizard body regions most intensely used as microhabitat by mites were the axillae and neck (which bear “mite pockets” in T. torquatus). In most populations, the number of mites tended to increase with the body size of hosts. The body condition of hosts and the intensity of infestation were positively correlated, considering the total sample (i.e. lizards of all populations pooled). The main microhabitats (i.e., body regions) used by E. alfreddugesi on T. torquatus represented total intensities of infestation, suggesting that counting mites on these body regions provide a useful index to estimate the overall intensity of infestation. Lizards are suitable and predictable resources for parasitic mites, which take advantage of ecological and morphological features of host individuals and species, with large body sizes, imbricated and keeled scales, and presence of skin folds and mite pockets favoring occupation and high intensities of infestation by mites.

Primer registro de ectoparásitos en cinco especies de lagartijas del género Liolaemus (Liolaemidae) y en Teius teyou (Teiidae)

Ectoparasites of the Trombiculidae family and the Neopterygosoma genus were identified in six lizard species from northwestern and central western Argentina, Liolaemus ramirezae , L. scapularis, L. cuyanus, L. olongasta, L. riojanus and Teius teyou . Description of the distribution on the host body with the highest intensity of infestation, with the eyelids, armpits and belly being the areas with the highest parasite load. This work constitutes a new host registry for the Trombiculidae and Neopterygosoma mites.

Dynamique des populations de tiques infestant les ovins dans les steppes arides de Tunisie

Cette étude a cherché à déterminer la dynamique des populations de tiques infestant les ovins dans la région de Gafsa (centre de la Tunisie). Les tiques ont été prélevées sur 57‒64 moutons de race Barbarine choisis au hasard chaque mois pendant un an, d’octobre 2013 à septembre 2014. Au total, 560 tiques ont été collectées et identifiées. Elles appartenaient à deux espèces : Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (98,6 %) et Hyalomma excavatum (1,4 %). Les ovins n’ont été infestés que d’avril à octobre avec une prévalence maximale (nombre d’animaux infestés / nombre d’animaux examinés) en août pour R. sanguineus s.l. (83 %) et en mai pour H. excavatum (7 %). L’intensité d’infestation maximale (nombre de tiques / nombre d’animaux infestés) a été de 3,7 tiques par animal en août. Ces données seront très utiles pour les éleveurs d’ovins et les vétérinaires pour mettre en place des mesures de lutte efficaces contre les tiques et les pathogènes qu’elles transmettent.

Genotype by environment interactions for damage caused by Diatraea spp. borers in sugarcane

Los taladradores de la caña de azúcar Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) son importantes plagas de la caña de azúcar en Venezuela. El uso de cultivares resistentes forma parte del manejo integrado para el control de esos insectos en muchos países. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron evaluar un grupo de genotipos de caña de azúcar a los daños de Diatraea spp. en varios ambientes y determinar la interacción entre los daños causados por el complejo de insectos del genero Diatraea y los componentes de rendimiento. Los datos fueron recolectados en cinco localidades evaluadas por el programa venezolano de mejoramiento de la caña de azúcar. Veinte genotipos fueron evaluados al daño de Diatraea spp. en cinco localidades en un diseño de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. La tasa de intensidad de infestación (II) causada por Diatraea spp. fue analizada mediante los modelos AMMI y GGE biplot. Los genotipos más recomendados por su estabilidad, buen rendimiento y menor daño por taladradores del tallo a través de los ambientes fueron: V99-236, V00-50 y V99-190. El cultivar CP74-2005 fue el más afectado por el daño de Diatraea spp. a través de las localidades. La intensidad de la infestación (II) y el índice de daño (ID) estuvieron altamente asociados. Altas tasas de intensidad de infestación (II) e índice de daño (ID) causado por Diatraea afectaron el Pol % caña de los genotipos.

Parasites of unionid molluscs (Bivalvia, Unionidae) and their effect on the body of molluscs

Among the molluscs of the family Unionidae extensivity of infestation by the helminth Aspidogaster conchicola (Trematoda, Aspidogastridae) is the highest in Unio tumidus and Anodonta anatina, and the lowest – in U. pictorum. The mites of the genus Unionicola (Arachnida, Unionicolidae) occur more often in species of the genus Anodonta and Pseudanodonta complanata than in species of Unio. The larvae of trematodes Bucephalus polymorphus (Trematoda, Bucephalidae) are more often identified in species of the genus Anodonta. The intensity of invasion of molluscs by the helminth A. conchicola was 1.0–5.6 ind./ind. (Unio – 1.0–3.3, Pseudanodonta – 3.0–5.6, Anodonta – 1.3–4.0 ind.), by the water mites Unionicola – 1–69 ind./ind. (Unio, Pseudanodonta – 1–11, Anodonta – 1–69). Due to the influence of aspidogastreans, the cytoplasmic vacuolization and hypertrophy of the cells of the pericardial epithelium and the layer of connective tissue was observed, which leads to a shrinkage of the upper side of the pericardium. Often, there was a nuclear pyknosis and, with deeper violations, their karyorrhexis and karyolysis. In the layer of connective tissue of pericardium of A. anatina encapsulated larvae of aspidogastereans were found. An increase in the cardiac index was observed in molluscs infested by aspidogastreans: the change in the index was the smallest in U. crassus (at 11.5%) and the largest in U. tumidus (at 54.1–61.0%). Smaller cardiac indexes are typical for molluscs with a lower intensity of infestation by aspidogastreans. Moderate intensity of infestation by this helminth (6–10 ind./ind.) caused an increase in the heart rate in molluscs (18.6–29.6%), high intensity (>10 ind./ind.) caused the decreasing of this indicator (14.5–24.0%). At low intensity of the mite (up to 20 individuals) and invasion of the trematode B. polymorphus (minor infections; part of the reproductive glands, populated by parasites, is less than 50%) the acceleration of ciliary beating and increasing of the duration of ciliary beating of the ciliated epithelium (1.4–2.6 times) were observed in species Anodonta and U. pictorum, at high intensity of invasion the inhibition of beating and reduction of the duration of ciliary beating of the ciliated epithelium in these species (45.9–57.4%) was observed. In the case of the general pathological process in the body of molluscs , the influence of parasites can cause the elimination of individuals with high intensity of infestation , which affects the absolute number and population density of molluscs.

Low Prevalence but High Intensity of Infestation by Amblyceran Lice in Red-Necked Grebes (Podiceps grisegena) in Eastern Poland

Abstract. Patterns of louse infestation in waterbirds deserve attention due to potential impacts on host populations. Red-necked Grebes (Podiceps grisegena) were visually examined for the presence of amblyceran chewing lice during the 2000–2015 breeding seasons in eastern Poland. Only one species of lice (Pseudomenopon dolium) was recorded. Amblyceran prevalence was low; four young birds (2.7%) were found infested out of 147 banded individuals (66 adults and 81 chicks). However, all infested Red-necked Grebes bore heavy parasite loads. Negative consequences of infestation for physiological condition were indicated by low hemoglobin and total protein values when compared with same-age non-infested birds. The low infestation rate can be related to the biology of the host (a diving species undergoing molt at sea, solitary breeder) and the apparent high pathogenicity of P. dolium, which left numerous holes in feathers and bleeding bites in all parasitized birds.

Ticks on dogs and cats: A pet owner-based survey in a rural town in northeastern Switzerland

Changes in the endemic foci of tick populations and invasions of tick species to new areas have become evident in Europe, leading to changes in the epidemiology of tick-transmitted diseases. However, data about tick infestations of pet animals are limited. Following the recent identification of a new focus of canine babesiosis in northeastern Switzerland, we investigated the occurrence of tick vectors in this region by using a pet owner-based sampling strategy. All dog owners in a rural town were sent postal requests to send ticks from their dogs and cats over two consecutive years, beginning in April 2012. In total 3003 ticks were submitted for identification from 249 dogs (approximately 20% of the resident dog population) and from 117 cats. Ixodes ricinus was the most abundant species identified in 96.8% (n=2124) and 74.3% (n=601) of the individual samples submitted from dogs and cats, respectively. Two other tick species, I. hexagonus and Dermacentor reticulatus, were recorded on both host species, with host infestation prevalences below 2%. On cats (but not on dogs), as many as 24.0% (n=194) of the specimens were identified as a fourth tick species, I. trianguliceps. Overall, 93.5% of the ticks were adults (93.8% and 93.0% in dogs and cats), 4.4% nymphs (5.7% in dogs and 1% in cats) and 2% larvae (0.5% and 6.0% in dogs and cats), respectively. The highest infestation intensity was 49 I. ricinus ticks from an individual dog. However, 55.6% of the submissions from dogs and 24.8% from cats contained only one tick. This survey demonstrated that pet owners can contribute to a cost-effective tick surveillance and identified a new tick focus of D. reticulatus. The finding of I. trianguliceps exclusively on cats might be related to behavioural traits of the cats or to a more readily detection of these very small ticks during petting by their owners.

Biology and harmfulness of Planococcus vovae (Nassonov) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Belgrade area

Planococcus vovae (Nassonov) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an important pest on plants of the family Cupressaceae. Its numerous populations have been present in recent years on Juniperus spp. in Belgrade. Feeding by sap-sucking on all aboveground plant organs, it causes growth stagnation, chlorosis, drying of needles and branches, and even of entire plants under heavy infestation. Additionally, the scale excretes large quantities of honeydew, on which sooty mold develops, reducing photosynthesis and causing faster plant deterioration. Throughout 2007 and 2008, P. vovae was recorded on Juniperus spp. in 12 localities in Belgrade, and on Thuja sp. in a single locality. The pest was found to develop three generations per year and overwinter on branches at the egg or second instar stages. The first generation adults were observed at the end of May, the second generation at the beginning of August, while the third generation was recorded at the beginning of October. Different overwintering modes, and variable oviposition, embryonic and larval development periods led to an overlapping of generations and continuous presence of all developmental stages on plants. In different localities the infestation of plants varied in abundance from a few individual specimens to very large colonies. The highest infestation intensity was recorded in the localities Bezanija, Dorcol and Vozdovac. The predatory species Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Nephus bipunctatus (Kugelann) (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) were found in the scale colonies. Regarding N. bipunctatus, this was its first record as a new species in the Serbian fauna.

Autochthonous and migratory birds as a dispersion source for Ixodes ricinus in southern Italy

The present study was carried out in a protected wooded area, which is part of the Parco Regionale Gallipoli Cognato Piccole Dolomiti Lucane, one of the most important ecological reserves in southern Italy. From April 2010 to April 2011, 212 birds, comprising 22 species from 12 families, were captured and examined for ticks. A total of 75 (35.4 %) birds were found infested by ticks, with 451 ticks being collected. All ticks were identified as Ixodes ricinus, of which 241 (53.4 %) were larvae and 210 nymphs (46.6 %). The highest intensity of infestation was found in April 2010, when 117 ticks were retrieved on 25 birds. No ticks were found on birds (n = 5) netted in December 2010. High infestation rates were recorded on blackbirds (Turdus merula) (90 %; 29 birds examined) and on mistle thrushes (Turdus viscivorus) (100 %; 2 birds examined). The highest intensity of infestation by larvae was found on wrens (5.6 larvae/bird) and by nymphs on mistle thrushes (11.5 nymphs/bird). Temperature and number of hours of light showed to influence the activity of larvae and nymphs. These data support the notion that birds may be responsible for the heterogeneous distribution of I. ricinus in Europe, thus playing a role in the epidemiology of certain tick-borne pathogens.

Bat flies on phyllostomid hosts in the Cerrado region: component community, prevalence and intensity of parasitism

Streblidae flies are specialised parasites of bat hosts, mainly phyllostomids. There is a high richness of streblids in the savannah-like Cerrado region; however, there is little quantitative data available in parasitological indices. Here, we describe the component community, prevalence and intensity of a streblid infestation on a phyllostomid bat assemblage in Serra da Bodoquena, a Cerrado region in Southwest Brazil. We conducted surveys by capturing and inspecting bat hosts during the seven-month period between October 2004-December 2005. All the ectoparasites found on the bats were collected in the field and then counted and identified in the laboratory. We captured 327 bats belonging to 13 species, of which eight species were parasitized by 17 species of streblids. Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina were infested with seven streblid species, whereas the other bat species were infested with four or fewer streblid species. Megistopoda proxima and Aspidoptera falcata flies were found on Sturnira lilium, and Trichobius joblingi was the most prevalent fly on C. perspicillata. Megistopoda aranea and Aspidoptera phyllostomatis were highly prevalent and had a high intensity of infestation on Artibeus planirostris. Overall comparisons of the available data suggest that the component communities of streblids vary more between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest phytogeographical regions than between localities within the same phytogeographical region.

The tapeworm Paradilepis scolecina (Rudolphi, 1819) (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) invasion in Great Cormorant [Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (Blumenbach, 1798)] from the breeding colony in Lake Selment Wielki (northern Poland)

Abstract The intensity and extensity of infestation of cormorants (Phalacocorax carbo sinensis) from a colony in Lake Selment Wielki with the tapeworm Paradilepis scolecina (Rudolphi, 1819) was examined. The cormorants were shot in April, August and October 2006 and in August and September 2007. The extensity of infection in all the cormorants under study was very high — even reaching 100 %. The highest intensity of infestation was found in the birds shot in August — 4697 tapeworms per bird in 2006 and 2562 in 2007. The intensity of infestation in the birds which were shot in autumn was less than one-tenth of that found in the birds shot in summer. The lowest intensity of infestation was found in the spring of 2006 — 61 tapeworms per bird.

The role of pelagic swarm fish (Myctophidae: Teleostei) in the oceanic life cycle of Anisakis sibling species at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Central Atlantic

First information is provided on the parasitation and feeding ecology of the myctophid fish species Myctophum punctatum and Notoscopelus kroyeri from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), Central Atlantic. Four different parasite species were found in both fish with a similar high prevalence and intensity of infestation. The digeneans Gonocerca phycidis and Lethadena sp. were isolated as adults from the stomach, larval tetraphyllidean cestodes (Scolex pleuronectis) from the intestine, and genetically identified larval anisakid nematodes of Anisakis simplex (s.s.) from the body cavity. No further Anisakis sibling species could be identified. Both myctophids had small pelagic crustaceans, mainly copepods and hyperiids, within their stomach contents. Ostracods, euphausiids, decapods, and amphipods were minor food components, demonstrating the pelagic environment for both fish. The recorded parasites including the anisakid A. simplex (s.s.) perform pelagic life cycles within the region, benefiting from extensive diurnal vertical migrations of their fish hosts. Comparison of the host range among the anisakis sibling species suggests that the A. simplex complex has low host specificity, infecting toothed and baleen whales on their extensive oceanic migrations. This contrasts the Anisakis physeteris complex that is restricted to toothed whales of the families Kogiidae and Physeteridae. Specificity in the teleost intermediate hosts for both complexes seems to be low, and sympatric occurrence of different siblings within the same intermediate hosts is likely. Myctophid swarm fish as important copepod feeders at the MAR significantly contribute to the oceanic anisakid nematode life cycle, especially considering the 100% prevalence and high intensity of infestation. Further genetic identification of Anisakis nematodes is needed in order to understand the sibling species distribution, along the MAR and within other oceanic environments.

Patterns of infestation by the trombiculid miteEutrombicula alfreddugesiin four sympatric lizard species (genusTropidurus) in northeastern Brazil

We studied the parasitism by the chigger mite Eutrombicula alfreddugesi on four sympatric lizard species of the genus Tropidurus in Morro do Chapéu, Bahia state, Brazil: T. hispidus, T. cocorobensis, T. semitaeniatus and T. erythrocephalus. For each species, we investigated the patterns of infestation and analyzed to which extent they varied among the hosts. We calculated the spatial niche breadth of the chigger mite on the body of each host species and the distribution of mites along the hosts' bodies for each Tropidurus species. All four species of Tropidurus at Morro do Chapéu were parasited by the chigger mite, with high (97-100%) prevalences. Host body size significantly explained the intensity of mite infestation for all species, except T. erythrocephalus. The body regions with highest intensity of infestation in the four lizard species were the mite pockets. The spacial niche width of the chigger varied consistently among the four lizards species studied being highest for T. erytrocephalus and lowest for T. cocorobensis. We conclude that the distribution and intensity with which lizards of the genus Tropidurus are infested by Eutrombicula alfreddugesi larvae results from the interaction between aspects of host morphology (such as body size and the occurrence and distribution of mite pockets) and ecology (especially microhabitat use).

Spatial distribution of four spruce bark beetles in north-western Slovakia

Infestation density of four the most common spruce bark beetle species was estimated on 15 study sites (10 trees per site) in the Kysuce model region in 2006. Five half-metre long sections of the stem were selected and dissected at the base of the stem; midway between the base of the stem and the base of the crown; just below the base of the crown; in the middle of the crown; and in the upper part of the crown. The infestation density of bark beetles, expressed as the number of mating chambers per dm<sup>2</sup>, was determined. Ordinary kriging was then used to produce smooth maps and visualize spatial distribution of study species. Maps with isolines indicating high infestation were produced for study species (<I>I. Typographus</I> over 0.38; (<I>I. amitinu</I>s over 0.15; (<I>I. duplicatus</I> over 0.11; and <I>P. chalcographus</I> over 0.415 nuptial chambers per dm<sup>2</sup>). <I>Ips typographus</I> L. remained dominant species on majority of sites having high intensity of infestation. Lower altitudes in the south-eastern part of the region were often infested by <I>I. duplicatus</I> Sahlberg and also by <I>I. typographu</I> and <I>Pityogenes chalcographus</I> L. Higher elevations in the north-eastern part of territory in the vicinity of border with Poland were heavily infested by <I>I. amitinus</I> Eichhoff (often with <I>I. typographus). P. chalcographus</I> was abundant on majority of territory – mainly in southern half of area. However locally, it was found in extremely high abundance. The results suggest the need for control measures set up jointly against the most abundant bark beetle species in study region.