Species Of Lice Research Articles

The genus Neopsittaconirmus (Psocodea: Ischnocera: Philopteridae) from parrots of Pakistan, and evaluation of its distribution on captive parrots (Psittaciformes) around the world

The genus Neopsittaconirmus Conci, 1942 is a host-specific genus, found on both wild and captive parrots and love birds (order Psittaciformes). Two species of this genus: N. lybartota (Ansari, 1947) and N. chandabani (Ansari, 1947) have been previously reported from the Punjab province, Pakistan. We recorded N. lybartota from Psittacula eupatria nipalensis (n = 2), Psittacula krameri borealis (n = 13), and captive Psittacula krameri krameri (n = 4) with the mean intensity of 2.0 ± 1, 2.13 ± 0.35 and 2.25 ± 0.47, respectively; the prevalence of louse infestation was 62% in P. krameri borealis and 100% in P. krameri krameri and P. eupatria nipalensis. From this material, we redescribed its morphological variations in taxonomic features. Records on P. eupatria nipalensis and P. krameri krameri represent new host associations for this species of louse. We also present a new record of Neopsittaconirmus vendulae from a captive cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicua (n = 3) in Pakistan, with mean intensity of 2.6 ± 0.66. Intraspecific variability of this species is described in detail, with special reference to the male and female terminalia, and male genitalia. We aimed to update and extend the fauna of chewing lice infesting birds of Pakistan. Previous records of Neopsittaconirmus on captive parrots around the world are summarized and discussed. Despite long-standing systematic veterinary care, some Neopsittaconirmus have cosmopolitan distribution and they are able to survive and successfully reproduce in captivity with their hosts, and even colonize novel hosts.

Review of the chewing louse fauna of the invasive common myna (Acridotheres tristis), with new records from Palestine and a redescription of Brueelia chayanh Ansari, 1955 (Phthiraptera, Ischnocera, Brueelia-complex).

Palestine hosts a large diversity of birds, with 393 recorded species, but little data are available on the chewing lice fauna found on these birds. In this study, we surveyed the species of chewing lice found on the common myna, Acridotheres tristis, which is one of the most invasive bird species in the world. Forty-five mynas were examined to collect their ectoparasites, which were preserved and slide mounted. Among the 1004 chewing lice processed, we identified two species: Menacanthus eurysternus (Burmeister, 1838) (prevalence 100%) and Brueelia chayanh Ansari, 1955 (prevalence 82.2%). No other species of chewing louse known from A. tristis in its native range was found, showing a possible sorting event in the founding population of common myna in the region. Prevalence (100%) and abundance (22.3) were high compared to similar studies of the common myna. To contribute to future research on the lice of common mynas, we provide an annotated checklist of the louse species reported from this host globally. Also, we redescribe and illustrate Brueelia chayanh, and place Sturnidoecus tristisae Bughio et al., 2018 as a new junior synonym of Sturnidoecus bannoo Ansari, 1968.

Evidence on the prevalence of emerging and re-emerging tick- and flea-borne rickettsial agents in acute encephalitis syndrome endemic areas of northeast Uttar Pradesh, India.

Outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) with unknown aetiology are reported every year in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India, and Orientia tsutsugamushi, the rickettsial pathogen, responsible for scrub typhus has been attributed as the primary cause of AES problem. However, information on the prevalence of other rickettsial infections is lacking. Hence, this study was carried out to assess any occurrence of tick- and flea-borne rickettsial agents in villages reporting AES cases in this district. In total, 825 peridomestic small mammals were trapped, by setting 9254 Sherman traps in four villages with a trap success rate of 8.9%. The Asian house shrew, Suncus murinus, constituted the predominant animal species (56.2%) and contributed to the maximum number (87.37%) of ectoparasites. In total, 1552 ectoparasites comprising two species of ticks and one species each of flea and louse were retrieved from the trapped rodents/shrews. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, was the predominant species retrieved from the trapped rodents/shrews, and the overall infestation rate was 1.75 per animal. In total, 4428 ectoparasites comprising five tick species, three louse species and one flea species were collected from 1798 domestic animals screened. Rhipicephalus microplus was the predominant tick species collected from the domestic animals. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, constituted 1.5% of the total ectoparasites. Of all the ectoparasite samples (5980) from domestic animals and rodents, tested as 1211 pools through real-time PCR assays, 64 pools were positive for 23S rRNA gene of rickettsial agents. The PCR-positive samples were subjected to multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). In BLAST and phylogenetic analysis, the ectoparasites were found to harbour Rickettsia asembonensis (n = 9), Rickettsia conorii (n = 3), Rickettsia massiliae (n = 29) and Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis (n = 1). A total of 22 pools were detected to have multiple rickettsial agents. The prevalence of fleas and high abundance of tick vectors with natural infections of rickettsial agents indicates the risk of transmission of tick- and flea-borne rickettsial diseases in rural villages of Gorakhpur. Further epidemiological studies are required to confirm the transmission of these agents to humans.

On the expansion of the range of Polyplax hannswrangeli Eichler, 1952 (Anoplura) in Western Siberia

In the South Trans-Ural region, 2106 insectivores and rodents of 18 species were captured in 2022, and 3633 lice of 9 species were collected from them. The louse P. hannswrangeli parasitizing on the field vole was recorded for the first time in this area. A total of 64 specimens of this louse species (adults and larvae) were recorded. The louse P. hannswrangeli was found on voles in two out of 22 examined biotopes in a pine-birch wild rose-forb felling and dead cover pine forest. At present, the louse P. hannswrangeli in the West Siberian Plain is known from forest-tundra, northern and middle taiga, and herb-bunchgrass steppe. Further studies do not exclude findings of this species in other zones (subzones) of Western Siberia.

Identification and estimation of the prevalence of ectoparasites of backyard chicken in Boloso Sore District, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia.

Poultry ectoparasites are the basic cause of retarded growth, low liveliness and poor condition of birds directly by inducing irritation, discomfort, tissue damage, blood loss, toxicosis, allergies and dermatitis which in turn reduce the quality and quantities of meat and egg production and indirectly by being mechanical or biological vectors of pathogens. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021 to identify and estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites of chicken managed under a backyard system in the selected area of Boloso Sore district of Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. A total of 322 chickens of different age groups, breeds and both sexes were selected by simple random technique and examined for ectoparasite. From the total, 56.52%(182/322) of chickens were infested with one or more species of ectoparasites that mainly grouped into fleas 30.34%(98/322), lice 21.7%(70/322) and fowl tick 4.34%(14/322), there by six species of ectoparasites were identified. Among them, Echidnophaga gallinacean (stick tight flea) 30.34%(98/322) was the most prevalent ectoparasite species followed by lice species (Menopon gallinae 11.80% (38/322), Menacanthus stramineous 6.21%(20/322), Goniocotes gigas 2.48% (8/70) and Goniocotes gallinae 1.24%(4/322) while the least identified was fowl tick (Argas persicus) 4.34%(14/322). Age of the chicken was shown statistically significant (p<0.05) association with the infestation of ectoparasites in which young chicken was found more (72.5%) infested than adults (27.5%). Also, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in the prevalence rate of ectoparasites between both sexes of the chicken, in which females (71.4%) was higher than that of male chicken (28.6%). The local breed was found more highly infested (57.1%) than exotic breeds (42.9%) but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was statistically nonsignificant (P>0.05) flea infestation in adults 34.14% (43/126) than in young 28.06% (55/196), females 31.34% (63/201) than males 20.66% (25/121), and local breed 31.76% (54/170) than exotic breed 28.95% (44/152). Lice prevalence was statistically nonsignificant (p-value >0.05) higher in adults 38.89% (49/126) than young 10.71% (21/196), female 25.87% (52/201) than males 14.88% (18/121) and local breed 24.12% (41/170) than exotic breed 19.08% (29/152). Generally, the study indicated that the external parasites were highly prevalent in backyard chickens in the study area, which was associated with a lack of attention to the hygienic management system, treatment and control practices which necessitate the application of integrated prevention and control measures like awareness creation to the community on the overall effect of ectoparasites on the productivity of poultry and prevention methods.

Host body size, not host population size, predicts genome-wide effective population size of parasites.

The effective population size (Ne) of an organism is expected to be generally proportional to the total number of individuals in a population. In parasites, we might expect the effective population size to be proportional to host population size and host body size, because both are expected to increase the number of parasite individuals. However, among other factors, parasite populations are sometimes so extremely subdivided that high levels of inbreeding may distort these predicted relationships. Here, we used whole-genome sequence data from dove parasites (71 feather louse species of the genus Columbicola) and phylogenetic comparative methods to study the relationship between parasite effective population size and host population size and body size. We found that parasite effective population size is largely explained by host body size but not host population size. These results suggest the potential local population size (infrapopulation or deme size) is more predictive of the long-term effective population size of parasites than is the total number of potential parasite infrapopulations (i.e., host individuals).

Chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) found on Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) from a wild breeding colony in central Spain.

The Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a social species which breeds in colonies and feeds in groups. This can facilitate horizontal transmission of ectoparasites between conspecifics. In 2015, in the province of Guadalajara, Spain, 28 vultures from a wild population were examined for ectoparasites, 24 of which were parasitized by chewing lice (Phthiraptera). Three species of lice were identified: Laemobothrion (Laemobothrion) vulturis, Colpocephalum turbinatum and Falcolipeurus quadripustulatus. Data on the prevalence and richness of louse species in the vulture population are also presented.

First description of nymphal stages of Hoplopleura edentula (Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) and a global checklist of the Hoplopleura associated with Clethrionomys

Abstract We present the first record of the characteristics of the three nymphal stages of Hoplopleura edentula, one of the common Eurasian species of the genus Hoplopleura. Lastly, a list of all species of Hoplopleura parasitizing the host genus Clethrionomys is provided. The descriptions of sucking louse species usually lack the features of the nymphal stages. In addition, it is impossible to determine whether the host is the main one or an accidental when there is a co-occurance of two or more lice species, unless we observe nymphs of the same species. As a result, data on the host cycle, the range of host specificity and other aspects of parasite-host system functioning, the possibility of transfer between hosts, and the possibility of transmission of pathogens, are incomplete. This study examines 114 specimens of the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus, in which 38 Hoplopleura edentula were found.

Contribution to the knowledge of Neotrichodectes (Nasuicola) pallidus (Piaget, 1880) (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae)

The species in the genus Neotrichodectes (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) infest carnivores. Neotrichodectes (Nasuicola) pallidus (Piaget, 1880), which has been primarily found parasitizing Procyonidae mammals, has been recorded in ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul and Pernambuco. We report a new record of N. pallidus in coatis in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, central-western Brazil, using morphological (Light and Scanning Electronic Microscopy) and molecular approaches (PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis). Coatis were sampled in two peri-urban areas of Campo Grande city, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, between March 2018 and March 2019, as well as in November 2021. Lice were collected and examined under light and Scanning Electron Microscopy. DNA was also extracted from nymphs and adults and submitted to PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA and cox-1 genes for molecular characterization. One hundred and one coatis were sampled from 2018 to 2019 and 20 coatis in 2021 [when the intensity of infestation (II) was not accessed]. Twenty-six coatis (26/101–25.7%) were infested with at least one louse, with a total of 59 lice collected in 2018–2019. The II ranged from one to seven lice (mean 2.2 ± SD 1.7). The louse species was confirmed based on the following morphological characteristics: female gonapophyses rounded with the setae along anterior region but not in the medial margin; the male genitalia with a parameral arch not extending beyond the endometrial plate. The same ornamentation was observed on the abdomen of the females, males, and nymphs. The nymphs and the eggs were described in detail for the first time. The obtained 18S rRNA and cox1 sequences from N. pallidus clustered in a clade with other sequences of Ischnocera species. In the present study, a new record of the louse N. pallidus in central-western Brazil was provided, along with new insights into the morphological features of this species, with the first morphology contribution of nymphal and eggs stages.

The management of the sea lice in Chile: A review

AbstractSea lice infestations have the largest economic and biological impact on salmon farming in Chile, similar to that seen in salmon‐producing countries in the northern hemisphere. Caligus teres infesting coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) was first recorded in 1981, but Caligus rogercresseyi has been the predominant species infesting Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from 1997. In contrast, coho salmon has been shown to be resistant to this sea louse species. Regulations to establish integrated pest management of sea lice were implemented by the Chilean authority in 2007. However, to date, pharmacological medicines have been the main tool used by the salmon farming industry in Chile to manage sea lice, although non‐pharmacological treatments have been available since 2016. Production of farmed salmon reached 978.274 tons in 2021 and 7.72 g of medicines was prescribed per ton of harvested salmon. The highest volumes used in that year were Azamethiphos (47%) and hexaflumuron (45.5%), in addition to 5532 tons of hydrogen peroxide. This review updates the current management of sea lice in Chile and also summarizes the biological knowledge of this important parasite.

Molecular phylogenetics of the sucking louse genus Lemurpediculus (Insecta: Phthiraptera), ectoparasites of lemurs, with descriptions of three new species.

Sucking lice live in intimate association with their hosts and often display a high degree of host specificity. The present study investigated sucking lice of the genus Lemurpediculus from six mouse lemur (Microcebus) and two dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus) species endemic to the island of Madagascar, considered a biodiversity hotspot. Louse phylogenetic trees were created based on cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI), elongation factor 1α (EF1α) and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequences. While clustering according to host species was generally observed for COI and ITS1, suggesting high host specificity of the examined lice, EF1α sequences alone did not distinguish between lice of different Microcebus species, possibly due to rather recent divergence. As bootstrap support for basal tree structure was rather low, further data are necessary to resolve the evolutionary history of louse-mouse lemur associations. Three new species of sucking lice are described: Lemurpediculus zimmermanni sp. Nov. From Microcebus ravelobensis, Lemurpediculus gerpi sp.nov. from Microcebus gerpi, and Lemurpediculus tsimanampesotsae sp. nov. from Microcebus griseorufus. These new species are compared with all known congeneric species and identifying features are illustrated for all known species of Lemurpediculus.

Morphological and molecular evidence reveals a new species of chewing louse Pancola ailurus n. sp. (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) from the endangered Chinese red panda Ailurus styani.

Lice are six-legged, wingless, insect parasites of mammals and birds, and include two main functional groups: blood-sucking lice and chewing lice. However, it is still not clear whether the Chinese red panda Ailurus styani is infested with the parasitic louse. In the present study, we describe a new genus and a species of chewing louse, Pancola ailurus (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) based on morphological and molecular datasets. The morphological features showed that Pancola is closer to Paratrichodectes. The genetic divergence of cox1 and 12S rRNA among the Pancola ailurus n. sp. and other Trichodectidae lice was 29.7 - 34.6% and 38.9 - 43.6%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on the available mitochondrial gene sequences showed that P. ailurus n. sp. is more closely related to Trichodectes canis and Geomydoecus aurei than to Felicola subrostratus and together nested within the family Trichodectidae. This study is the first record of parasitic lice from the endangered Chinese red panda A. styani and highlights the importance of integrating morphological and molecular datasets for the identification and discrimination of new louse species.

Study on Ectoparasites of Free-Ranging Domestic Cats (Felidae; Felis catus) and Introducing Trichodectes canis as a New Record Louse in Tehran Urban Parks, Iran

Free-ranging domestic cats (Felidae, Felis catus) can potentially play host to some life-threatening zoonotic pathogens including ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks, and lice. These ectoparasites are capable of transmitting zoonotic disease. Cats (Felis catus) were captured using baited cage traps with raw red meat from five parks in central areas of Tehran, Iran, in the summer of 2018. The collected cats were moved to the laboratory, and their ectoparasites were removed from their skin by forceps and combing for five minutes for each cat. Ectoparasites were stored in 70% ethanol and later mounted for identification of species, using species identification keys. Forty-one cats were collected from these study areas. Among all captured cats, 26 specimens (63.41%) were infected with 83 ectoparasites and the average infection rate was 3.19 in cats. Six arthropod species were identified, including four fleas (89.16%), one louse (8.43%), and one tick (2.41%). The four flea species included Ctenocephalides canis (39.76%), Ctenocephalides felis (18.07%), Xenopsylla nubica (16.87%), and Pulex irritans (14.46%). The one louse species was Trichodectes canis (8.43%), and the one tick species recovered was identified as Hyalomma spp. (2.41%). Based on the findings, Ctenocephalides canis was the most common ectoparasite species (39.76%). Fleas were the most prevalent ectoparasites on Felis catus cats, with the highest prevalence, observed for Ctenocephalides canis. Due to the large and growing population of cats and the high risk of transmission of common diseases between humans and cats, as well as the high contact and communication of people with cats, we were encouraged to study the ectoparasites of cats in five important parks in the city of Tehran.

Survey and Prevalence of Lice Infestation the Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Many parasite species may damage domestic pigeons, which are from the most essential birds for human populations in every corner of the world. Ectoparasites can be found in almost every bird. Birds can be impacted by a number of health problems, but parasitic illnesses play a crucial role influence. They are a significant source of disease infection and transmission. Although domestic pigeon lice are not known to spread any avian infections, they are hazardous to young birds in particular and typically accompany poor poultry health that is due to other factors. where a lot of lice could keep you up at night. They consume their bodily fluids, such as blood, and feathers. Since lice have a chewing mouthpart and feed on dry skin scales, scab tissues, and feather parts in addition to irritating the host's skin and sucking blood, the effects of louse parasitism on birds are frequently severe and include stunted growth and susceptibility to other infections. From October 2017 to July 2018, 200 domestic pigeons were checked for pigeons chewing lice. Three urban locations were chosen at random for each of the three main governorates in the study area—Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. Hands were picked clean of lice; Samples were kept in 96 percent ethanol-filled tubes before being examined and identified under a dissecting microscope. In the current study, 48% (96/200) of domestic pigeons were infected with one or more lice and three species of lice were recorded and identified by morphological characteristics: Companulatus compare, Columbicola columbae, and Hohorostilla lata.

Influence of two species of Ticks and Lice on some hematological parameters in black goats during spring and summer seasons in Sulaimani Governorate - Kurdistan region.

This study was carried out in Sulaimani province Kurdistan region-Iraq during the spring and summer seasons from April to September 2015 on 400 head of black goat Capra aegagrus were infected with ticks and lice, have been selected from different herds and regions were elonging to the districts and sub-districts of Sulaimani province, to identified and effect of their parasites on some blood values in the local goats. It has been diagnosed two species of hard ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus: R. sanguinaus and R. turanicus, its percentage 82.30% and 17.70% respectively, also have been diagnosed two species of lice: Biting lice is Damalinia capriae and other species Sucking lice was Linognathus stenopsis, its percentage 71.44% and 28.56% respectively. The results showed a significant difference P ˂ 0.01 in the infection rate between the spring and summer seasons where the total infection rate during the spring and summer seasons for ticks and lice: 32.25%, 19.75% respectively. As for ticks were more infections in the spring season and the least in the summer season, which were 44%, 20.5% respectively, whereas the infection rate of lice was more during the summer season and less during the spring season, which was 25.5% and 14% respectively. The study results showed presence of a significant decrease according to Chi-Square Test in the total number of red blood corpuscles RBC , the amount of hemoglobin Hb , packed cell volume PCV and the average weight of mean corpuscular hemoglobin MCH in the goats that infected with the lice and ticks, that anemia in the goats that infected with the ticks was Microcytic - Hyperchromic anemia type , while in the goats that infected with lice , anemia was of the the type Normocytic - Hyperchromic anemia. Also identified a significant increase P ˂ 0.05 in the total number of white blood cells WBC in the goats that infected with lice and goats because of the significant increase in the number of Lymphocyte and Neutrophils while the the ratio of Eosinophil, Basophil and Monocyte was decreased in all infections as compared with the control samples.

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&lt;0.05), but not the management system. Similarly, the occurrence varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) based on locations of sampling (p&lt;0.00001) and species of poultry examined (p&lt;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.

Prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in Wild Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) in Punjab region, Pakistan.

The current study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in rock pigeons in different regions of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 120 birds were captured from March 2017 to February 2019. The ectoparasites were collected by standard procedures and preserved in 70% ethanol containing one drop of glycerin. Data related to age, health status, sex, type of area, sampling location and season were collected using a standardized form. Ectoparasites were identified based on morphological characteristics by using identification keys. Ninety-six (80%) birds were infested with ectoparasites. A total of seven families and thirteen species of different ectoparasites were observed. Mainly, seven species of lice, two species of flies, one species of tick and three species of mites were recovered from infested birds. The female pigeons were more often infested (89.02%) than male pigeons (60.52%). The prevalence was found higher during summer (100%) as compared to other seasons. The infestation rate was higher in Industrial area (97.50%) as compared to other regions. The highest prevalence of ectoparasites (100%) was recorded from Sargodha district. There was significant (P < 0.05) variation among number of ectoparasites on wing, chest, tail and neck within age groups, seasons and ecological zones. The occurrence of parasites in relation to area, age, health status, sex and season were significant. The infestation rate of parasites in rock pigeon is high in different districts of Punjab. It is recommended that these wild birds infested with multiple species of ectoparasites could be the potential source of infestations in domesticated birds if they come in contact with them. The contact of domesticated birds should be prevented from wild birds to minimize the chance of cross species transmission of ectoparasites.

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.

POPULATION DIVERSITY OF CHEWING LICE (PHTHIRAPTERA) INFESTING DUCKS AND GEESE (FAMILY ANATIDAE) IN SOUTHEAST PARTS OF PAKISTAN

&#x0D; The birds and chewing lice relationship depends on environmental conditions that cause morbidity by feeding on feathers, irritating them, hence affecting their economic importance. In the present work, the statistical taxonomical analysis of the chewing lice was done using the population distribution, prevalence and host-parasite interaction. The chewing lice (Phthiraptera) were planned to study the population burden and infestation rate in ducks and geese in local water bodies in Sindh. The study was conducted between September 2018 and August 2021. Total of 124 birds, including Anas acuta, A. crecca, A. platyrhynchos, A. querquedula, Aythya ferina, A. fuligula, A. nyroca, Anser albifrons, A. anser, Marmaronetta angustirostris and Spatula clypeata were used. Amongst 124 host birds, only 58 birds were found infested with 46.77% prevalence of chewing lice. A total of 405 chewing lice were collected among them 137 males, 178 females and 90 nymphs were recovered, including 8 species, Anaticola crassicornis (Scopoli, 1763), A. mergiserrati (de Geer, 1778), Anatoecous dentatus (Scopoli, 1763), A. icterodes (Nitzsch, 1818), Holomenopon fatemae (Naz and Rizvi, 2012), H. leucoxanthum (Burmeister, 1838), Trinoton anserinum (Fabricius, 1805) and T. qurequdulae (Linnaeus, 1758). The highest abundance and frequency (%) of chewing lice recorded for Anaticola crassicornis were 125 and 30.86% respectively, whereas the lowest for Anatoecus dentatus were 12 and 2.96% respectively. Among birds, the highest host-wise prevalence of lice infestation was found in A. ferina (58.33%), whereas the least prevalence was in A. albifrons (22.22%). Among lice species, the highest mean intensity was recorded by Anaticola crassicornis (13.89±3.33) and the least mean intensity was for Holomenopon fatemae mean intensity (2.6±0.4). It was also the first collective report on the chewing lice population burden on anatid birds in the Sindh region of Pakistan.

Parasitic Arthropods of Small Mammals in the Subpolar Urals (Eastern Macro-Slope)

Surveys of small mammals (insectivorous and rodents) and their ectoparasites were carried out in the Subpolar Urals (eastern macro-slope) near Mount Neroyka (Berezovsky district, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug Ugra) in different altitude zones (from 407 to 1018 m above sea level) in 2020 and 2021. A total of 15 species of parasitic gamasid mites, 1 species of ixodid ticks, 11 species of fleas and 1 species of lice were identified. Two counting methods, ditch with pitfalls and trap-lines, were used to better reveal the composition of small mammals (feeders of ectoparasites). Specific parasites of Eurasian water voles, Laelaps muris and Hyperlaelaps amphibius, dominated among gamasid mites regardless of the method of trapping insectivores and rodents. At the same time, the proportion of the Eurasian water vole in the small mammal community of the Subpolar Urals (eastern macro-slope) did not exceed 7%. The group of dominant species also included Laelaps algericus, which was recorded in only three species (of 16 small mammal species recorded in the Subpolar Urals): the Eurasian water vole, the field vole and the Middendorff's vole. Among rare species of gamasid mites, Haemogamasus dauricus is of particular interest, a species not previously recorded in the Urals and Western Siberia. Ixodes persulcatus is a single occurrence in the area. The find of this tick is one of the most northerly in the Asian part of the Russian Federation. Among representatives of flea and lice groups the share of specific species (shrews and red-backed voles) is high. This is probably due to the high mobility of shrews, their close contact with rodents, and the specificity of animal counting methods.