Major Ectoparasites Research Articles

Community ecology in a bottle: Leveraging eDNA metabarcoding data to predict occupancy of co‐occurring species

AbstractDetecting environmental DNA (eDNA) of numerous organisms from the same samples has been revolutionized by metabarcoding. However, utilizing the vast amounts of data generated from metabarcoding to predict occupancy probabilities for co‐occurring species is currently rare. Here, we demonstrate how metabarcoding data can be used to advance community ecology research through a case study using replicate stream water samples and Bayesian occupancy models to test hypotheses of eDNA occurrence for a native fish (brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis), its major ectoparasite (gill lice, Salmincola edwardsii), and an introduced potential competitor (brown trout, Salmo trutta). Gill lice DNA occupancy was positively associated with brook trout biomass determined via electrofishing conducted near eDNA sampling sites, suggesting gill lice occupancy is dependent on host density. Leveraging site‐specific molecular operational taxonomic units identified from metabarcoding, DNA occupancy of trout and gill lice was often positively predicted by species richness of aquatic insect orders trout commonly feed on, which are also environmental quality indicators. Thus, high‐quality habitats that environmentally sensitive salmonids and their primary prey rely on may promote higher fish occupancy rates, further facilitating the spread of fish parasites. An increasing amount of community‐level data is being generated from global metabarcoding efforts, and we suggest our framework could be broadly implemented to enhance understanding of factors impacting distributions of co‐occurring species, reveal new ecological phenomena, and support management and conservation efforts.

Genetic identification of the sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood) infesting chickens in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia

Stick-tight fleas, Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood), are major ectoparasites of domesticated chickens and can cause serious diseases and even death if left untreated. In the present study the flea samples were collected from three traditional chicken-raising farms in the Al-Baha region. The samples were examined under a stereomicroscope and identified using classification keys. After extracting DNA from the insects, the polymerase chain reaction technique was used to identify the hereditary gene, cytochrome oxidase, present in the insect biopics. The gene was purified, its nucleotide sequence was obtained, and the accession number (OR161051) has been assigned in GenBank. After determining its nucleotide sequence, it was compared with other insects in GenBank, where it was found to be identical (99.82%) to the E. gallinacea isolate from Thailand recorded in GenBank [OQ291364 and MW492259 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nucleotide/MW492259.1?report=genbank&log$=nucltop&blast_rank=1&RID=VJR9ZAEE013)]. The match was 94.33% with Echidnophaga iberica from Spain (KF479239) and 93.97% with Echidnophaga oschanini from China (KU880666). The phylogenetic tree also showed similarities between the Saudi Arabian isolates and other isolates. This genetic study of sticktight fleas is the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, therefore will be valuable for assessing the prevalence and geographical distribution of this parasite.

A Study on Major Ectoparasites and Associated Skin Diseases of Ruminants in and Around Bishoftu Town, Central Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 to evaluate the occurrence of ectoparasites and associated skin diseases in ruminants in and around Bishoftu town, central Ethiopia. A total of 437 ruminants (216 cattle, 141 sheep, and 80 goats) brought to the open-air Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, were sampled using simple random sampling. Accordingly, the occurrence of ectoparasites and associated skin diseases was found to be 59% (258), and out of these animals, 195 (44.6%) were infected with ectoparasites, of which 111 (25.4%) were bovine, 27 (6.2%) were caprine, and 57 (13%) were ovine. The major ectoparasite species identified were Amblyomma variegatum (13%), A. gemma (0.7%), A. cohaerens (1.8%), A. nymph (3.2%), H. truncatum (2.7%), Boophilus decoloratus (6.2%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (1.8%), R. eversi (0.7%), Damalinia ovis (3%), Linognatus vituli (5.5%), Psoroptes (0.7%), Demodex bovis (0.5%), Ctenocephalides canis (0.7%) and Ct. felis (5.03). On the other hand, the associated skin diseases infesting animals were: 63 (14.4%), lumpy skin disease (0.9%), sheep pox (5.5%), goat pox (5%), dermatophilosis (0.2%), contagious ecthyma in caprine (2.1%), and contagious ecthyma in ovine (0.7%). The findings of the present study suggest that ectoparasites and associated skin diseases in and around Bishoftu are still widespread and economically important constraints for the productivity and use of ruminants. Hence, stringent adherence to the control of ectoparasites and associated skin diseases is required as a responsibility of the concerned government body based on professional research results in the study area.

Honey Bee Larval Hemolymph as a Source of Key Nutrients and Proteins Offers a Promising Medium for Varroa destructor Artificial Rearing.

Varroa destructor, a major ectoparasite of the Western honey bee Apis mellifera, is a widespread pest that damages colonies in the Northern Hemisphere. Throughout their lifecycle, V. destructor females feed on almost every developmental stage of their host, from the last larval instar to the adult. The parasite is thought to feed on hemolymph and fat body, although its exact diet and nutritional requirements are poorly known. Using artificial Parafilm™ dummies, we explored the nutrition of V. destructor females and assessed their survival when fed on hemolymph from bee larvae, pupae, or adults. We compared the results with mites fed on synthetic solutions or filtered larval hemolymph. The results showed that the parasites could survive for several days or weeks on different diets. Bee larval hemolymph yielded the highest survival rates, and filtered larval plasma was sufficient to maintain the mites for 14 days or more. This cell-free solution therefore theoretically contains all the necessary nutrients for mite survival. Because some bee proteins are known to be hijacked without being digested by the parasite, we decided to run a proteomic analysis of larval honey bee plasma to highlight the most common proteins in our samples. A list of 54 proteins was compiled, including several energy metabolism proteins such as Vitellogenin, Hexamerin, or Transferrins. These molecules represent key nutrient candidates that could be crucial for V. destructor survival.

Divergent RNA viruses infecting sea lice, major ectoparasites of fish.

Sea lice, the major ectoparasites of fish, have significant economic impacts on wild and farmed finfish, and have been implicated in the decline of wild salmon populations. As blood-feeding arthropods, sea lice may also be reservoirs for viruses infecting fish. However, except for two groups of negative-strand RNA viruses within the order Mononegavirales, nothing is known about viruses of sea lice. Here, we used transcriptomic data from three key species of sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis, Caligus clemensi, and Caligus rogercresseyi) to identify 32 previously unknown RNA viruses. The viruses encompassed all the existing phyla of RNA viruses, with many placed in deeply branching lineages that likely represent new families and genera. Importantly, the presence of canonical virus-derived small interfering RNAs (viRNAs) indicates that most of these viruses infect sea lice, even though in some cases their closest classified relatives are only known to infect plants or fungi. We also identified both viRNAs and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) from sequences of a bunya-like and two qin-like viruses in C. rogercresseyi. Our analyses showed that most of the viruses found in C. rogercresseyi occurred in multiple life stages, spanning from planktonic to parasitic stages. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that many of the viruses infecting sea lice were closely related to those that infect a wide array of eukaryotes with which arthropods associate, including fungi and parasitic tapeworms, implying that over evolutionary time there has been cross-phylum and cross-kingdom switching of viruses between arthropods and other eukaryotes. Overall, this study greatly expands our view of virus diversity in crustaceans, identifies viruses that infect and replicate in sea lice, and provides evidence that over evolutionary time, viruses have switched between arthropods and eukaryotic hosts in other phyla and kingdoms.

A Study on Major Ectoparasites and Associated Skin Diseases of Ruminants in and around Bishoftu Town, Central Ethiopia

A Study on Major Ectoparasites and Associated Skin Diseases of Ruminants in and around Bishoftu Town, Central Ethiopia

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.

Occurrence of Argulus (Crustacea: Branchiura) in fishes of the freshwater reservoirs and aquarium shops of Vadodara, Gujarat (India)

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food producing sectors in the world and it is a highly risky business. It is greatly dependent on health of fishes and higher economic losses can be incurred due to disease problems. In India, major freshwater fishes are affected by parasitic diseases. Argulus is a major ectoparasite that can cause clinical infestation and moderate to severe disease causing huge losses to the fish farmer or aquaculturist. Moreover, occurrence of Argulus has not been investigated in many regions of Gujarat state, India. Their abundance and clinical lesions can reduce the productivity. Hence, a study was undertaken to investigate the presence and abundance of the Argulus parasite from the freshwater resources and Aquarium shops, including the cultivable and ornamental fishes in and around Vadodara district, Gujarat (India). A total of 212 specimens of cultivable and ornamental fishes were sampled and subjected to laboratory examination. The parasites were mostly collected from the body’s surface. The specimens collected from infected fishes were identified as Argulus belonging to Subphylum Crustacea and Subclass Branchiura. It was observed that Argulus affects ornamental fish and IMCs where the total incidence and abundance was observed higher in ornamental fishes (49.50 % and 2.50, respectively) as compared to Indian major carp (IMCs; 25.22 % and 1.59, respectively). Ornamental fishes were infested with a large number of parasites as compared to IMCs. The present study is the first ever report of parasitic infection in freshwater fishes from the study area.

Transmission of deformed wing virus between Varroa destructor foundresses, mite offspring and infested honey bees

BackgroundVarroa destructor is the major ectoparasite of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Through both its parasitic life-cycle and its role as a vector of viral pathogens, it can cause major damage to honey bee colonies. The deformed wing virus (DWV) is the most common virus transmitted by this ectoparasite, and the mite is correlated to increased viral prevalence and viral loads in infested colonies. DWV variants A and B (DWV-A and DWV-B, respectively) are the two major DWV variants, and they differ both in their virulence and transmission dynamics.MethodsWe studied the transmission of DWV between bees, parasitic mites and their offspring by quantifying DWV loads in bees and mites collected in in vitro and in situ environments. In vitro, we artificially transmitted DWV-A to mites and quantified both DWV-A and DWV-B in mites and bees. In situ, we measured the natural presence of DWV-B in bees, mites and mites’ offspring.ResultsBee and mite viral loads were correlated, and mites carrying both variants were associated with higher mortality of the infected host. Mite infestation increased the DWV-B loads and decreased the DWV-A loads in our laboratory conditions. In situ, viral quantification in the mite offspring showed that, after an initially non-infected egg stage, the DWV-B loads were more closely correlated with the foundress (mother) mites than with the bee hosts.ConclusionsThe association between mites and DWV-B was highlighted in this study. The parasitic history of a mite directly impacts its DWV infection potential during the rest of its life-cycle (in terms of variant and viral loads). Regarding the mite’s progeny, we hypothesize that the route of contamination is likely through the feeding site rather than by vertical transmission, although further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.Graphical

Abundances of Ectoparasite of Sheep around West Shoa Zone Gindeberet Woreda

A cross sectional study was carried out in West Shoa Zone of Oromia regioninal state in Gindeberet woreda from june 20/,2017 to October 2017, .Sheep are the most important farm animal in our country, special dominant livestock, providing skin or wool and cash income in addition to food subsistence value obtained from livestock production. However due to the ectoparasite 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 (21.5%) medium and the good (11.5%) from in the overall occurrence of ectoparasites. The higher prevalence of ticks, lice, fleas, M.ovinus, and mangemites 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 mangemites 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 drawback in the production of sheep at the study area.

Honeybees use propolis as a natural pesticide against their major ectoparasite.

Honeybees use propolis collected from plants for coating the inner walls of their nest. This substance is also used as a natural antibiotic against microbial pathogens, similarly to many other animals exploiting natural products for self-medication. We carried out chemical analyses and laboratory bioassays to test if honeybees use propolis for social medication against their major ectoparasite: Varroa destructor. We found that propolis is applied to brood cells where it can affect the reproducing parasites, with a positive effect on honeybees and a potential impact on Varroa population. We conclude that propolis can be regarded as a natural pesticide used by the honeybee to limit a dangerous parasite. These findings significantly enlarge our understanding of behavioural immunity in animals and may have important implications for the management of the most important threat to honeybees worldwide.

Preference in Dogs of Two Oral Endectoparasiticide Formulations: NexGard Spectra<sup>®</sup> (Afoxolaner and Milbemycin Oxime) and Credelio<sup>®</sup> Plus (Lotilaner and Milbemycin Oxime)

Fleas and ticks are major ectoparasites of dogs globally. Their control is based on regular treatments with ectoparasiticides, which represent the most important part of veterinary drugs worth around 3 billion Euros per year. In many parts of the world, dogs are also at risk of infection by endoparasites like heartworm, eyeworm, and lungworm. In these areas, endectoparasiticide formulations are used to prevent the risk of ecto- and endoparasite infections. Since 2014, oral formulations of insecticidal-acaricidal drugs have been launched, followed by endectoparasiticide formulations. These oral formulations facilitate the treatment by the owners and are now the market leaders. Intense work has been done during their development to enhance their palatability through their consistence (hard to soft) and their flavors. Palatable oral formulations facilitate the dog-owner relationship and help ensuring compliance. The most recent palatable formulations include isoxazoline as the ecto-parasiticide molecule. They also include anthelmintics (milbemycin oxime or moxidectin + pyrantel) to provide control of parasitic nematodes. Being very similar in terms of spectrum of activity, any differences in palatability may be a key differentiating factor for the owners. The present study was conducted to verify if dogs exhibited a preference between two endectoparasiticide oral formulations, NexGard Spectra&#174 (afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime) and Credelio&#174 Plus (lotilaner and milbemycin oxime). For four consecutive days, 100 dogs were offered the choice between both products and consumption was recorded. If one product was more consumed than the other, it was defined as the preferred product. A total of 375 chewable tablets were consumed over the four days, with a significantly higher consumption (p 0.0001) for NexGard Spectra&#174 (272 chews, 72.5%) compared to Credelio&#174 Plus (103 chews, 27.5%). Seventy-six dogs showed a preference for a product amongst whom 68 preferred NexGard Spectra&#174 (89.5%) and 8 preferred Credelio&#174 Plus (10.5%), resulting in a preference ratio of 8.5 to 1 for NexGard Spectra&#174 (p 0.0001).

Evidence of vector borne transmission of Salmonella enterica enterica serovar Gallinarum and fowl typhoid disease mediated by the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778)

BackgroundThe poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) is a major ectoparasite of poultry. Infestations are found in most laying hen farms in Europe, and breeder flocks have also been reported to be affected. Mite infestation has detrimental effects on animal welfare, it causes significant economic losses, and, additionally, D. gallinae is often considered as a vector for pathogens. Despite suspicion of a close relationship between the poultry red mite and Salmonella enterica enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum (serovar Gallinarum), the causative agent of fowl typhoid disease (FT), there has been no definitive proof of mite-mediated transmission. Therefore, an investigation was conducted to determine if D. gallinae-mediated transmission of serovar Gallinarum could be demonstrated among four different hen groups.MethodsTwo groups of 8 hens (A and B) were experimentally infected with serovar Gallinarum in two isolators. After 7 days, when birds showed signs of FT, about 25,000 mites were introduced. After 3 days, mites were harvested and used to infest two other hen groups of 8 (C and D), in two separate isolators. The health status of hens was constantly monitored; detection and quantification of serovar Gallinarum were performed by PCR and qPCR from mites and organs of dead hens. The maximum likelihood estimation of the infection rate and mite vectorial capacity were calculated.ResultsClinical disease was observed in groups infected with serovar Gallinarum (A and B) and in hens of groups C and D infested with mites harvested from the isolators containing groups A and B. In all four groups, serovar Gallinarum was detected from liver, spleen, ovary, and cecum of hens, thus confirming the diagnosis of FT. Mite analysis demonstrated the presence of the pathogen, with an estimated infection rate ranging between 13.72 and 55.21 infected per thousand mites. Vectorial capacity was estimated to be 73.79.ConclusionsMites harvested from birds infected with serovar Gallinarum were shown to carry the mite, and then to transfer serovar Gallinarum to isolated groups of pathogen-free birds that subsequently showed signs of FT. Mite vectorial capacity was high, demonstrating that D. gallinae should be considered an effective vector of FT.

Saúde na Escola: a abordagem de educadores sobre as ectoparasitoses em duas escolas públicas do município de Murici, Alagoas

Os parasitos que habitam o sistema tegumentar humano são denominados ectoparasitos, sendo responsáveis por causar as doenças ectoparasitárias. Essas doenças costumam ser recorrentes em crianças e adolescentes em idade escolar. Visando determinar um diagnóstico inicial sobre a problemática em nosso meio, esse estudo se desenvolveu através da visão de educadores (professores e gestores) de duas escolas municipais de ensino fundamental de Murici-AL, e teve como intuito verificar, alguns mitos atrelados à conceitos básicos, assim como o referido tema é trabalhado no meio escolar. Para isso foi utilizado um instrumento de coleta de dados, representado por um questionário aos educadores, contendo questões objetivas sobre vários aspectos das diversas ectoparasitoses. Como benefício direto, foi entregue um panfleto de sensibilização educativa acerca dos principais ectoparasitos com informações básicas sobre ciclo de vida, transmissão e tratamento. Foi verificado que 31% dos educadores consideram as ectoparasitoses como problema de saúde pública, e 97% afirmaram ser a pediculose e a escabiose as ectoparasitoses mais conhecidas. 70, 60 e 50% dos educadores, respectivamente, desconheciam Larva Migrans Cutânea, Tungiase e Miíase. Com relação a pediculose, 52% fazem o diagnóstico e enviam comunicado aos responsáveis. Quanto aos mitos da pediculose, 14% acham que a transmissão envolve animais; 79% acham que a escola não é fonte de infestação; 86% acham que a transmissão é relacionada exclusivamente ao fator socioeconômico e 21% concordam que o piolho salta ou voa. Foram identificados a existência de muitas dúvidas e mitos em relação a temática trabalhada, sendo imperiosa a necessidade da abordagem dos temas de educação em saúde, como preconiza os Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais em Saúde (PCNs), afim de que os alunos alcancem melhor qualidade de vida e possam gozar de um desenvolvimento físico, mental e social saudável para um pleno desempenho educacional.

Epidemiological Distribution of Major Ectoparasites Species of Small Ruminant in the Case of Chemical Control Campaign in Welkait District, Tigray Region, Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2016 to May 2017 to identify the major ectoparasites species and potential risk factors in Welkait district western part of Tigray region. A total of 102 sheep and 324 goats were physically examined and samples were taken for laboratory analysis. Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi with a prevalence of 58 (56.86%), Amblyomma gemma 12 (11.76%), Amblyomma variegatum 27 (26.47%), Boophilus decoloratus 7 (6.86%), and Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum 1 (0.98%) in sheep and R. evertsi evertsi 108 (33.02%), A. gemma 8 (2.47%), A. variegatum 158 (48.77%), and R. B. decoloratus 19 (5.86%) in goats were the most important tick species identified. Statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was obtained in the prevalence of A. gemma (x2 = 14.981; p=0.001) and A. variegatum (x2 = 15.696; p=0.001) between sheep and goats and R. B. decloratus (x2 = 8.137; p=0.017), A. variegatum (x2 = 90.159; p=0.00p=0.00), and A. gamma (x2 = 18.642; p=0.00) in goats and A. variegatum (x2 = 71.081; p=0.00) and R. B. decloratus (x2 = 28.980; p=0.001) in sheep by agroecology. R. evertsi evertsi (x2 = 13.400; p=0.001) and A. variegatum (x2 = 13.511; p=0.001) in goats and R. B. decoloratus (x2 = 71.892; p=0.001) and A. gemma (x2 = 6.414; p = 0.040) in sheep were found to have statistically significant association (p < 0.05) in the prevalence among different body condition categories in the present study. R. evertsi evertsi (x2 = 6.557; p=0.010) and R. B. decoloratus (x2 = 4.856; p=0.028) in goats and R. evertsi evertsi (x2 = 5.776; p=0.016) in sheep by sex group and R. evertsi evertsi (x2 = 40.556; p=0.001) and A. variegatum (x2 = 7.214; p=0.007) in goats by age group were also statistically associated (p < 0.05). Infestation rate of R. evertsi evertsi (x2 = 7.136; p=0.008), R. B. decoloratus (x2 = 9.621; p=0.002), and A. variegatum (x2 = 10.372; p=0.001) in goats between flock type had statistically significant association (p < 0.05) in this study. The current result revealed that Linognathus stenopsis was the second highest prevalent ectoparasite with an overall prevalence of 0.00% in sheep and 25.93% in goats. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of L. stenopsis (x2 = 32.940; p=0.001) between the two species and in body condition category (x2 = 10.700; p=0.005) in goats in the present study. Moreover, Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis were the flea species found in the present report. Significant variation (p < 0.05) in C. canis prevalence among different agroecology (x2 = 10.264; p=0.006) in goats and between adult and young age (x2 = 5.052; p=0.025) in sheep and (x2 = 21.267; p=0.001) in goats was obtained in the present study. Sarcoptes scapie var. caprea with a prevalence of 0 (0.00%) in sheep and 4 (1.23%) in goats had no significant association (p > 0.05) in all the risk factors considered. The present result indicated that ectoparasites especially tick species were more prevalent in small ruminants and may affect the wellbeing and productivity of goats and sheep in the study district. Therefore, well-coordinated and urgent control intervention should be conducted.

Infestation of Ectoparasites in Dairy Calves Reared by Smallholder Farmers in Central Areas of Ethiopia

Ectoparasites are one of the major health constraints of cattle production and are usually associated with huge economic losses in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional and clinical investigation was carried out in urban and periurban dairy farms in different central areas of Ethiopia to determine the infestation of external parasites and its attributable risk factors in dairy calves. Thus, a total of 157 dairy calves were clinically examined for ectoparasite infestations in central Oromiya. Results from data analysis indicated that from a total examined calves for ectoprasites, 40.76%(64=101) were found to be infested with one or more parasites and the major ectoparasites identified were Ambyloma species (3.8%), Boophilus species (5.7%), Lice species (17.2%) and mixed infestations (8.9%).

Prevalence and Identification of ectoparasites in cattle in the villages of selected Districts of Karnataka

A cross sectional study was conducted on 1260 livestock to identify the major ectoparasites and their infestation. Out of 1260 livestock 1051 were infested. Amongst the eight genera of ectoparasites identified R. sanguineus and R. annulatus dominated with 20.1% of infestation and Hematobia spp. with least infestation of 1.03%.

A multivariable assessment of the spatio-temporal distribution of pyrethroids performance on the sea lice Caligus rogercresseyi in Chile

Synthetic pyrethroids have been widely used in Chile to control the sea lice Caligus rogercresseyi, a major ectoparasite of farmed salmon. Although resistance of C. rogercresseyi to pyrethroids has been reported in Chile, there is no information regarding the geographic extent of this problem. In this study we explored the spatial and temporal variation of C. rogercresseyi’s response to pyrethroids in Chile from 2012 to 2013. We modeled lice abundance one week after treatment with a linear mixed-effects regression, and then we performed spatial and spatio-temporal cluster analyses on farm-level effects and on treatment-level residuals, respectively. Results indicate there were two areas where the post-treatment lice counts were significantly higher than in the rest of the study area. These spatial clusters remained even once we adjusted for environmental and management predictors, suggesting unmeasured factors (e.g. resistance) were causing the clustering. Further investigation should be carried out to confirm this hypothesis.

Identification of Major Ectoparasites Infesting Sheep in Aba Jima District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Identification of Major Ectoparasites Infesting Sheep in Aba Jima District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Research Article Mitochondrial diversity in the populations of Pediculus humanus capitis across eastern south of Tehran Province, Iran

Pediculus humanus capitis is a major obligate and district ecto-parasite of human which is distributed in different parts of the world and is under several research projects for population management and molecular analysis. In this study, one hundred and seventy head lice were collected from school girls at different high schools in five cities in south east of Tehran Province (Iran). They were analyzed using molecular methods for genotyping lice, Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI), for the first time in Iran. The phylogenetic analysis of the concentrated sequences of the head lice populations showed high divergence among the population collected from different cities. However, samples belonged to each city showed high homology with some of the GenBank sequences.