Parasitic Arthropods Research Articles

Seasonality and other risk factors for fleas infestations in domestic dogs and cats.

Fleas in the genus Ctenocephalides are the most clinically important parasitic arthropods of dogs and cats worldwide yet risk factors that might increase the risk of infestation in small animals remains unclear. Here we developed a supervised text mining approach analysing key aspects of flea epidemiology using electronic health records from domestic cats and dogs seen at a sentinel network of 191 voluntary veterinary practices across Great Britain between March 2014 and July 2020. Our methods identified fleas as likely to have been present during 22,276 of 1,902,016 cat consultations (1.17%) and 12,168 of 4,844,850 dog consultations (0.25%). Multivariable logistic regression modelling found that animals originating from areas of least deprivation were associated with 50% reductions in odds of veterinary-recorded flea infestation compared to the most deprived regions in England. Age of the animal was significantly associated with flea presentation in both cats and dogs, with cases peaking before animals reached 12 months. Cases were recorded through each study years, peaking between July and October, with fluctuations between each year. Our findings can be used towards healthcare messaging for veterinary practitioners and owners.

Protein regulation mechanism of cold tolerance in Haemaphysalis longicornis.

Ticks are external parasitic arthropods that can transmit a variety of pathogens by sucking blood. Low-temperature tolerance is essential for ticks to survive during the cold winter. Exploring the protein regulation mechanism of low-temperature tolerance of Haemaphysalis longicornis could help to explain how ticks survive in winter. In this study, the quantitative proteomics of several tissues of H. longicornis exposed to low temperature were studied by data independent acquisition technology. Totals of 3 699, 3 422, and 1 958 proteins were identified in the salivary gland, midgut, and ovary, respectively. The proteins involved in energy metabolism, cell signal transduction, protein synthesis and repair, and cytoskeleton synthesis changed under low-temperature stress. The comprehensive analysis of the protein regulation of multiple tissues of female ticks exposed to low temperature showed that maintaining cell homeostasis, maintaining cell viability, and enhancing cell tolerance were the most important means for ticks to maintain vital signs under low temperature. The expression of proteins involved in and regulating the above cell activities was the key to the survival of ticks under low temperatures. Through the analysis of a large amount of data, we found that the expression levels of arylamine N-acetyltransferase, inositol polyphosphate multikinase, and dual-specificity phosphatase were up-regulated under low temperature. We speculated that they might have important significance in low-temperature tolerance. Then, we performed RNA interference on the mRNA of these 3 proteins, and the results showed that the ability of female ticks to tolerate low temperatures decreased significantly.

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.

First data on bacteria associated with bat ectoparasites collected in Kharkiv oblast, Northeastern Ukraine

BackgroundBats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) serve as natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens worldwide, including vector-borne pathogens. However, bat-associated parasitic arthropods and their microbiota are thus far not thoroughly described in many regions across the globe, nor is their role in the spillover of pathogens to other vertebrate species well understood. Basic epidemiological research is needed to disentangle the complex ecological interactions among bats, their specific ectoparasites and microorganisms they harbor. Some countries, such as Ukraine, are particularly data-deficient in this respect as the ectoparasitic fauna is poorly documented there and has never been screened for the presence of medically important microorganisms. Therefore, the aims of this study were to provide first data on this topic.MethodsA total of 239 arthropod specimens were collected from bats. They belonged to several major groups of external parasites, including soft ticks, fleas, and nycteribiid flies from six chiropteran species in Northeastern Ukraine. The ectoparasites were individually screened for the presence of DNA of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., and Babesia spp. with conventional PCRs. Positive samples were amplified at several loci, sequenced for species identification, and subjected to phylogenetic analysis.ResultsRickettsia DNA was detected exclusively in specimens of the soft tick, Carios vespertilionis (7 out of 43 or 16.3%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity to sequences from Rickettsia parkeri and several other Rickettsia species. Bacteria from the family Anaplasmataceae were detected in all groups of the ectoparasites (51%, 122/239 samples), belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Wolbachia. The detection of Bartonella spp. was successful only in fleas (Nycteridopsylla eusarca) and bat flies (Nycteribia koleantii, N. pedicularia), representing 12.1% (29/239) of the collected ectoparasites. No DNA of Babesia or Borrelia species was identified in the samples.ConclusionsWe report for the first time in Ukraine the molecular detection of several bacterial agents in bat ectoparasites collected from six species of bats. The data presented extend the knowledge on the distribution of ectoparasite species in bats and their involvement in potentially circulating agents pathogenic for humans and vertebrate animals.Graphical

Applications of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry to the Identification of Parasites and Arthropod Vectors of Human Diseases.

Arthropod vectors and parasites are identified morphologically or, more recently, by molecular methods. Both methods are time consuming and require expertise and, in the case of molecular methods, specific devices. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) identification of bacteria has meant a major change in clinical microbiology laboratories because of its simplicity, speed and specificity, and its capacity to identify microorganisms, in some cases, directly from the sample (urine cultures, blood cultures). Recently, MALDI-TOF MS has been shown as useful for the identification of some parasites. On the other hand, the identification of vector arthropods and the control of their populations is essential for the control of diseases transmitted by arthropods, and in this aspect, it is crucial to have fast, simple and reliable methods for their identification. Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods with a worldwide distribution, that behave as efficient vectors of a wide group of human and animal pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and even helminths. They are capable of parasitizing numerous species of mammals, birds and reptiles. They constitute the second group of vectors of human diseases, after mosquitoes. MALDI-TOF MS has been shown as useful for the identification of different tick species, such as Ixodes, Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma. Some studies even suggest the possibility of being able to determine, through MALDI-TOF MS, if the arthropod is a carrier of certain microorganisms. Regarding mosquitoes, the main group of vector arthropods, the possibility of using MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of different species of Aedes and Anopheles has also been demonstrated. In this review, we address the possibilities of this technology for the identification of parasites and arthropod vectors, its characteristics, advantages and possible limitations.

What do we know about the microbiome of I. ricinus?

I. ricinus is an obligate hematophagous parasitic arthropod that is responsible for the transmission of a wide range of zoonotic pathogens including spirochetes of the genus Borrelia, Rickettsia spp., C. burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Francisella tularensis, which are part the tick´s microbiome. Most of the studies focus on "pathogens" and only very few elucidate the role of "non-pathogenic" symbiotic microorganisms in I. ricinus. While most of the members of the microbiome are leading an intracellular lifestyle, they are able to complement tick´s nutrition and stress response having a great impact on tick´s survival and transmission of pathogens. The composition of the tick´s microbiome is not consistent and can be tied to the environment, tick species, developmental stage, or specific organ or tissue. Ovarian tissue harbors a stable microbiome consisting mainly but not exclusively of endosymbiotic bacteria, while the microbiome of the digestive system is rather unstable, and together with salivary glands, is mostly comprised of pathogens. The most prevalent endosymbionts found in ticks are Rickettsia spp., Ricketsiella spp., Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts, Spiroplasma spp. and Candidatus Midichloria spp. Since microorganisms can modify ticks' behavior, such as mobility, feeding or saliva production, which results in increased survival rates, we aimed to elucidate the potential, tight relationship, and interaction between bacteria of the I. ricinus microbiome. Here we show that endosymbionts including Coxiella-like spp., can provide I. ricinus with different types of vitamin B (B2, B6, B7, B9) essential for eukaryotic organisms. Furthermore, we hypothesize that survival of Wolbachia spp., or the bacterial pathogen A. phagocytophilum can be supported by the tick itself since coinfection with symbiotic Spiroplasma ixodetis provides I. ricinus with complete metabolic pathway of folate biosynthesis necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division. Manipulation of tick´s endosymbiotic microbiome could present a perspective way of I. ricinus control and regulation of spread of emerging bacterial pathogens.

Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analyses of Diverse Bartonella Species in Bat Ectoparasites Collected from Yunnan Province, China.

Bartonella species has been validated as blood-borne bacteria in mammals and has a substantial opportunity to be harbored by a variety of hematophagous arthropod vectors. Bats, along with their ectoparasites, are recognized worldwide as one of the natural reservoir hosts for these bacteria. However, there have been few investigations of Bartonella bacteria toward a broad range of obligated bat ectoparasites in China. Here, molecular detection of Bartonella species was performed to survey the infection among bat ectoparasites and follow-up phylogenetic analyses to further characterize the evolutionary relationships of the genus. A total of 434 bat ectoparasites involving four types of arthropods, namely, bat mites, bat tick, bat fleas, and bat flies (further divided into traditionally fly-like bat flies and wingless bat flies) were collected in 10 trapping sites in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Bartonella was detected by PCR amplification and sequencing through four gene target fragments (gltA, ftsZ, rpoB, and ITS). Accordingly, diverse Bartonella species were discovered, including both the validated species and the novel genotypes, which were characterized into several geographical regions with high prevalence. Phylogenetic analyses based on gltA and multi-locus concatenated sequences both demonstrated strong phylogeny-trait associations of Bartonella species from bats and their parasitic arthropods, suggesting the occurrence of host switches and emphasizing the potential connecting vector role of these ectoparasites. Nevertheless, the maintenance and transmission of Bartonella in both bat and hemoparasite populations have not been fully understood, as well as the risk of spillage to humans, which warrants in-depth experimental studies focusing on these mammals and their ectoparasites.

Effect and evaluation of boiled, cold and alcoholic plant extract on parasitic arthropods

The current research included the use of four concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100) for boiled and cold aqueous extracts of peganum harmala seeds and the use of ethyl alcohol concentrations (1.5, 3, 6) to know their effect on adults of the hard tick parasite Ixodidae in Najaf Governorate. Results: The concentration of 100 mg/ml of boiled and cold alcoholic and aqueous extract of the seeds of the plant caused paralysis of hard ticks within (12) (17) hours and their death within (18) hours (23) hours, respectively. While the concentration of (25) mg/ml of the boiled and cold extract of the seeds of the plant group C recorded the paralysis of the hard tick within (22) hours and its destruction within (28) hours. The paralysis of the parasite’s movement did not occur during the same concentration of the cold extract of the seed of the ruminant plant. evaluation

Cascading effects of habitat loss on ectoparasite-associated bacterial microbiomes

Suitable habitat fragment size, isolation, and distance from a source are important variables influencing community composition of plants and animals, but the role of these environmental factors in determining composition and variation of host-associated microbial communities is poorly known. In parasite-associated microbial communities, it is hypothesized that evolution and ecology of an arthropod parasite will influence its microbiome more than broader environmental factors, but this hypothesis has not been extensively tested. To examine the influence of the broader environment on the parasite microbiome, we applied high-throughput sequencing of the V4 region of 16S rRNA to characterize the microbiome of 222 obligate ectoparasitic bat flies (Streblidae and Nycteribiidae) collected from 155 bats (representing six species) from ten habitat fragments in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Parasite species identity is the strongest driver of microbiome composition. To a lesser extent, reduction in habitat fragment area, but not isolation, is associated with an increase in connectance and betweenness centrality of bacterial association networks driven by changes in the diversity of the parasite community. Controlling for the parasite community, bacterial network topology covaries with habitat patch area and exhibits parasite-species specific responses to environmental change. Taken together, habitat loss may have cascading consequences for communities of interacting macro- and microorgansims.

Parasite control and Saint Swithin's Day

Mid-summer provides a useful check point for assessing the dynamics of parasite populations, their potential impact and the need for control measures. In young cattle, measuring growth rates and faecal egg counts at this time can provide valuable prognostic information on the likely effects of parasitic gastroenteritis over the second half of the grazing season. Faecal sampling can also be used to monitor fluke infections, but may be of less value in assessing the risk of lungworm. Local weather patterns leading up to and including mid-summer can be used in conjunction with sampling and management data to generate an overall picture of the epidemiology and risk of the various protozoal, helminth and arthropod parasites that can affect cattle at grass; these in turn can be used to guide pasture management and treatment options appropriate to individual farms and farmers.

Abundance of ectoparasitic ticks and mites (Acari: Ixodida, Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes) on rodents in the Alamedin Gorge of Kyrgyz Range, Kyrgyzstan

The Alamedin Gorge is one of the famous resorts in Kyrgyzstan. There are more than 150 thousand vacationers and tourists visiting this gorge each year, and the visitors could be potential hosts for ectoparasites. Thus, the risk of epidemic diseases caused by ectoparasites could not be ignored. To monitor the abundance of parasitic arthropods and their hosts is very important for early warning and controlling the epidemic disease accurately. In this paper, rodents were captured with traps and ectoparasitic acarines were separated from them in the Alamedin Gorge in different seasons from 2019 to 2020. It showed that there were 33 species in 15 genera representing six families of ticks, gamasid mites and chigger mites parasitizing on five species of rodents. Neotrombicula (Neotrombicula) kharadovi, N. (N.) monticola and Ixodes crenulatus are dominant species. The species diversity of host rodent and parasitic acarines, the seasonal dynamic of communities of acarines, the distribution of acarines in different biotopes and elevation gradients were analysed. It is helpful for assessing the risk of the epidemic disease, and establish effective preventive measures by sanitary and epidemiological services in this area.

Termite nest evolution fostered social parasitism by termitophilous rove beetles.

Colonies of social insects contain large amounts of resources often exploited by specialized social parasites. Although some termite species host numerous parasitic arthropod species, called termitophiles, others host none. The reason for this large variability remains unknown. Here, we report that the evolution of termitophily in rove beetles is linked to termite nesting strategies. We compared one‐piece nesters, whose entire colony life is completed within a single wood piece, to foraging species, which exploit multiple physically separated food sources. Our epidemiological model predicts that characteristics related to foraging (e.g., extended colony longevity and frequent interactions with other colonies) increase the probability of parasitism by termitophiles. We tested our prediction using literature data. We found that foraging species are more likely to host termitophilous rove beetles than one‐piece nesters: 99.6% of known termitophilous species were associated with foraging termites, whereas 0.4% were associated with one‐piece nesters. Notably, the few one‐piece nesting species hosting termitophiles were those having foraging potential and access to soil. Our phylogenetic analyses confirmed that termitophily primarily evolved with foraging termites. These results highlight that the evolution of complex termite societies fostered social parasitism, explaining why some species have more social parasites than others.

Tick species (Acari: Ixodida) in Cracow (southern Poland)—diversity of habitats and feeding in the urban environment

Infrastructure development in cities allows for the expansion of many animal species into urban areas. This includes parasitic arthropods of humans and animals, such as ticks (Acari: Ixodida). Ticks overcome the barriers presented by urbanization and successfully function in these environments. After mosquitoes, ticks are considered the most harmful external parasites to humans. Besides the direct pathogenic effect on their hosts, ticks are particularly dangerous vectors of bacterial, viral, and protozoal infections. Cracow is an increasingly popular tourist destination in Poland. The green spaces and many tourist attractions of this historical town are frequented by residents, local tourists and international travellers—favourable conditions under which ticks can encounter human hosts and spread. Ticks not only occur in green areas and on hiking trails rich in vegetation, but can also thrive in built-up areas on e.g. the exteriors of buildings or inside attics. Five out of the nineteen tick species that occur in Poland have been registered in Cracow: two species representing the Argasidae family: Argas polonicus and Argas reflexus, two species in the Ixodidae family: Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes hexagonus and one species in the Amblyommidae family Dermacentor reticulatus. The aim of this study was to systematize the information available on the tick species that occur in Cracow and to show the diversity of the habitats and feeding environments available to these parasites. These findings can be used to educate urban residents and tourists, especially children and adolescents, about the areas where ticks occur and inform them of individual protection against tick bites. The aim of the study was to systematize the current state of knowledge of the mentioned tick species and to present the diversity of the habitat and feeding environment of these parasites in Cracow. It is also necessary to indicate to urban residents and tourists, especially children and adolescents, the areas where ticks are present as well as the principles of individual protection against tick attacks.

Options for diversifying agricultural systems to reduce pesticide use: Can we learn from nature?

There is increasing demand for farmers to reduce their use of anthropogenic inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. It is often suggested that nature offers alternative ways to suppress pests, but what might these be? One prominent difference between most natural and agricultural systems is the diversity of plants and associated biota such as arthropod herbivores, predators and parasites, both above- and below-ground. It is often claimed that a move away from monocultures and towards greater field, farm and landscape diversity could be an important and obvious first step towards more natural pest control. This paper draws together strands of evidence on what a move to more diverse crop systems can and cannot bring to pest control. We conclude that diversification has great potential, but is not a silver bullet. Adopting a wider definition of IPM and including the environmental stewardship role of agriculture would enable a greater use of natural mechanisms for pest control, including a greater role for diversity, but would also require an economic mechanism to reward stewardship that serves wider societal needs while discouraging management that does not.

Arthropod moulting hormones (ecdysteroids) are present in the blood of insectivorous bats

AbstractEcdysteroids are steroid hormones involved in moulting and development of arthropods. Blood samples of 32 individual bats of eight insectivorous species were analysed for the presence of ecdysteroids, using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Nine ecdysteroids were detected. The spectrum of these ecdysteroids was similar in bat species which take their preferred food items from the same insect order. The spectrum of blood‐borne ecdysteroids was broader in the autumn than in the summer, and higher concentrations of 20‐hydroxyecdysone (the most common ecdysteroid) occurred in samples from large bat species than from small ones. Ecdysteroids may have anabolic effects on insectivorous bats and may also affect their blood‐feeding arthropod parasites.

Raillietiella hemidactyli (Pentastomida: Raillietiellidae) in Tarentola mauritanica geckoes: A new zoonotic parasite for Europe

Pentastomida is a subclass of parasitic arthropods, related to crustaceans, which develop in the respiratory tract of vertebrates (i.e., fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). Within this group of parasites, Raillietiella spp. adults develop in the lungs of lizards, snakes and toads, whereas larval stages in insects (e.g., cockroaches), which are intermediate hosts. Lizards were captured under the frame of a study on reptile zoonotic parasites. Feces of the collected animals were examined and pentastomids were diagnosed in Tarentola mauritanica geckoes (1.2%; 3/259) from Linosa island. Adult forms of Railietiella hemidactyli pentastomids were morphologically characterized and molecularly identified through 18S rDNA amplification and sequencing. Positive animals had adult forms of R. hemidactyli pentastomids in the lungs as well as embryonated eggs in feces. Raillietiella was herein identified for the first time in synanthropic geckoes in a confined population of one of the southernmost islands of Italy, representing the first report of this zoonotic pentastomid in synanthropic and invasive reptiles in Europe. Further studies should focus on the prevalence of pentastomids on synanthropic reptiles in other Italian regions to assess the zoonotic risk of infection and to warn veterinarians and physicians about the risk they may represent for several species of hosts, including dogs, cats and humans.

The First Data on Parasitic Arthropods of the European Bison in the Summer Season with a World Checklist

The European bison (wisent) Bison bonasus is not only the largest terrestrial mammal in Europe, but also an example of the successful restitution and reintroduction of a species that became extinct in nature at the beginning of the 20th century. Even so, it remains a rare, protected species, and one susceptible to varied threats, including diseases. It has a specific parasitofauna, comprising only a few specific species retained with the last hosts in the restitution process, and some others acquired from other ungulates, or via environmental interactions. The current data on parasitic arthropods originated from the winter season, and less frequently, from autumn and early spring. The present study contains the first information on the occurrence of arthropods in the European bison (n = 6) in the summer season, which is the period of their increased activity. Data on the seasonal and populational dynamics of ectoparasites have been verified; specific parasite species (Demodex bisonianus, Bisonicola sedecimdecembrii, and recently described Demodex bialoviensis) and typical parasite species (Chorioptes bovis, Ixodes ricinus) have been recorded. The data refer to the information from other study periods, summarizing and valorizing data on parasitic arthropods in the form of a global checklist. These arthropods occur in European bison frequently (prevalence reaches up to 100%), but they are present in small numbers, and do not present a burden for the host; only sometimes, with high intensity of infection, they cause parasitoses (chorioptosis, mallohagosis). However, as an effect of regular activity, by penetrating the skin of the host, they create gateways for secondary infections, and hematophagous parasites (e.g., ticks) can be vectors of pathogens that can be hazardous, even at low infection levels. The identification of the parasitological threats faced by European bison is not only important from the standpoint of the study object, i.e., the Białowieża Forest European bison population, from which the existing bison population of Europe has been derived, but also the fact that their transfer to different parts of Europe can entail the additional transfer of their parasites.

Education on Transmission Patterns of Parasitic Infections by Nurses


 
 
 
 Introduction: Disease caused by helminth, protozoa, arthropods, and fungi was still a problem in the world. These parasitic diseases were classified as neglected tropical disease. Nurses play a significant role in the education on transmission patterns of helminth infections. However, the role of nurses in the education on transmission patterns of protozoa infections was still not well known and discussed.
 Objective: The aim of this article is to review the role of nurses in the education on transmission patterns of parasitic infection.
 Method: Writing a study of this scientific articles is made using the reading method model or literacy, analyzing and tracing various references.
 Result: This review found that nursing professional staff has a significant contribution in the education on transmission patterns of parasitic infection.
 Conclusion: Every nurse must know how to give the best contribution in each case of parasitic disease, especially helminth, protozoa, arthropods, and fungal infection which is cosmopolite.
 
 
 

Distribution and features of сhorioptosis of cattle as part of mixinvasions in farms of Poltava region

Among ectoparasites that infect cattle, parasitic arthropods are the most common pathogens. These include acariform mites of the Chorioptes Bovis, which cause сhorioptosis in ruminants. Parasitization of these permanent ectoparasites leads to significant losses in livestock due to reduced volumes and quality of industrial products. The study aimed to study the degree of infestation of cattle of different ages with the causative agent of сhorioptosis in farms of Poltava region (Ukraine) and establish the features of acarosis in mixed invasions. Studies have shown that the average extent of сhorioptosic invasion of cattle in the surveyed region was 16.80 %, and the moderate intensity of the invasion – 53.81 specimens of ticks on the body area of 4 cm2. It is proved that the indicators of infection of cattle Ch. Bovis grow with age. In calves, up to 6 months of age, young animals aged 6 to 12 months, heifers older than 12 months, and cows, the intensity of invasion was 9.40, 15.24, 21.84, and 25 %, respectively, and the intensity of invasion was 16.73, 45, 38, 58.89 and 78.61 specimens/4 cm2. It was found that сhorioptosis in cattle more often (68.75 %) occurs in the form of mixinvasions, where co-members of Chorioptes Bovis are parasitic insects (bovicols), cestodes (moniesies), trematodes (paramphistomes), nematodes (strongyloides, trichurises, strongylides of digestive organs) and coccidies (eimeries). Two-component mixinvasions were found in 65.91 % of chorioptosis patients and three-component – in 25 % of infected animals. Four- and five-component mixed invasions were less common (6.82 % and 2.27 %, respectively). A total of 19 species of mixed invasions were identified, 7 of which were two-component, 8 three-component, 3 four-component, and 1 five-component. Simultaneous parasitization of Chorioptes Bovis and strongylide of digestive organs (25 %), bovicoles (15.91 %) in two-component mixinvasions was most often found. Other combinations of parasites were diagnosed less frequently (2.27–6.82 %). The research results expand the already existing scientific data on the peculiarities of the chorioptosis of cattle and will allow us to take them into account when carrying out diagnostic and treatment-and-prophylactic measures for this invasion.

Efficacy of Eprin® endectocide for use in cattle against nematodes and arthropod parasites

Antiparasitic treatment and prophylactic measures in dairy cattle breeding are often not carried out on time due to the opposition of managers and owners of farms. The rejection of the necessary treatments for dairy cows is caused by the forced disposal of a significant amount of milk during the withdrawal period of a particular preparation, during which milk contains residues of active substances and cannot be eaten by humans. The research aimed to determine new native Eprin® endectocide's (Brovafarma LLC) nematode and insecticidal effect during the cattle treatment. The active ingredient of Eprin® is eprinomectin (20mg/ml) from the genus of avermectins, it is not excreted in milk and even requires a 1-day withdrawal. Two experiments were carried out: in the first, the anthelmintic effect of the drug was tested; in the second, the effect on ixodid ticks and cutaneous parasites. The experimental groups consisted of black-speckled cows, 2–6 years old, weighing 450–550 kg. The drug was used at a dose of 1 cm3 /100 kg of body weight, subcutaneous injection, once. Laboratory parasitological studies were carried out using standard methods of scatological diagnostics and identification of cutaneous parasites. No local reaction in animals to drug administration was observed. As a result of the injection of Eprin®, five cows, affected to varying degrees by the nematodes Bunostomum phlebotum, Trichostrongylus spp., Trichuris spp., Dictyocaulus viviparus, Nematodirus spathiger, the eggs of these helminths after 10 days were completely eliminated from animal faeces, which indicates 100 % intensity and the extensibility of the drug. Likewise, three days after the treatment of seven cows whose bodies were originally found to have lice (Bovicola bovis), lice (Haematopinus eurysternus) and ticks (Dermacentor reticulatus/Ixodes ricinus), no more arthropod parasites were identified. Consequently, Eprin® has a lethal effect on typical bovine parasites, including gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes, lice, lice and ticks, without causing any side effects in the body of animals. Key words: eprinomectin, cows, helminths, ticks, sucking lice, chewing lice.