Psoroptes Research Articles

Piloting an approach to scab control on Welsh sheep farms.

IntroductionSheep scab caused by Psoroptes ovis, is a disease of concern to many stakeholders in Wales due to its welfare implications. There are good diagnostic tests and treatments available to deal with the disease. Even so, it remains a problem in Welsh flocks. As such a coordinated approach is required to deal with this issue in a more sustainable manner.Pilot designSheep scab positive ‘index’ farms were initially diagnosed using a skin scrape to identify P. ovis mites. Contiguous farms were identified and antibody responses used to confirm onward infestation. All infested farms were treated by either dipping with an organophosphate (OP) dip or injecting with a licensed macrocyclic lactone (ML) product depending on farmer choice.ResultsThree positive ‘index’ farms were identified along with 12 contiguous properties. Positive serological responses were observed in seven of the 12 contiguous farms; four of which were treated by OP dip and three by an injectable ML product.DiscussionTo avoid reinfestation of treated farms, dealing with disease on contiguous properties is crucial. Through the project coordinating team, three local outbreaks of scab were dealt with in a short space of time with appropriate diagnosis and treatment being carried out. Some farmers were uncooperative and strategies such as providing additional external support and veterinary involvement might alleviate these issues in the future. This coordinated approach is recommended to veterinary surgeons in the field when dealing with scab on farm.

Spatial and temporal analysis of sheep scab notifications in Scotland, 2014-2019.

Sheep scab is considered an endemic disease of great welfare and economic significance in the UK. This paper provides an up-to-date assessment of the impact of Sheep Scab (Scotland) Order 2010 on sheep scab notifications in Scotland between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2019, using data collected by the APHA. In total, 564 sheep scab notifications were reported from 503 unique holdings, of which 44 holdings (8.7%) reported more than one incident. The number of notifications did not differ between years, with 81, 84, 93, 101, 109 and 97 notifications recorded in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively: representing an average annual notification prevalence of 0.63% (1/159 flocks/year). A total of 413/564 records documented how notifications were resolved, with macrocyclic lactone and organophosphate treatments accounting for 79.6% and 20.4% of resolutions, respectively. Our results suggest that the Order has facilitated the notification of sheep scab in Scotland (including trends and preferred methods of resolution), allowed industry and government to identify previously unidentified potentially free areas as well as recurrent incidents on sheep farms, and start to understand better the geographical and temporal nature of scab outbreaks. However, concerns remain about a potential lack of engagement, evidenced by the low notification prevalence and stagnant annual notification rates.

Efficacy of a dinotefuran, permethrin and pyriproxyfen combination product in the treatment of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) naturally infested by Psoroptes ovis

The main of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen and permethrin-combination (Vectra 3D-CEVA) in the topical treatment of rabbits naturally infested with P. ovis. Adult New Zealand rabbits (n = 18) with plaques of crust in both ears were divided into three groups (one control and two treated). On day 0, the animals belonging to the treated groups received a single dose of a commercial ectoparasiticide formulation, recommended for use in dogs. The control group (G1) (n = 6) received no treatment, the treated group (G2) (n = 6) received one drop in each ear, and the remaining volume was applied along the back of the animal in the dorsal midline with the commercial formulation. In the other treated group (G3) (n = 6), animals received the same product used in G2, but all the volumes of 0.5 mL were applied only to the back of the animal (dorsal midline). On days 0, +7, +14, +21, +28 and +35, lesion scores and mites per gram (MPG) of each ear scab were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical software Bioestat 5.01. As the Shapiro-Wilk test determined that the data were nonparametrically distributed, the Kruskal–Wallis test was performed, followed by the Student-Newman–Keuls test, to determine the significance levels among the mean values of mite counts per gram of crusts compared to the three experimental groups. The efficacies for remission of lesion scores were 19.87 % on day +7 to 83.44 % on day +35 for G2 and 70.67 % on day +7 to 92.20 % on day +35 for G3. The efficacies obtained by evaluation of MPG were 100 % on day +7 to 99.86 % on day +35 for G2 and from 93.05 % on day +7 to 99.89 on day +35 for G3. The topical administration of the combination of dinotefuran (4.95 %), pyriproxifen (0.44 %) and permethrin (36 %) on the ears and back or only on the back in rabbits was shown to be effective in naturally controlling mite infestations by P. ovis.

Myostatin mutation causing double muscling could affect increased psoroptic mange sensitivity in dual purpose Belgian Blue cattle

Belgian Blue cattle are known for their high degree of muscling and good carcass qualities. This high degree of muscling is mainly caused by a mutation in the myostatin gene (MSTN). Although the MSTN mutation is considered as fixed in the Belgian Blue breed, segregation is occurring in a sub-population bred for dual purpose. In the latter population, we observed an association between the mutation in MSTN and susceptibility to psoroptic mange, a skin disease caused by Psoroptes ovis mites that heavily plagues Belgian Blue cattle. In total, 291 animals were sampled and screened for their susceptibility for mange lesions and their MSTN genotype. Via linear mixed modelling, we observed that homozygous mutant animals had a significant increase in the size of mange lesions (+2.51% lesion extent) compared to homozygous wild type. These findings were confirmed with zero-inflated modelling, an animal model and odds analysis. Risk ratios for developing severe mange lesions were 5.9 times as high for homozygous mutant animals. All analyses confirmed an association between the MSTN genotype and psoroptic mange lesion size.

First report of in vitro resistance of Psoroptes ovis to ivermectin in Argentina

Sheep scab, or psoroptic mange, a disease caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis, is commonly treated with ivermectin (IVM) and other macrocyclic lactones. In Argentina, in vivo trials have shown a decrease in IVM effectiveness to treat both sheep and bovine scab. In this work, we used an in vitro technique to establish the efficacy of IVM and two other macrocyclic lactones, doramectin (DRM) and moxidectin (MXD), against P. ovis in sheep. Mites were exposed to plates with culture medium and either ethanol or each of the acaricides, and mite mortality at a diagnostic concentration of IVM was assessed. Total survival in one of the strains studied demonstrated the presence of resistance, associated with control failures previously described by the authors. These resistant mites also presented larger LC50 values for both DRM and MXD than expected. Since, in in vivo trials, we had also previously observed a decrease in DRM effectiveness, cross-resistance may exist between DRM and IVM. We propose the use of in vitro tests to evaluate the efficacy of acaricides, considering their practicality, low cost and proven usefulness in detecting resistance in cases of low effectiveness against sheep scab.

Psoroptes ovis

This datasheet on Psoroptes ovis covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis.

Psoroptes natalensis

This datasheet on Psoroptes natalensis covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected.

A 6-year retrospective report of livestock parasitic diseases in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Background:Parasites contribute significantly to the decline of livestock production and productivity and consequently hamper the availability of protein food resources.Aim:This study aims to report the prevalence of parasitic diseases in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. Method:Retrospective data of animal diseases in the ECP from 2013 to 2018 was obtained from the veterinary unit of the Department of Rural and Agrarian Reform database, decoded analyzed, and interpreted. Results:The results reveal a significant association (p < 0.05) between local municipality, seasons, year, and livestock species. Endoparasites (75%) were the highest reported in the year 2015, whereas ectoparasites (38.1%) and fly parasites (30.4%) were mostly reported in the year 2016. The highest prevalence of fly parasites and endoparasites was found in autumn (87%) and spring (75%). The local municipalities with the highest prevalence were Amahlathi (fly parasite, 91.3%), Dr Beyers Naude (ectoparasite, 43.6%), Intsika Yethu (endoparasite, 75%), Makana (protozoa, 45.8%), Mbhashe (hemoparasite, 40%), Raymond Mhlaba municipality (hemoparasite, 12.5%), and Lukhanji (fly parasite, 8.7%). Parasitic diseases diagnosed in the province between 2013 and 2018 were babesiosis (1.7%), anaplasmosis (2.1%), distomatosis (0.1%), goat mange (0.2%), and sheep scab (94%). Conclusion:The prevalence of parasitic diseases was found unevenly distributed in the local municipalities of the ECP and mostly diagnosed in autumn and spring compared to summer and winter. This study provides baseline information to guide policy-making on disease preventative actions. The recommended action would include appropriate and timely use of acaricide to mitigate problems associated with parasitic diseases.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНАЯ ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ АКАРИЦИДНЫХ ПРЕПАРАТОВ ИНСАКАР ТОТАЛ К И АКАРОМЕКТИНА ПРИ ОТОДЕКТОЗЕ КОШЕК

Otodectosis of cats is one of the most spread diseases of animals of this species from the group of arachnoentomoses. The lack or non-compliance with therapeutic and preventive measures in case of otodectosis contributes to massive spread of the disease. A comparative assessment of the effectiveness of two acaricidal medications, such as Insakar Total K, developed at Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Scientific Center - All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Veterinary Medicine of the RAS (Moscow), and Acaromectin for cats’ otodectosis was carried out. Insacar Total K is a complex acaricidal medication containing imidocloprid, pyriproxyfen and moxidectin, providing high therapeutic efficacy against ecto- and endoparasites both in imaginal and preimaginal stages of development. It is recommended for treatment of arkhanoentomoses, nematodes of the gastrointestinal tract of cats. Acaromectin is a medication from the group of macrocyclic lactones. The active ingredient of the drug is ivermectin, which has a destructive effect on acariform ticks. The drug is active against sarcoptic mites at different stages of ontogenesis (Sarcoptes canis, Sarcoptes vulpis, Notoedres cinotis, Psoroptes cuniculi), demodectic mites (Demodex canis), as well as insects (Ctenocephalides canis, Telotdecephalides) parasitizing on dogs and cats. The object of the study was the cats of “Lapa Pomoshchi” shelter for homeless animals at Ulyanovsk State Agrarian University, spontaneously infested with Otodectes cynotis ticks. In the course of the experiment, it was found that both tested medications show outstanding efficacy for treatment of otodectosis of cats. Insakar Total K has a more pronounced therapeutic effect, extension efficiency was 100 %. The extension efficiency of Acaromectin was slightly lower and amounted to 80 %.

Screening for antibodies against the sheep scab mite (Psoroptes ovis) Pso o 2 antigen in experimentally infested Swifter sheep may fail to identify affected animals

Sheep scab, caused by Psoroptes ovis mites, represents a significant threat to sheep health and welfare. Infestations are diagnosed by parasite identification in skin scrapings, and more recently with a commercial ELISA against serum antibodies to the Pso o 2 mite allergen. However, little is known about the performance of the ELISA in non-UK sheep populations. In this study, six Swifter sheep were experimentally infested with P. ovis. Lesion sizes were monitored and serum IgG against Pso o 2 and the novel Pso-EIP-1 antigens were measured by ELISA. Although all sheep showed signs of infestation, serum from two animals failed to react with Pso o 2. However, they did react to Pso-EIP-1. This indicates that cases of sheep scab in (Swifter) sheep may remain undetected using the Pso o 2 ELISA, which may have implications for routine screening of non- UK sheep breeds.

A Comparative pharmacological study on moxidectin and propolis ointment in rabbits naturally infested with Psoroptes cuniculi

Ear mange is an annoying problem for all animal breeders including rabbit's breeders. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of moxidectin and 10% propolis ointment on rabbits infested with Psoroptes cuniculi with especial reference to some related biochemical parameters diagnostic and prognostic value. For this purpose, a total of thirty-two rabbits: 8 non-infested rabbits (control group (CG) and 24 naturally infested rabbits were used. Infested rabbits were equally divided into three groups: 1st group remained without treatment (diseased group (DG)), 2nd group was treated with moxidectin ((0.2 mg/kg body weight) S/C (MG)). Propolis ointment (10%) was applied topically to rabbits of the 3rd group (PG) once daily. Ear scrapes and blood samples were taken on 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. The ear scraping was examined microscopically and the biochemical parameters were estimated and statistically analyzed. The results cleared that moxidectin achieved the complete healing (14th day) faster than propolis ointment (21st day), but MG suffered from a significant (P<0.05) hypoalbuminemia, increased liver and kidney function tests and cortisol levels when compared to PG. Liver and kidney function tests and cortisol yielded good values of the area under the curve, sensitivity%, specificity%, likelihood ratio, PPV%, NPV%, accuracy rate% in DG, MG (except creatinine) and PG. The study concluded that propolis had a prominent antipsoroptic effect without inducing hepatic or renal toxicity. Liver and kidney function tests and cortisol may be useful markers for rabbit mange diagnosis and prognosis and following up its treatment.

Exploiting Scanning Surveillance Data to Inform Future Strategies for the Control of Endemic Diseases: The Example of Sheep Scab.

Scanning surveillance facilitates the monitoring of many endemic diseases of livestock in Great Britain, including sheep scab, an ectoparasitic disease of major welfare and economic burden. There is, however, a drive to improve the cost-effectiveness of animal health surveillance, for example by thoroughly exploiting existing data sources. By analysing the Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis (VIDA) database, this study aimed to enhance the use of existing scanning surveillance data for sheep scab to identify current trends, highlighting geographical “hotspots” for targeted disease control measures, and identifying a denominator to aid the interpretation of the diagnostic count data. Furthermore, this study collated and assessed the impact of past targeted disease control initiatives using a temporal aberration detection algorithm, the Farrington algorithm, to provide an evidence base towards developing cost-effective disease control strategies. A total of 2,401 positive skin scrapes were recorded from 2003 to 2018. A statistically significant decline in the number of positive skin scrapes diagnosed (p < 0.001) occurred across the study period, and significant clustering was observed in Wales, with a maximum of 47 positive scrapes in Ceredigion in 2007. Scheduled ectoparasite tests was also identified as a potential denominator for the interpretation of positive scrapes by stakeholders. Across the study period, 11 national disease control initiatives occurred: four in Wales, three in England, and four in Scotland. The majority (n = 8) offered free diagnostic testing while the remainder involved knowledge transfer either combined with free testing or skills training and the introduction of the Sheep Scab (Scotland) Order 2010. The Farrington algorithm raised 20 alarms of which 11 occurred within a period of free testing in Wales and one following the introduction of the Sheep Scab (Scotland) Order 2010. In summary, our analysis of the VIDA database has greatly enhanced our knowledge of sheep scab in Great Britain, firstly by identifying areas for targeted action and secondly by offering a framework to measure the impact of future disease control initiatives. Importantly this framework could be applied to inform future strategies for the control of other endemic diseases.

Sheep scab spatial distribution: the roles of transmission pathways

BackgroundOvine psoroptic mange (sheep scab) is a highly pathogenic contagious infection caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis. Following 21 years in which scab was eradicated in the UK, it was inadvertently reintroduced in 1972 and, despite the implementation of a range of control methods, its prevalence increased steadily thereafter. Recent reports of resistance to macrocyclic lactone treatments may further exacerbate control problems. A better understanding of the factors that facilitate its transmission are required to allow improved management of this disease. Transmission of infection occurs within and between contiguous sheep farms via infected sheep-to-sheep or sheep–environment contact and through long-distance movements of infected sheep, such as through markets.MethodsA stochastic metapopulation model was used to investigate the impact of different transmission routes on the spatial pattern of outbreaks. A range of model scenarios were considered following the initial infection of a cluster of highly connected contiguous farms.ResultsScab spreads between clusters of neighbouring contiguous farms after introduction but when long-distance movements are excluded, infection then self-limits spatially at boundaries where farm connectivity is low. Inclusion of long-distance movements is required to generate the national patterns of disease spread observed.ConclusionsPreventing the movement of scab infested sheep through sales and markets is essential for any national management programme. If effective movement control can be implemented, regional control in geographic areas where farm densities are high would allow more focussed cost-effective scab management.Graphical

Acaricidal activity of strophanthidin derivatives against Psoroptes cuniculi and their inhibitory effect on Na+-K+-ATPase

In our previous studies, we found that as the active gradients of Adonis coerulea, cardenolides and cardiac glycosides presented toxicity against mites by inhibiting Na+-K+-ATPase. In this paper, after evaluating the acaricidal activity of the commercial cardiac aglycones/glycosides, serials of novel strophanthidin derivatives were designed and synthesized with an efficient and simple route under mild conditions, and their toxicity against mites, the cytotoxicity and inhibitory effect on Na+-K+-ATP enzyme in PC12 cells were investigated. Results showed among of all compounds, including 9 commercial agent and 32 synthesized strophanthidin derivatives, QXG-1 presented the strongest toxicity against mites with the LC50 value of 320.0 μg/mL. C-19 group of strophanthidin substituted with glycinemethylester would increase the toxicity against mites, and the hydroxyl group at C-5 play the vital role in terms of the toxicity. At the given concentration, QXG-1 displayed the safety against PC12 (10.0 μg/mL) in vitro and mice (3.2 mg/kg) in acute toxicity test, and strong inhibitory effect on Na+-K+-ATPase. It could be used as a promising acaricidal agent. This study lays the foundation to develop of QXG-1 as a relatively safe and alternative acaricidal agent.

Molecular characterization of four novel serpins in Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi and their implications in the host-parasite interaction

Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi infestation rapidly causes skin lesion, cutaneous inflammatory and subsequent adaptive immune response in rabbits. To success feeding and survive on the host skin, this mite should product bioactive molecules to confront host tissue repair and immune defense, but these molecules of this mite remains mostly unknown. Serpins have been proved to involve in diverse biological functions including parasite reproduction, survival and modulating host defense. Limited information is currently available on serpins from Psoroptes mites. Herein, we identified four novel serpins (PsoSP3-PsoSP6) in P. ovis var. cuniculi using bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques. Sequence analysis revealed that PsoSP3-PsoSP6 comprised the common features of typical serpins superfamily including serpin domains, signature or the reactive centre loop (RCL) domain. The recombinant PsoSP4-PsoSP6 (rPsoSP4-rPsoSP6) revealed variable potency inhibition on trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase except for rPsoSP3 in inhibitory activity assays. By quantitative RT-PCR, the expressions of PsoSP3 and PsoSP4 were higher in juvenile mites (larva and nymph) than in adult mites, however, PsoSP5 and PsoSP6 appeared near-exclusive expression in adult female mites. Immunolocalization showed that native PsoSP4 protein was localized in uterus, whilst native PsoSP3, PsoSP5 and PsoSP6 were specifically localized in the ovarian nutritive cell (ONC) in ovary. Our findings indicated that PsoSP3-PsoSP6 might play critical roles in development and reproduction physiologies. rPsoSP4-rPsoSP6 might participate in modulating host inflammation, immune response and tissue repair.

Псороптоз овець і диких кіз: клінічний прояв та лікування в умовах антропобіоценозів

Among the ectoparasitoses of small ruminants, psoroptosis has an important place - a common acarosis disease caused by a permanent ectoparasite of the genus Psoroptes (Psoroptidae: Acariformes). This highly contagious invasion causes huge economic losses in many countries with developed sheep breeding. The aim of the work is to study the distribution and analyze the clinical signs in psoroptosis in sheep and wild goats. Research objectives: to determine the effectiveness of drugs in psoroptosis of sheep and wild goats in conditions of anthropobiocenoses. The material was skin scrapings from 63 sheep (Ovis aries) of fine-fleece breeds: Prekos and Romanovskaya, which belonged to the Scientific and Production Center of Kharkiv State Zooveterinary Academy (SPC KhSZVA) and from 17 wild goats: 14 Siberian mountain goats (Capra siberica) and 3 Marhura (Capra falconeri), which belonged to Government Organization (GO) «Feldman Eco-Park». The acarological study has carried out by the compressor method using a 50 % aqueous solution of glycerin and a 10 % alkali solution (KOH). For the treatment of sheep and wild goats, macrolides «Iveron-10», «Dectomax» were used at a dose of 0.2 ml per 10 kg of animal body weight, twice at 30 and 14 day intervals, respectively. In addition, a synthetic pyrethroid «Butox-50» by the bathing method in water emulsion (twice at 10 day intervals) after shearing sheep, in diluted 1 ml per 1 liter of water ex tempore. The infestation of sheep and wild goats by Psoroptes ovis mites (Hering, 1838) in 2017–2019 was 100 % with varying degrees of body surface damage. In 65.1 % of sheep of the SPC KhSZVA, hair loss was observed on 80–100 % of the body surface, in 28.6 % of animals – 50–79 % of the surface, 6.3 % – less than 50 % of the body surface. In 94.1 % of wild goats of the GO «Feldman Eco-Park», lesions were recorded up to 50 % of the body surface, and in 5.9 % – total lesion. Total lesion in wild goats was characterized by lesions of the surface of the head, ears and neck with significant keratinization of the skin to the inner layers with deep cracks and bleeding, and in sheep, by lesions of the entire surface of the body. Mortality in sheep was 3.2 %, and in wild goats - 5.9 % with generalized form. The applied treatment regimens of sheep and wild goats for psoroptosis with injectable preparations «Iveron-10» and «Dectomax», respectively, at a dose of 0.2 ml per 10 kg of animal body weight, twice at 30 and 14 day intervals with additional bathing of sheep in water emulsion of «Butox-50» (twice at 10 day intervals) showed 100 % efficiency.

Psoroptic Mange in a Weaner Pig

Mange is a contagious skin disease affecting various groups of animals. Psoroptic mange is a severe skin condition of farm animals; it is highly contagious and is responsible for huge economic losses in many farm animals. Infestation with Psoroptes has been reported all over the world in various farm animals, but none has ever been reported in swine. A male weaner large white breed pig of age 3 months weighing 10kg was presented with skin lesions and areas of alopecia during a routine farm visit by the handlers. The alopecia was found around the thorax, abdomen and ear regions with severe pruritus, emaciation, wrinkling and thickening of the skin with heavy crust formation on abdomen and the ears, along with curling of the tongue with attending vocal loss noticed on close observations. A tentative diagnosis of mange was made with the following differential diagnosis: Allergic dermatitis, Bacterial dermatitis, Fly bite dermatitis, Hypovitaminosis. Further confirmatory diagnosis was done by collection of deep skin scrapping from which Psoroptes mites were demonstrated and a case of psoroptic mange diagnosed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first demonstration of Psoroptic mange in pigs. The affected animal was treated using Ivermectin (1%) and Long acting Oxytetracycline (20%). This case may be the first case in which psoroptic mange was reported in pigs with effective ivermectin control. More work should be done on the prevalence and possible molecular characterization of Psoroptic mites on pigs across the globe to ascertain if there are other strains that can affect pigs.&#x0D; Key words: Psoroptes mite, Mange, Ivermectin, and Pigs

Sheep scab transmission: a spatially explicit dynamic metapopulation model

Psoroptic mange (sheep scab), caused by the parasitic mite, Psoroptes ovis, is an important disease of sheep worldwide. It causes chronic animal welfare issues and economic losses. Eradication of scab has proved impossible in many sheep-rearing areas and recent reports of resistance to macrocyclic lactones, a key class of parasiticide, highlight the importance of improving approaches to scab management. To allow this, the current study aimed to develop a stochastic spatial metapopulation model for sheep scab transmission which can be adapted for use in any geographical region, exhibited here using data for Great Britain. The model uses agricultural survey and sheep movement data to geo-reference farms and capture realistic movement patterns. Reported data on sheep scab outbreaks from 1973 to 1991 were used for model fitting with Sequential Monte Carlo Approximate Bayesian Computation methods. The outbreak incidence predicted by the model was from the same statistical distribution as the reported outbreak data ({chi }^{2} = 115.3, p = 1) and the spatial location of sheep scab outbreaks predicted was positively correlated with the observed outbreak data by county (tau = 0.55, p < 0.001), confirming that the model developed is able to accurately capture the number of farms infected in a year, the seasonality of scab incidence and the spatial patterns seen in the data. This model gives insight into the transmission dynamics of sheep scab and will allow the exploration of more effective control strategies.

Gastrointestinal nematode control practices in ewes: Identification of factors associated with application of control methods known to influence anthelmintic resistance development.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) negatively impact productivity and welfare in sheep globally and are estimated to cost the European sheep industry €157-477 million annually. GIN are mainly controlled by anthelmintic treatment, however, as anthelmintic resistance becomes prominent, the routine treatment of ewes against GIN has been questioned. A questionnaire survey of 383 sheep farmers in Great Britain was conducted to identify strategies currently used to control GIN infections in ewes. Ordinal and binary regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with use of practices known to influence anthelmintic resistance development, including number and timing of ewe GIN anthelmintic treatment, targeted selective treatment (TST) of ewes, drench and move of ewes and long-acting moxidectin treatment of periparturient ewes. Participating farmers treated their ewes against GIN 1.68 times per year on average, with 42.3% and 32.1% of participating farmers worming their ewes once or twice a year on average, respectively. 17.2% of participating farmers wormed their ewes more than twice a year, and 8.4% never worm their ewes. Participating farmers who devised GIN control strategies based on SCOPS guidelines treated their ewes significantly less per year (P<0.001), whilst those determining treatment timing based on ewe DAG scores or the time of year treated their ewes significantly more frequently (P<0.001). Farmers who devised GIN control strategies in conjunction with their vet had greater odds of using TST (P<0.001), as well as farmers who determined flock treatment timing based on ewe condition (P=0.027). The use of narrow spectrum flukicides was significantly associated with reduced number of annual ewe GIN anthelmintic treatments (P<0.001), TST of ewes against GIN (P<0.001) and the avoidance of moving ewes to clean pastures following GIN treatment (P<0.001). The presence of sheep scab on a farm or in the area was significantly associated with increased annual GIN treatments for ewes (P=0.002), not using TST strategies to control GIN in ewes (P<0.001) and moving ewes to clean pasture after anthelmintic treatment, whilst using macrocyclic lactones treatments to prevent sheep scab was significantly associated with the treatment of periparturient ewes with long-acting moxidectin (P=0.001). This research suggests that by encouraging the application of evidence based targeted or targeted selective treatment strategies, further interaction between farmers and veterinarians/SCOPS guidance, and the uptake of best practices for controlling liver fluke and sheep scab on farms, sustainable GIN control strategies can become the common practice in ewes.

Comparative Efficacy of Fipronil, Ivermectin and Clove Oil (Eugenia caryophyllata) against Psoroptes cuniculi Mites in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Background: The present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of fipronil, ivermectin and clove oil against frequently reported Psoroptes cuniculi mites which are responsible for causing intense pruritus and scab formation on skin, ear pinna and ear canal in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Methods: The rabbits were divided into 3 groups viz. A, B and C each having 10 rabbits. These groups were topically treated with fipronil, ivermectin and clove oil on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. Pre and post treatment evaluations were made on the basis of clinical improvement and microscopic examination of skin scrapings in each group. Conclusion: Results revealed that all 3 drugs were effective against P. cuniculi; but ivermectin led recovery was quicker than rest of the two drugs. All three groups were free of lesions and mites on day 21 of treatment.