Infestation Rates Research Articles

Combined treatment with amitraz and thymol to manage Varroa destructor mites (Acari: Varroidae) in Apis mellifera honey bee colonies (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) is one of the greatest stressors of Apis mellifera (L.) honey bee colonies. When Varroa infestations reach damaging levels during fall, rapid control is necessary to minimize damage to colonies. We performed a field trial in the US Southeast to determine if a combination of registered treatments (Apivar, amitraz-based; and Apiguard, thymol-based) could provide rapid and effective control of Varroa. We compared colonies that received this combination treatment against colonies that received amitraz-based positive control treatments: (i) Apivar alone; or (ii) amitraz emulsifiable concentrate ("amitraz EC"). While not registered, amitraz EC is used by beekeepers in the United States in part because it is thought to control Varroa more rapidly and effectively than registered products. Based on measurements of Varroa infestation rates of colonies after 21 days of treatment, we found that the combination treatment controlled Varroa nearly as rapidly as the amitraz EC treatment: this or other combinations could be useful for Varroa management. At the end of the 42-day trial, colonies in the amitraz EC group had higher bee populations than those in the Apivar group, which suggests that rapid control helps reduce Varroa damage. Colonies in the combination group had lower bee populations than those in the amitraz EC group, which indicates that the combination treatment needs to be optimized to avoid damage to colonies.

Prevalensi dan Intensitas Ektoparasit pada Sapi yang dipelihara secara Intensif dan Semi Intensif di Kecamatan Pangkalan Susu Sumatera Utara

Beef cattle have a major role in meat production and meet animal protein needs. This study aims to identify and calculate the prevalence rate and level of ectoparasite infestation in beef cattle raised intensively and semi-intensively in Alur Measles village and Pangkalan Susu sub-district agricultural village. This research uses exploratory methods with tools such as sweep nets and tweezers. Sweep nets are used to catch ectoparasites flying around the cow’s body, while tweezers are used to pick up ectoparasites attached to the cow’s body. There are four families of ectoparasite consisting of four different types. The most common type of ectoparasite found is Rhipicephalus microplu. The highest attendance rate was seen in semi-intensively raised cows, with the ectoparasite Rhipicephalus microplus present rate reaching 100% which can be categorized as “always present”. Meanwhile, the lowest attendance rate was seen in intensively reared cattle, with the ectoparasite Chryomya megacephala present at a rate of 26%, which can be categorized as ”frequently present”. The highest infestation rate also occurred in semi-intensively raised cattle, with an Rhipicephalus microplus infestation rate of 6.88, which can be categorized as “moderate”. Meanwhile, the lowest infestation rate occurred in intensively raised cows, with an infestation rate of 0.28, which can be categorized as “very low”I.

Morphological and Biochemical Responses of Three Durum Wheat Varieties to Aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis) Infestation

Aphids cause biotic stress and vector diseases. However, wheat’s morphological and biochemical responses to aphid infestation are poorly studied. Our study evaluated the varietal behavior of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf) against Rhopalosiphum maidis (Homoptera: Aphididae) in laboratory conditions. We studied morphological trait variation (plant height [HP], flag leaf area [SFDF], leaf area [SF], spike length [LE], and beard length [LB]) and biochemical characteristics (chlorophyll, soluble sugars, and proline contents) of three varieties in Algeria: MBB, BOU, and GTA. MBB is the least affected, with a 13.34 % infestation rate. The heaviest infestation occurs during the heading stage. All morphological factors decreased in length or surface between control and infested samples. ANOVA showed significant variations for HP, LE, SFDF, and SF but not LB. Biochemical parameters decrease in GTA. In MBB, chlorophyll and soluble sugars decrease while proline increases. For BOU, soluble sugars decrease while chlorophyll and proline increase. Only soluble sugars showed a significant statistical variation between control and infested plants. HP is affected by aphid infestation, which is of higher significance for MBB. Proline content is affected in BOU and GTA. There is no significant variation between aphid infestation and chlorophyll, soluble sugars, and proline levels for MBB. The effect of R. maidis infestation is less important on MBB. HP, SFDF, SF, and LE are morphological selection criteria for R. maidis infestation resistance. Proline is a biochemical selection criterion. Genetic and molecular analyses are required to identify genes for programs that enhance durum wheat’s resistance to R. maidis infestations.

Biosecurity risks to human food supply associated with plant-parasitic nematodes.

Biosecurity in agriculture is essential for preventing the introduction and spread of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) which threaten global food security by reducing crop yields and facilitating disease spread. These risks are exacerbated by increased global trade and climate change, which may alter PPN distribution and activity, increasing their impact on agricultural systems. Addressing these challenges is vital to maintaining the integrity of the food supply chain. This review highlights significant advancements in managing PPN-related biosecurity risks within the food supply chain, particularly considering climate change's evolving influence. It discusses the PPN modes of transmission, factors increasing the risk of infestation, the impact of PPNs on food safety and security, and traditional and emerging approaches for detecting and managing these pests. Literature suggests that implementing advanced biosecurity measures could decrease PPN infestation rates by up to 70%, substantially reducing crop yield losses and bolstering food security. Notably, the adoption of modern detection and management techniques, (molecular diagnostics and integrated pest management) and emerging geospatial surveillance and analysis systems (spectral imaging, change-detection analysis) has shown greater effectiveness than traditional methods. These innovations offer promising avenues for enhancing crop health and securing the food supply chain against environmental shifts. The integration of these strategies is crucial, demonstrating the potential to transform biosecurity practices and sustain agricultural productivity in the face of changing climatic conditions. This analysis emphasizes the importance of adopting advanced measures to protect crop health and ensure food supply chain resilience, providing valuable insights for stakeholders across the agricultural sector.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreak in Northern Senegal in 2022: Prevalence of the virus in livestock and ticks, associated risk factors and epidemiological implications.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe zoonotic arboviral disease that occurs widely in Eastern and Western Europe, Asia and Africa. The disease is becoming of growing public health importance in Senegal. However, analysis of tick infestation, CCHF virus (CCHFV) circulation extent and risk factors during ongoing outbreak are scarce. A thorough outbreak investigation was carried out during a CCHF outbreak in Podor (Northern Senegal) in August 2022. Ticks and blood samples were collected from animals (cattle, goats and sheep) randomly selected from confirmed CCHF human cases houses, neighbourhoods and surrounding villages. Blood samples were tested for CCHFV antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Tick samples were screened for CCHFV RNA by RT-PCR. Overall, tick infestation rate (TIR) and CCHFV seroprevalence of livestock were 52.12% (95% confidence interval (CI): 45.54%-58.64%) and 43.28% (95% CI: 36.33%-50.44%), respectively. The TIRs were 87.7% in cattle, 57.6% in sheep and 20.0% in goats. These rates were significantly associated with location, host species and tick control (p < 0.001) but not with animal age and sex (p > 0.7). CCHFV seroprevalence was 80.4% (95% CI: 67.57%-89.77%) in cattle, 35.4% (95% CI: 25.00%-47.01%) in sheep and 21.2% (95% CI: 12.11%-33.02%) in goats. Age, sex, location, animal host and presence of ticks were significantly associated to the presence of antibodies. The 950 ticks collected included among other species, Hyalomma impeltatum (48.84%) and H. rufipes (10.21%). Five pools of Hyalomma ssp. were found CCHFV RT-PCR positive. These infected ticks included 0.86% (4/464) of H. impeltatum collected on cattle and sheep and 1.03% (1/97) of H. rufipes collected on a sheep. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the extend of tick infestation and CCHFV infection in livestock during an outbreak in Senegal. The results highlight the risk of human infections and the importance of strengthening vector, animal and human surveillance as well as tick control measures in this area to prevent CCHF infections in humans.

Investigating the Status of Contamination With Pulex irritans and Xenopsylla cheopis in Pets, Guard and Stray Dogs in Tabriz, Iran

Introduction: Fleas are the most prevalent ectoparasites indoors and outdoors due to their high reproductive rate, ability to feed on different hosts, and the unpleasant effects of their bites. Methods: This study was conducted on 360 dogs in and around Tabriz to find the rate and type of human flea contamination in these dogs, which were divided into three categories: pets, guards, and stray dogs. After fleas were identified in the dogs’ skin, they were taken with glue and fixed on the slide with glue. When the number of fleas was large, the captured fleas were transported to a test tube and treated with 70% alcohol. Dehydration of fleas was performed with ascending percentages of ethanol from 50 to 100% absolute and was kept inside each alcohol percentage for 10 to 20 minutes. Results: Regarding the dogs studied in this research, the rate of actual contamination in guard dogs was 76.67% (92 dogs were contaminated with flea feces). However, 74 dogs (about 15%) were infested with different fleas. Unfortunately, the rate of contamination in stray dogs was 100%. The rate of real contamination based on the separation of fleas and flea excrement from the body of this group of dogs was equal. The rate of flea infestation in pet dogs was 14 out of 100 dogs, representing 14% contamination. Conclusion: It should be acknowledged that, unfortunately, flea infestation is expected in the region’s dogs, depending on the type of dogs kept. Infestation with these insidious skin parasites with varying rates and symptoms is common, which, in addition to the economic damage of spending time and money on medicine for disease in animals, causes environmental pollution, increases the likelihood of disease transmission by these parasites, and increases the possibility of human infection and disease transmission from them to humans, as well as environmental pollution.

Enigmatic host-mite relationships: Unraveling the distribution of quill mites on Birds-of-Paradise

Mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Cheyletoidea) are permanent and obligatory parasites of birds. This study presents an analysis of mite material collected from 22 avian species belonging to the family Paradisaeidae (Passeriformes), revealing the presence of four mite species belonging to four genera: Syringophiloidus attenboroughi n. sp., Peristerophila regiusi n. comb., Picobia frankei, and Gunabopicobia garylarsoni. In the present work, the genus Neoperisterophila is synonymized with the genus Peristerophila. While the genera Syringophiloidus and Picobia were expectedly found on paradisaeid birds, given their prevalence in passerines, the presence of Peristerophila and Gunabopicobia was intriguing, suggesting potential host-switching events. The specificity of these mites varies, with some showing occurrence on hosts of closely related genera and others infesting phylogenetically distant hosts. Notably, the distribution of specific mite species on the Birds-of-Paradise appears to be influenced by both long coevolutionary histories and incidental contacts between often unrelated or intergeneric hybrid species of paradisaeid birds. Furthermore, our research of 104 specimens from 22 Birds-of-Paradise species shows generally low infestation rates across the studied species, suggesting a nuanced interaction between these mites and their avian hosts. Additionally, our network analysis provides a deeper understanding of these host-parasite interactions, revealing a high level of specialization and complexity in these ecological relationships.

Features of the spread of otodectosis in the cellular breeding of fur-bearing animals in fur farms of the Tver region

Fur farming is a profitable branch of agriculture in Russia and other countries. Highquality furs are valued on the market. Biotic and abiotic factors influence the growth, development and productivity of fur-bearing animals on farms. Ectoparasitoses in the group of invasive diseases are a biotic factor. Pathogens of ectoparasitosis are widespread among fur-bearing animals. Otodectosis caused by the ear mite Otodectes cynotis is the most common and pathogenic. Otodectosis leads to the death of young animals. We conducted a study of the epizootic situation regarding otodectosis among fur-bearing animals in the fur farms of the Tver region: “Mermerins” and “Savvatyevo”. We examined three types of fur-bearing animals: fox, American mink, and ferrets. During the examination, we conducted a clinical examination of animals and microscopic examination of parasitological material from the auricle and external auditory canal in order to detect O. cynotis. Based on our research, we were ahead of the peculiarities of the spread of otodectosis and presented the epizootic aspects of the circulation of this invasion in fur -bearing animals. Ear mites were found in all age groups of foxes (5 months, 1 year and 2 years), we found high rates prevalence of infection (from 81.0 to 100.0%), maximum in animals aged 2 years (100.0%). The relative intensity of infection varies from 12.8 to 23.4 copies; it is significantly reduced in animals aged 2 years (16.5 copies), the maximum recorded in animals aged 1 year (23.4 copies). Ear mites were found in ferrets in two age groups – 1 year and 2 years. The highest rates of ear mite infestation were found in animals aged 2 years; these indices are lower in animals aged 1 year. We examined American minks at both fur farms. According to our data, causative agents of otodectosis have not been identified in minks. Characteristic clinical signs of otodectosis were present in foxes, clinical signs of otodectosis were less common in ferrets, and there were no clinical signs of otodectosis in minks. Thus, the results obtained indicate a wide distribution of otodectosis in foxes and ferrets. Among foxes, we found high indices of invasion in all age groups; foxes participate equally in the circulation of O. cynotis; ferrets at the age of 2 years play a leading role in the circulation and maintenance of otodectosis.

Effect of Intercropping by Flax, Radish and Fenugreek on Faba Bean, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia faba&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L., Production and Reduction of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Orobanche crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Forsk Seed Bank

Faba bean &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia faba&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L. is a primary source of protein in the diet of masses in Egypt. Broom-rape, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Orobanche crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Forsk (Orobanchaceae), present great threat parasitic weed to some crops in Egypt including faba bean. Egyptian farmers were forced to abandon growing faba bean crops due to &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;O. crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; heavy soil infestation. Several methods have been used for controlling this parasite, but without obvious success. Many researches have shown that intercropping has been more effective than monocropping in suppression of parasitic weeds. The effect of intercropping (fenugreek, radish and flax) using two resistant cultivars (Giza 843&amp; Misr 3) on the emergence of the broomrape spikes and faba bean production were carried out. Intercropping flax or fenugreek among faba bean cultivars, caused a significant reduction in the infestation levels of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;O. crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and increased the faba bean yield compared with sole treatments. Flax was more effective in the reducing infestation rate by &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;O. crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; than fenugreek. This reduction appeared to be related to reduced seed germination which may have been as a result of allelochemicals released by fenugreek roots, though this was not confirmed in this study. The reduction in weed infestation was more pronounced in Giza 843, than in Misr 3. Flax treatment showed the lowest weed infestation compared with other intercropping treatments. Fenugreek intercropping treatment resulted in the highest pod yield for both Giza 843 and Misr 3. Using resistant cultivars intercropping with fenugreek or flax is very promising trend that generally combines both good yield and low number of emerged spikes that reduce broomrape seed bank in the infected soils, with variations depending on the cultivar and growing season.

Incidence of Mange Infestation in Rabbits

Background: Farmers raise rabbits in abundance in Iraq. Scabies infestation is one of the most prevalent diseases in rabbits. The current study investigates the rabbits’ infestation with scabies that cause severe complications such as itchy alopecia, hyperkeratosis, anorexia, self-trauma, and weight loss. In short, the disease has high morbidity and mortality and creates heavy economic losses for farmers. Objectives: This study was designed to detect mange infestation in rabbits using microscopic examination of skin scraping. This study is the first to investigate mange infestation in rabbits in Mosul City, Iraq. Methods: A total of 130 rabbits were examined, and their skin lesions were scraped. Results: Of 130 rabbits, 56(43.1%) were infested with mange, including Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi (n=50, 38.5%), Psoroptes cuniculi (n=32, 25%), Notoedres cati var. cuniculi (n=26, 20%), Demodex cuniculi (n=12, 9%), and Cheyletiella spp. (n=4, 3%), with the high infestation rate for S. scabiei var. cuniculi and the lowest rate for Cheyletiella spp. The significant lesions were hyperkeratosis followed by alopecia, then pruritus on many body areas (head, ears, abdomen, back, legs, tail, and perineal area). The highest infestation rate was found on the abdomen and back, while the lowest was on the tail and perineal area. There are significant differences according to age, while no significant differences between the males and females and among three types of infestation (single, double, and mixed). Conclusion: The rabbits were infested with several species with different percentages. There was no significant difference in infestation rates between males and females, although there was a difference between younger and older animals. Lastly, a significant difference was clear among the three types of infestation, and the double one was the dominant infestation rate with 50%.

Investigation of Enteric Parasites with a Focus on Zoonotic Parasites in the Feces of Galliformes.

Galliformes have a global distribution and are bred by humans as domestic animals or game birds. The world's poultry population is increasing due to high consumer demand for poultry products. Due to the increasing growth of Galliformes breeding, this study aimed to investigate gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of some species of Galliformes. In the present study, 100 distinct fecal samples were collected from seven different Galliformes species, including rural chickens, peacocks, partridges, pheasants, turkeys, quails, and guinea fowls. Sampling of each bird was performed separately, and these birds were kept in cages. In order to identify gastrointestinal parasites, the samples were evaluated using the Clayton-Lane method, the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen, and the Trichrome staining methods. Among 100 birds sampled, 53% were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Moreover, 30%, 18%, and 5% of birds were infected with Eimeria spp., nematodes, and Giardia spp., respectively. The highest rate of parasitic infestation in Galliformes was related to protozoan infections, and the highest rate of protozoan infection was related to Eimeria (30%). In addition, complex infestation was not detected. Considering that most parasitic infections have been detected in apparently healthy birds, it is recommended to observe hygiene to regularly disinfect cages and reduce the density of birds in the nests. Due to the zoonotic potential of Giardia and the contamination of some birds with this parasite, this issue should be considered by public health officials, bird sellers' markets, owners, and breeders of these birds.

Entomopathogenic nematodes as an effective and sustainable alternative to control the fall armyworm in Africa.

The recent invasion of the fall armyworm (FAW), a voracious pest, into Africa and Asia has resulted in unprecedented increases in insecticide applications, especially in maize cultivation. The health and environmental hazards posed by these chemicals have prompted a call for alternative control practices. Entomopathogenic nematodes are highly lethal to the FAWs, but their application aboveground has been challenging. In this study, we report on season-long field trials with an innocuous biodegradable gel made from carboxymethyl cellulose containing local nematodes that we specifically developed to target the FAW. In several Rwandan maize fields with distinct climatic conditions and natural infestation rates, we compared armyworm presence and damage in control plots and plots that were treated with either our nematode gel formulation, a commercial liquid nematode formulation, or the commonly used contact insecticide cypermethrin. The treatments were applied to the whorl of each plant, which was repeated three to four times, at 2-week intervals, starting when the plants were still seedlings. Although all three treatments reduced leaf damage, only the gel formulation decreased caterpillar infestation by about 50% and yielded an additional ton of maize per hectare compared with untreated plots. Importantly, we believe that the use of nematodes can be cost-effective, since we used nematode doses across the whole season that were at least 3-fold lower than their normal application against belowground pests. The overall results imply that precisely formulated and easy-to-apply nematodes can be a highly effective, affordable, and sustainable alternative to insecticides for FAW control.

Armyworm population dynamics and damage assessment in rice agroecosystems at Jampuijala, Tripura, India

Rice cultivation faces persistent challenges from various insect pests, including invasive species. The emergence of four armyworm species (rice swarming caterpillar, Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval), common cutworm, Spodoptera litura (F.); rice ear-cutting caterpillar/paddy armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker); and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), along with other herbivores, poses significant threats to Asian rice ecosystems, causing considerable economic losses. This study investigates the occurrence and distribution of these armyworm species in rice agro-ecosystems across three Village Councils (VCs). Only S. mauritia larvae were observed, appearing in nursery fields approximately16-27 days after sowing and displaying sudden mass attacks primarily targeting seedlings at the 1-5 leaf stages. Damage manifestations included cutting leaf tips, creating shot holes on leaf blades, and occasionally severing seedlings at the base. The Ranjit variety in Kalaibari VC and the Gomati variety in Killa Verma VC showed the highest infestation rates (18.0%) and larval populations (1.7 larvae/m2). These findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders involved in rice cultivation across Asian rice-producing nations. Keywords: Oryza sativa, Spodoptera mauritia, Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera litura, Mythimna separata.

МЕТАЦЕРКАРИИ ТРЕМАТОД В МОЛЛЮСКЕ VIVIPARUS CONTECTUS (MILLET, 1813) ИЗ РЫБИНСКОГО ВОДОХРАНИЛИЩА

Examination of 102 snails of Viviparus contectus from Rybinsk Reservoir in July–August 2023 revealed the presence of trematodes metacercariae of three families: Echinostomatidae, Cyathocotylidae and Leucochloridiomorphidae. Neoacanthoparyphium echinatoides was the species with the highest prevalence and intensity of infection (98.5%, 41.7, 1–192), followed by the Linstowiella viviparae (86%, 17.2, 3–45). Unencysted metacercariae Leucochloridiomorpha constantiae had a low prevalence and intensity of infection (13.7%, 0.51, 1–16). L. constantiae larvae parasitized only male snails. In contrast, the closely related species Leucochloridiomorpha lutea had high infestation rates (89.2%, 5.7, 1–20). L. lutea larvae equally infected of both the sexes of the snail. The sizes of cysts and metacercariae of all species are given. For metacercariae Neoacanthoparyphium echinatoides and Leucochloridiomorpha lutea, the infection intensity as a function of snail size was shown.

Citrus rootstocks vs. nematodes: A battle for resistance against Tylenchulus semipenetrans

Tylenchulus semipenetrans, the causal agent of the ‘citrus slow decline’, is considered to be the most devastating nematode pest of citrus, causing considerable crop losses throughout the world. The management of this citrus nematode represents a significant challenge due to its wide host range and its adaptability to various environmental conditions. Nematicides application is the most prevalent control approach, however, their use often is associated with increased production costs and major risks to consumer health and the environment. The objective of this study is to contribute to the development of an alternative and effective method to control this plant-parasite. It intends to evaluate the resistance of the seven commonly used citrus rootstocks in Morocco based on their agronomic, physiological, and biochemical behavior in response to inoculation with T. semipenetrans. Results indicated that T. semipenetrans exhibited a strong reproductive capacity on Sour Orange, Australian sour orange, and volkameriana, showing higher root and soil infestation rates, with respectively 466.3, 250.5, and 273.3 females/10 g of root, and 1062.2, 1030.7, and 1053.2 females per 100 g of soil, compared to the other rootstocks varieties. These rootstocks allowed highest T. semipenetrans reproduction rates in both rhizospheric soil (> 3) and root (> 0.68), they also showed the highest infestation rate with more than 3 nematodes per cm of root. Moreover, these rootstocks showed significant biochemical alterations including a sharp increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), peroxidase (PO), polyphenol-oxidase (PPO), and in proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation compared to the control and other tested rootstocks. In contrast, T. semipenetrans reproduced poorly (with less than 135 females/10 g of root), less infested the roots (less than 0.33 females/cm of root), and induced slight biochemical modifications in Carrizo citrange. Thus, Carrizo citrange endowed with high resistance to T. semipenetrans could serve as a suitable rootstock to control this citrus devastating nematode.

Africanized honey bee colonies in Costa Rica: first evidence of its management, brood nest structure and factors associated with varroa mite infestation.

Management, brood nest structure and factors associated with varroa mite infestation were studied in 60 apiaries of Africanized honey bees in the northwest region of the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Apiaries were monitored two times. The first monitoring was taken forward during the rainy season between May and November 2019. The second monitoring during the dry season between February and March 2020. Information about the beekeepers, apiaries and management was collected through a survey. Amount of open and capped brood, honey and pollen were measured in the field. The infestation rate of varroa (IRV) was quantified using standard laboratory methods. A determination of multi-residue pesticides in bee bread was made through GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS techniques. According to the results, most of the beekeepers produce honey (96.7%), participate in training activities (82.2%), and change the bee queens annually (70%). The first monitoring was characterized by a lower amount of capped brood and honey reserves compared to the second one. IRV was significantly higher in the first monitoring (6.0 ± 0.4) in comparison with the second one (3.0 ± 0.3) (U Mann-Whitney p < 0.001). The maximum value for the first monitoring exceeds 40%, while this value was close to 25% in the second monitoring. Mite infestation exposed significant differences in relation to the variables associated to the beekeeper's management, i.e., change of bee queen (p = 0.002) or when beekeepers monitor varroa mites (p = 0.004). Additionally, the IRV had inverse correlations (p < 0.01) with the number of comb sides with capped brood (Spearman's rho coefficient = -0.190), and honey reserves (Spearman's rho coefficient = -0.168). Furthermore, 23 of 60 bee bread samples presented one to five pesticide residues, being the most frequent antifungal agrochemicals.

INSIGHTS INTO SCABIES PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS

Scabies is an infectious disease of the skin caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. In the current study, investigation of scabies epidemiology was accompanied by Peshawar and Karak districts to assess the prevalence and main risk factors accountable for the transmission of scabies. A survey was reported on scabies at DHQ Karak and HMC Peshawar from January 2019 to January 2020. Data was collected every month from HMC Peshawar and DHQ Karak. The total reported cases were 571 during study time. The report showed that the frequency of scabies was high during December and January. While lower in August and October. Infestation rates were more in males than females while children and teenagers (1-20 years) were more prone to this condition. The infection was considerably more common in males (51.1%) than females (49.9%), in lower socio-economic levels (52.0%) than the upper (16%) and middle levels (32%), and in those communities living in uncemented houses (70.7%) than living in cemented houses (29.3%). Family size was of no significance. The present result showed that hands and genitalia were affected more as compared to other body parts. About 24% of patients showed scabies infection at more than two sites. During the study general information about scabies was provided to all patients to give them an idea about the severity of infection. Biopsy was also performed but distortion of mite due to itching made it impossible to study its morphology. It is concluded from the present study that scabies infestation is characterized by parasites that cause itching and scratching sensation at night. The findings scabies prevalence is influenced by seasonal variations, demographic factors, socioeconomic status, and housing conditions, and understanding these factors is essential for developing efficient prevention and control strategies to alleviate the scabies burden in affected populations.

Microcapsules of mesoporous silica and cyclodextrin modified loaded with nonanal and decanal for effective control of Sitotroga cerealella in grain storage environments.

The Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, is a destructive pest of maize, wheat, and rice, causing economic losses and threatening food security. This study aimed to develop and characterize microcapsules of mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSN) and cyclodextrin-modified mesoporous silica nanospheres (CDMSN) containing two aldehydes, nonanal and decanal, found in plant essential oils, to assess their attractiveness to S. cerealella populations. Microcapsules with 2:1 ratio of nonanal and decanal exhibited an average encapsulation efficiency of 39.82% for MSN loaded with nonanal and decanal (MSN-ND) and 46.10% for CDMSN loaded with nonanal and decanal (CDMSN-ND). They have an elliptical shape with particle sizes of 115 nm for MSN and 175 nm for CDMSN. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed in vitro release of nonanal in MSN at 96.24% and decanal at 96.42% by the 36th day. CDMSN showed releases of 93.83% for nonanal and 93.74% for decanal by the 50th day. CDMSN-ND attracted adult S. cerealella for 43 days, while MSN-ND remained effective for 29 days. In mass trapping assays in simulated grain warehouse, both MSN-ND and CDMSN-ND trapped over 50% of the adult population within 7 days, significantly reducing grain infestation rates below 10% by inhibiting F1 adult emergence. At temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 35 °C, both microcapsules exhibited significant and effective attraction rates for S. cerealella. Stored wheat seeds treated with CDMSN and CDMSN-ND over 1 year showed no significant differences in key germination parameters. Microencapsulated nonanal and decanal offer a promising, sustainable approach for controlling S. cerealella infestation in stored grains, contributing to global food security. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Public Awareness, Perception, and Knowledge of Bed Bug Infestation Prevalence in Iraq.

Bed bugs are blood-feeding insects and are an important urban pest. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects and hide in cracks in walls and beds during the day. The study aims to: (1) determine the bed bugs species that infest Iraq, their infestation source, and their distribution; (2) determine the level of awareness and concern regarding bed bugs among the Iraqi community. Between 2020 and 2021, a survey of bed bug infestation dynamics was conducted in 18 infested sites located in major cities across eight governorates. The 23-item online survey was distributed over social media to Iraqi citizens between June and July 2022 to survey on their familiarity with bed bug habitat, medical significance, transmission, prevention, control measures, and concerns. There were a total of 1104 bed bugs collected. Based on the morphological characteristics, bed bugs collected from eight Iraqi governorates are identified as Cimex hemipterus. Besides, a high rate of bed bug infestation was observed in workers' dormitories. The online questionnaire was answered by 1843 respondents and based on the feedback, most respondents (55.3%) have no awareness of bed bug infestations, while around 43.8% are somewhat concerned about bed bug infestations in Iraq. Only tropical bed bugs, C. hemipterus were found in all sampled sites. Bed bug infestations are mainly caused by migrant workers and the reuse of second-hand furniture and clothing. The results suggest that the Iraqi government should organize more proper demonstrations on bed bug awareness for the public.

Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Tick Fauna in Bannu and Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Aims: This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the tick fauna of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, conducted across two districts. The study aimed to assess the diversity, relative abundance, and distribution of collected specimens to understand their patterns within the study area.&#x0D; Location and Duration of Study: Tick specimens were Collected from the Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, spanning from August 2021 to June 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Visual encounter surveys were conducted, involving both daytime and nighttime observations, to collect specimens from diverse host animals, totaling 106, including cows, buffalo, goats, and dogs. Following the collection phase, a total of 312 specimens were carefully gathered and transported to the laboratory for further analysis. Upon arrival in the laboratory, the collected specimens were carefully arranged and preserved in Eppendorf tubes filled with a 70% ethanol solution. The preservation process aimed to maintain the integrity of the specimens for subsequent examination. The identification process involved a thorough morphological analysis, where authentic literature, updated taxonomic keys, and observation of morphological parameters were utilized.&#x0D; Results: The specimens subjected to examination and identification belonged to the Ixodidae family of hard ticks, encompassing two genera: Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Within these genera, eight distinct species were recognized in the current study in which a higher prevalence of female ticks across various species were observed. From the Hyalomma genus, the identified species were H. asiaticum, H. anatolicum, H. detritum, and H. impeltatum. The Rhipicephalus genus included R. haemaphysaloides, R. microplus, R. sanguineus, and R. turanicus. R. microplus emerged as the most dominant species, with a count of 126 individuals (SOR=100% and AQ=40.38%). Conversely, H. detritum, H. impeltatum, R. sanguineus and R. turanicus were identified as satellite species. Additionally, H. anatolicum, R. haemaphysaloides, and nymphs were categorized as co-dominant. Moreover, this study reports the first-ever occurrences of H. asiaticum and H. detritum in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically in the Lakki Marwat district. Furthermore, R. haemaphysaloides is possibly reported for the first time in both the Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts.&#x0D; Conclusion: This research presents preliminary findings on the diverse tick population in regions where animal husbandry plays a crucial role in the local economy. The Lakki Marwat district exhibited the highest diversity indices compared to Bannu. The observed prevalence of ticks in the studied areas emphasizes their significant impact on domesticated animals. Cattle exhibit the highest infestation rates, followed by buffalo and goats. The current taxonomic work may require improvement.