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Etiang P, Musoba A, Nalumenya D, Ndekezi C, Bbira J, Ochwo S, Tweyongyere R, Muhanguzi D. Distribution and prevalence of ixodid tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting cattle in Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:50. [PMID: 38326882 PMCID: PMC10851484 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03802-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) are a significant threat to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa. Transhumance pastoralism practiced in Karamoja region and other factors like cattle trade, communal grazing and the presence of wildlife predispose cattle to TTBDs. Tick species abundance and distribution data can be used as a tool for early disease diagnosis and inform tick control strategies. However, these data for north-eastern Uganda are currently limited; previous surveys were relatively localized and targeted fewer cattle kraals and numbers. METHODS We randomly collected tick specimens from 1,534 cattle spread across Karamoja region in both the peak month of the rainy (May 2020) and the dry (February2021) seasons. The ticks were identified using morpho-taxonomic keys and the tick species identities confirmed by the 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS A collection of 18,637 ticks was examined and fifteen tick species from three genera (ten Rhipicephalus; three Amblyomma; two Hyalomma species) were identified. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was the most dominant (37.9%) tick species, followed by Amblyomma variegatum (32.3%); A. lepidum (17.3%); R. evertsi evertsi (7.8%); and R. decoloratus (1.4%). Eight of these tick species were ubiquitous in the study districts while six were found in isolated areas. The peak month of the dry season collection was associated with a higher proportion of tick-infested cattle (91%) compared to the peak month of the rainy season (89.8%); a difference that was not found statistically significant (χ2 = 0.5077, n = 1385, p = 0.476). The overall cattle infestation rate was mainly dominated by five tick species namely: A. variegatum (55%), R. appendiculatus (53%), A. lepidum (41%), R. evertsi (22%), and R. decoloratus (8%). The proportion of tick-infested cattle was highest in Napak District (95.4%) and lowest in Amudat District (80.9%) during the peak month of the rainy season. Napak and Amudat Districts also had the highest and lowest proportion of tick-infested cattle (94.8% and 80.7% respectively) during the peak month of the dry season. Rhipicephalus microplus was confirmed in Amudat, Kaabong and Napak districts. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates high tick infestation rates in cattle by a battery of tick species in Karamoja region. We identified both R. microplus and R. decoloratus which indicates that R. microplus has recently been introduced in this region. This calls for effective tick control responses to prevent further spread of this invasive cattle tick specie.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Etiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abubakar Musoba
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Nalumenya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christian Ndekezi
- Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM), Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Johnson Bbira
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sylvester Ochwo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Robert Tweyongyere
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dennis Muhanguzi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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Haji I, Simuunza M, Jiang N, Chen Q. Tick populations and molecular detection of selected tick-borne pathogens in questing ticks from northern and central Tanzania. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 90:389-407. [PMID: 37464132 PMCID: PMC10406711 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00816-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are vectors and reservoirs of a variety of pathogens including protozoa, bacteria and viruses which cause tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in humans and livestock. TBDs pose serious constraints to the improvement of livestock production in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Despite their wide distribution, information on the tick and pathogen relationship is scarce in Tanzania. We used nested PCR and sequencing to screen pathogens of public and veterinary health importance in ticks collected by flagging from four districts of Tanzania. In total, 2021 ticks comprising nine species were identified. DNA from ticks was pooled according to tick species, developmental stage, and location, then screened for Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, Theileria parva and Coxiella burnetii. Out of 377 pools, 34.7% were positive for at least one pathogen. Theileria parva was the most abundant with a minimum infection rate (MIR) of 2.8%, followed by B. bigemina (MIR = 1.8%) and B. bovis (MIR = 0.8%). Multiple pathogens detection was observed in 7.2% of the tested pools. However, PCR screening of individual tick DNA revealed that only 0.3% of the examined pools had co-infection. DNA of C. burnetii was never detected in any tick DNA pool. The MIR of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) differed significantly among districts, seasons, tick species, and tick developmental stages. Sequence analysis showed that B. bigemina RAP-1a, B. bovis SBP-4, and T. parva p104 genes were conserved among pathogens in the four districts. Despite the absence of C. burnetii in ticks, considering its pathogenic potential, it is essential to continue monitoring for its possible recurrence in ticks. This information adds to the knowledge of TBPs epidemiology and will contribute to the scientific basis for planning future control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isihaka Haji
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania.
| | - Martin Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ning Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 120 Dongling Road, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Qijun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 120 Dongling Road, Shenyang, 110866, China.
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Pillay A, Nyangiwe N, Mukaratirwa S. Low genetic diversity and population structuring of Amblyomma hebraeum and Rickettsia africae from coastal and inland regions in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:275-285. [PMID: 36468449 PMCID: PMC10191886 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Amblyomma hebraeum is the main vector of Rickettsia africae, the causative agent of African tick bite fever in southern Africa. Because pathogen dispersal is known to be influenced by tick adaptations to climate or host species, this study aimed to analyse the genetic diversity of A. hebraeum and R. africae infection of ticks collected from cattle in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced for the COI and ITS2 markers from A. hebraeum samples and the 17 kDa and ompA genes for rickettsial detection. Between six and ten haplotypes were identified from 40 COI and 31 ITS2 sequences; however, no population structuring was observed among sites (ΦST = 0.22, p < 0.05). All A. hebraeum isolates clustered with southern Africa GenBank isolates. Rickettsia africae was detected in 46.92% (95% CI = 41%-53%, n = 260) of ticks. All R. africae isolates clustered with strain PELE and Chucks, which were reported previously from South Africa. These results confirm that A. hebraeum populations are undergoing a recent population expansion driven by cattle movement, facilitating local and long dispersal events across the Eastern Cape province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Pillay
- School of Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nkululeko Nyangiwe
- Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Animal Science, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Stutterheim, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
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Nyangiwe N, Yawa M, Qokweni L, Mthi S, Goni S, Mapholi NO. Species richness and adaptation of the invasive cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) on camps grazed by sheep in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102122. [PMID: 36716582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The seasonal dynamics and distribution of ticks play a pivotal role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. The objective of this study was to establish the seasonal abundance and species richness of questing ixodid ticks on Amathole Montane Grassland camps grazed by sheep. Ticks questing for hosts were collected monthly for a period of three years by dragging flannel strips attached to a wooden spar over the vegetation. At each occasion, six replicate drag-samples were made in camps grazed by sheep. Of the questing ticks (n = 14 891) collected from the vegetation, the most abundant larvae were those of Rhipicephalus microplus (95.04%) followed by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (2.32%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (1.56%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (1.03%), Rhipicephalus simus (0.03) and Amblyomma hebraeum (0.02%). Comparing the two Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp., R. microplus (98.9%) outcompete the indigenous tick, R. decoloratus (1.1%). The R. microplus larvae were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 2015 (2.11±0.108), 2016 (2.02 ± 0.076) and 2017 (1.94±0.075) during spring than any other season. There were no significant differences (P ˃ 0.05) from R. appendiculatus questing ticks collected in autumn (0.27±0.007; 0.30±0.052) and spring (0.33±0.007; 0.20±0.052) for 2015 and 2016, respectively. The study showed that the cattle tick, R. microplus adapted very well on host species, in this case sheep, and encroached to areas that were too cold for its adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Nyangiwe
- Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, South Africa; Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa.
| | - M Yawa
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - L Qokweni
- Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - S Mthi
- Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, South Africa
| | - S Goni
- Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, South Africa
| | - N O Mapholi
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
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Mapholi NO, Banga C, Dzama K, Matika O, Riggio V, Nyangiwe N, Maiwashe A. Prevalence and tick loads in Nguni cattle reared in different environmental conditions across four provinces of South Africa. Vet World 2022; 15:1943-1953. [PMID: 36313849 PMCID: PMC9615489 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1943-1953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: In tropical and subtropical countries, ixodid ticks are among livestock’s most economically important ectoparasites. Although Nguni cattle from South Africa have adapted to harsh environments, it is unknown whether they will be resistant to ticks, and the diseases carried by ticks under various climatic conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to compare tick load and estimate the prevalence of different tick species among Nguni cattle under different environmental conditions. Materials and Methods: Tick counts were conducted monthly under natural challenges over 2 years on 586 Nguni cattle located at ARC-Roodeplaat and Loskop farms (warmer climate), Mukhuthali Nguni Community and the University of Fort Hare farms (cooler climate). The generalized linear model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System was used to analyze the data. It fitted the location (farm), sex, year, month or season, and animal age as covariates. Results: The tick species (relative prevalence) observed were as follows: Amblyomma hebraeum (42%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (22%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. (16%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (11%), Hyalomma marginatum (5%), and Rhipicephalus simus (4%). Tick infestation was significantly affected by location, season, year, month of the tick counting and age of the animal. Loskop farm had the highest tick count (m = 30.69) and showed the largest variation in tick count. Compared to the other seasons, higher tick counts were seen during the hot-dry (September–November) and hot-wet (December–February) seasons. A. hebraeum was the dominant tick species across all four farms, followed by R. evertsi. The perianal region (under the tail head), the perineum and the belly body locations were the most preferred tick attachment sites. Conclusion: These results provide useful information for developing appropriate control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in these provinces of South Africa. Further work must investigate the feasibility of genetic improvement for tick resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C. Banga
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa; Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - K. Dzama
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa
| | - O. Matika
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - V. Riggio
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - N. Nyangiwe
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa; Dohne Agricultural Development Institute, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - A. Maiwashe
- Agricultural Research Council, Irene, South Africa
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Kopsco HL, Smith RL, Halsey SJ. A Scoping Review of Species Distribution Modeling Methods for Tick Vectors. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.893016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundGlobally, tick-borne disease is a pervasive and worsening problem that impacts human and domestic animal health, livelihoods, and numerous economies. Species distribution models are useful tools to help address these issues, but many different modeling approaches and environmental data sources exist.ObjectiveWe conducted a scoping review that examined all available research employing species distribution models to predict occurrence and map tick species to understand the diversity of model strategies, environmental predictors, tick data sources, frequency of climate projects of tick ranges, and types of model validation methods.DesignFollowing the PRISMA-ScR checklist, we searched scientific databases for eligible articles, their references, and explored related publications through a graphical tool (www.connectedpapers.com). Two independent reviewers performed article selection and characterization using a priori criteria.ResultsWe describe data collected from 107 peer-reviewed articles that met our inclusion criteria. The literature reflects that tick species distributions have been modeled predominantly in North America and Europe and have mostly modeled the habitat suitability for Ixodes ricinus (n = 23; 21.5%). A wide range of bioclimatic databases and other environmental correlates were utilized among models, but the WorldClim database and its bioclimatic variables 1–19 appeared in 60 (56%) papers. The most frequently chosen modeling approach was MaxEnt, which also appeared in 60 (56%) of papers. Despite the importance of ensemble modeling to reduce bias, only 23 papers (21.5%) employed more than one algorithm, and just six (5.6%) used an ensemble approach that incorporated at least five different modeling methods for comparison. Area under the curve/receiver operating characteristic was the most frequently reported model validation method, utilized in nearly all (98.9%) included studies. Only 21% of papers used future climate scenarios to predict tick range expansion or contraction. Regardless of the representative concentration pathway, six of seven genera were expected to both expand and retract depending on location, while Ornithodoros was predicted to only expand beyond its current range.ConclusionSpecies distribution modeling techniques are useful and widely employed tools for predicting tick habitat suitability and range movement. However, the vast array of methods, data sources, and validation strategies within the SDM literature support the need for standardized protocols for species distribution and ecological niche modeling for tick vectors.
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Pillay A, Manyangadze T, Mukaratirwa S. Prevalence of Rickettsia africae in tick vectors collected from mammalian hosts in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101960. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Mutizhe SW, Mhlanga L, Sithole R, Maya BT, Sibanda A, Mpofu P. Spatio‐temporal variation in tick community composition and abundance in a wildlife–livestock interface within Nyanga National Park, Zimbabwe. Afr J Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silas W. Mutizhe
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Zimbabwe Harare Zimbabwe
| | - Lindah Mhlanga
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Zimbabwe Harare Zimbabwe
| | - Rudo Sithole
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Zimbabwe Harare Zimbabwe
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Ouedraogo AS, Zannou OM, Biguezoton AS, Yao KP, Belem AMG, Farougou S, Oosthuizen M, Saegerman C, Lempereur L. Cross border transhumance involvement in ticks and tick-borne pathogens dissemination and first evidence of Anaplasma centrale in Burkina Faso. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101781. [PMID: 34280698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In West Africa, cross-border transhumance, also called seasonal migration, is known to be a very important animal production strategy, as it involves about 70 to 90% of cattle. In spite of the cattle movements, some strategic areas of transhumance remain poorly explored regarding ticks and their associated pathogens investigations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the involvement of transhumance in the spread of cattle ticks and associated pathogens in Burkina Faso (BF) and Benin (BN), in a context of speedy invasion of West African livestock by Rhipicephalus microplus. A longitudinal survey was performed on 210 cattle from BF, monitored for ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBP) during one seasonal transhumance. The first sampling coded "T0BF" took place in eastern BF, at the transhumance departure. A second sampling "T1BN" was carried out in northern BN, the transhumance arrival zone. A third sampling "T2BF" was done at the return of cattle in eastern BF. Ticks were morphologically identified and TBP detected with reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) assay. A total of 1027 ticks (7 species), 1006 ticks (11 species) and 1211 ticks (9 species) were respectively found at T0BF, T1BN and T2BF. Some species were collected at the three times of sampling without any significant difference in their relative abundances. However, other tick species appeared only at T1BN and/or T2BF. The TBP species found at the three points surveyed were Theileria annulata, Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale. The most prevalent was T. mutans with 166/210 (79%), 159/210 (75.7%) and 78/210 (37%) cattle positive respectively at T0BF, T1BN and T2BF. Anaplasma centrale was evidenced with 0.5% and 0.9% respectively at T0BF and T2BF. To our knowledge, this represents its first report in the study area. Overall, the TBP prevalences were significantly lower at T2BF, highlighting the effect of tick populations changes induced by transhumance combined with the seasonal variation influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achille S Ouedraogo
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000, Liège, Belgium; Vector-borne Diseases and Biodiversity Unit (UMaVeB), International Research and Development Centre on Livestock in Sub-humid Areas (CIRDES), 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| | - Olivier M Zannou
- Vector-borne Diseases and Biodiversity Unit (UMaVeB), International Research and Development Centre on Livestock in Sub-humid Areas (CIRDES), 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso; Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to veterinary sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Abel S Biguezoton
- Vector-borne Diseases and Biodiversity Unit (UMaVeB), International Research and Development Centre on Livestock in Sub-humid Areas (CIRDES), 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| | - Kouassi Patrick Yao
- UFR Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët Boigny, BP V34, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Adrien Marie Gaston Belem
- Institut du Développement Rural (IDR), Université Nazi BONI, 01 BP 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| | - Souaibou Farougou
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Transmissibles, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, BP 01 BP 2009 Cotonou, République du Bénin.
| | - Marinda Oosthuizen
- Department of veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, 0110, Onderspoort, South Africa.
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to veterinary sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Laetitia Lempereur
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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Diniso YS, Jaja IF. A retrospective survey of the factors responsible for culling and mortality in dairy farms in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Geographic distribution of boophilid ticks in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 23:100538. [PMID: 33678391 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The boophilid ticks are regarded as highly adaptive tick species in tropical and subtropical regions and considered to be the most economically important ectoparasites to cattle worldwide. To that, a geographical survey to investigate the distribution of boophilid ticks on grazing cattle was conducted seasonally between October 2018 and September 2019 at Elundini, Senqu and Walter Sisulu Local Municipalities in the north-eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP). Ten cattle were selected randomly during the tick sampling at each locality. Ticks were carefully removed from cattle and placed into sampling tubes containing 70% ethanol. During tick sampling, special attention was paid to the tick predilection sites such as lower perineum, neck, dewlap and ventral body parts which are the preferred sites for blue ticks. Based on the morphological traits, a total of 6176 ticks belonging to two boophilid tick species of Rhipicephalus were identified: Rhipicephalus decoloratus (98.30%) and Rhipicephalus microplus (1.70%). Locality and season significantly influenced boophilid tick distribution (P < 0.05). Rhipicephalus decoloratus had a significantly higher prevalence (P < 0.05) in Elundini during the hot-dry (3.37 ± 0.121) and hot-wet (3.35 ± 0.121) seasons compared to other localities. In Senqu, R. microplus had high counts (P < 0.05) during the post-rainy season (1.06 ± 0027) compared to other localities. Interestingly, the current study recorded Asiatic invasive pantropical blue tick (R. microplus) for the first time in the north-eastern region of the ECP. This tick is of great veterinary economic importance locally and globally, and thus necessitates continuous monitoring and control.
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Yawa M, Nyangiwe N, Jaja IF, Kadzere CT, Marufu MC. Prevalence of serum antibodies of tick-borne diseases and the presence of Rhipicephalus microplus in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1183-1191. [PMID: 33409632 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A survey to determine the prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and ticks infesting cattle was conducted in the communal areas of the north-eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) between January 2019 and October 2019. Tick counts, packed cell volume (PCV), body condition scores (BCS), and serological test for TBDs were seasonally conducted in communally grazed cattle (n = 240) in Joe Gqabi district in two local municipalities (Elundini and Senqu). A standard indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to determine antibodies to Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, and Ehrlichia ruminantium and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed for antibodies to Anaplasma marginale detection. The highest tick loads were observed on cattle during the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons and lowest during the cool-dry season. The E. ruminantium prevalence in Elundini was 16% and 14% in post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15% at Senqu during the post-rainy season. B. bigemina prevalence was highest at Elundini (18%) and Senqu (16%) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season respectively. Cattle BCS was negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P < 0.01; r = - 0.203), B. bovis (P < 0.01; r = - 0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = - 0.122) seroprevalence. The PCV was negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P < 0.01; r = - 0.138) seroprevalence. On the other hand, E. ruminantium was positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P < 0.05; r = 0.112) infestation, while B. bovis (P < 0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P < 0.05; r = 0.188) were positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation, and B. bigemina (P < 0.05; r = 0.077) was positively correlated with Rhipicephalus decoloratus infestation. Our study reports for the first time the presence of R. microplus in the study area. Further research is, however, needed to better understand seroprevalence and the transmission mode of TBDs to cattle so that effective disease control measures can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandla Yawa
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa
| | - Nkululeko Nyangiwe
- Dohne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, 4930, South Africa.
| | - Ishmael Festus Jaja
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa
| | - Charles T Kadzere
- Dohne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, 4930, South Africa
| | - Munyaradzi Christopher Marufu
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X4, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
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Pillay AD, Mukaratirwa S. Genetic diversity of Rickettsia africae isolates from Amblyomma hebraeum and blood from cattle in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 82:529-541. [PMID: 33025239 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00555-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsia africae is a re-emerging tick-borne pathogen causing African tick bite fever (ATBF) in humans. Amblyomma variegatum is the principal vector in most sub-Sahara African countries, whereas in South Africa it is A. hebraeum. Reports of high genetic heterogeneity among R. africae isolates in southern Africa have prompted the need for molecular investigations of isolates form South Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of R. africae in A. hebraeum collected from cattle, grazing pasture, as well as from blood of cattle in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Amblyomma hebraeum and blood from cattle were screened by PCR and the gltA, ompA, ompB, sca4, and 17kDa genes were sequenced for R. africae from samples collected from Caquba in Port St. Johns along the coastal region in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The overall proportion of adult A. hebraeum that were positive for the gltA and ompA genes was 0.63 (108/180). The overall proportion of nymphs positive for the gltA and ompA genes was 0.62 (23/37) and 0.22 (20/90) from cattle blood. A positive R. africae infection was inferred by analysis of 26 sequences of the ompA, gltA, ompB, 17kDa and sca4 genes. Neighbour-joining and Maximum Likelihood analysis revealed that the study isolates were closely related to R. africae isolates from South Africa deposited in GenBank, forming a clade that was separate from north, east and west African strains. This study provides new information on the epidemiology and phylogeny of R. africae isolated from A. hebraeum ticks in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The heterogeneity observed between R. africae isolates from South Africa deposited in GenBank and R. africae isolates from Africa retrieved from Genbank highlight the importance of differentiation and tracking of the genetic movement among R. africae isolates in southern Africa for the better characterisation of ATBF cases, especially in rural communities and travellers visiting the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia D Pillay
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - S Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa.
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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14
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Communal cattle farmer's knowledge, attitudes and practices on ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), tick control and acaricide resistance. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:3005-3013. [PMID: 32535803 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02319-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to reveal communal farmer's knowledge, attitudes and practice on ticks and tick-borne diseases affecting cattle, tick control methods used and their knowledge on acaricide resistance. A total of 160 structured questionnaires are prepared and randomly administered to cattle farmers in Sinqu and Elundini communities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Associations between the area, gender, age, employment, source of income, level of education and farming experience were statistically tested using Chi-square test. Gall sickness (63%) was the most prevailing tick-borne disease in cattle during the summer season (61%). About 59% of the farmers had no knowledge of the effect of tick-borne diseases on cattle production, and 78% of respondents reported that ticks are the major challenge to cattle farming. Pour-on (61%) was the most commonly used acaricidal treatment system with every fortnight (40%) treatment frequency during the summer season and (31%) during the winter season. Pyrethroids (73%) were the most used acaricide compounds to control ticks, and about 65% of respondents perceived to have no knowledge of the use of ethnoveterinary medicines used to control ticks. Inefficacy of acaricide (44%) and undipped animals (42%) were regarded as the major contributing factors to the increased tick population and acaricide resistance. About 85% of respondents perceived that they do not practice acaricide rotation and 88% of the respondents had no knowledge of the acaricide resistance. Within the context of this study, ticks and tick-associated diseases are perceived by these farmers as the most important disease problem their cattle face. Thus, knowledge regarding the epidemiology of ticks and tick-borne diseases is key to control strategies, and farmer training should be encouraged to achieve better control of ticks and the diseases they transmit.
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Balinandi S, Chitimia-Dobler L, Grandi G, Nakayiki T, Kabasa W, Bbira J, Lutwama JJ, Bakkes DK, Malmberg M, Mugisha L. Morphological and molecular identification of ixodid tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting cattle in Uganda. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2411-2420. [PMID: 32533261 PMCID: PMC7366568 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06742-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In Uganda, the role of ticks in zoonotic disease transmission is not well described, partly, due to limited available information on tick diversity. This study aimed to identify the tick species that infest cattle. Between September and November 2017, ticks (n = 4362) were collected from 5 districts across Uganda (Kasese, Hoima, Gulu, Soroti, and Moroto) and identified morphologically at Uganda Virus Research Institute. Morphological and genetic validation was performed in Germany on representative identified specimens and on all unidentified ticks. Ticks were belonging to 15 species: 8 Rhipicephalus species (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus afranicus, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Rhipicephalus simus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tropical lineage); 5 Amblyomma species (Amblyomma lepidum, Amblyomma variegatum, Amblyomma cohaerens, Amblyomma gemma, and Amblyomma paulopunctatum); and 2 Hyalomma species (Hyalomma rufipes and Hyalomma truncatum). The most common species were R. appendiculatus (51.8%), A. lepidum (21.0%), A. variegatum (14.3%), R. evertsi evertsi (8.2%), and R. decoloratus (2.4%). R. afranicus is a new species recently described in South Africa and we report its presence in Uganda for the first time. The sequences of R. afranicus were 2.4% divergent from those obtained in Southern Africa. We confirm the presence of the invasive R. microplus in two districts (Soroti and Gulu). Species diversity was highest in Moroto district (p = 0.004) and geographical predominance by specific ticks was observed (p = 0.001). The study expands the knowledge on tick fauna in Uganda and demonstrates that multiple tick species with potential to transmit several tick-borne diseases including zoonotic pathogens are infesting cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Balinandi
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Giulio Grandi
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Teddy Nakayiki
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - William Kabasa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Johnson Bbira
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa.,Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Merriman Street, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Maja Malmberg
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden. .,SLU Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7023, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.,Ecohealth Research Group, Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance, P.O. Box 34153, Kampala, Uganda
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16
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Raboloko OO, Ramabu SS, Guerrini L, Jori F. Seroprevalence of Selected Tick Borne Pathogens and Diversity and Abundance of Ixodid Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) at the Wildlife-Livestock Interface in Northern Botswana. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:187. [PMID: 32432129 PMCID: PMC7214809 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick borne diseases (TBDs) undermine livestock production with considerable economic losses to livestock producers in endemic areas worldwide. Despite the impact of ticks and TBDs in livestock production, there is a paucity of information on ticks and diseases they transmit in Botswana. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine (i) the seroprevalence of selected tick borne (TB) pathogens and (ii) the diversity and abundance of ixodid ticks among 301 cattle foraging around two protected areas in northern Botswana, differing by the presence or absence of a physical barrier (fence) separating wildlife and livestock. Competitive inhibition enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (cELISA) was used to test for Anaplasma spp. infection and Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) was used to test for Theileria parva, Babesia bovis, and B. bigemina. Ticks were identified morphologically at either genus or species level. Seroprevalence of cattle was found to be 90% for Anaplasma spp., followed by 38.6% for Babesia spp. and 2.4% for T. parva. Except for Babesia spp., comparisons of the seroprevalence of the selected haemoparasites between the two wildlife-livestock interface areas were not significantly different. The overall prevalence of ticks was found to be 73.4% with Amblyomma variegatum being the most abundant (53.1%) followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (31.7%) and R. (B.) decoloratus (7.7%). Except for Babesia spp., comparisons of the seroprevalence of the selected haemoparasites between the two study areas were not significantly different while comparisons of the burden of tick infestation between the study sites revealed significant difference for A. variegatum and R. evertsi evertsi with both tick infestations higher where there is no barrier. Our work provided baseline data on TBD pathogens and tick infestation in cattle populations exposed to different levels of contact with adjacent buffalo populations. The presence of a veterinary fence did not significantly influence the seroprevalence of the selected TBD pathogens (except for Babesia spp.) but seemed to reduce tick burdens in cattle. Findings from this study can be used for guiding future epidemiological study designs to improve our understanding of ticks and TBDs dynamics in northern Botswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obuile O Raboloko
- Veterinary Sciences, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana.,Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Solomon S Ramabu
- Veterinary Sciences, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana.,Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Laure Guerrini
- UMR Animal, Health, Territories, Risks and Ecosystems (ASTRE), CIRAD-INRA- Uni. Montpellier, Campus International de Baillarguet, Montpellier, France.,CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, RP-PCP, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ferran Jori
- Veterinary Sciences, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana.,UMR Animal, Health, Territories, Risks and Ecosystems (ASTRE), CIRAD-INRA- Uni. Montpellier, Campus International de Baillarguet, Montpellier, France
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17
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Ectoparasites of endemic and domestic animals in southwest Madagascar. Acta Trop 2019; 196:83-92. [PMID: 31082365 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human encroachment of natural habitats bears the threat of disease transmission between native and introduced species that had not come into contact before, thus promoting the spread of new diseases in both directions. This is a matter of concern especially in areas where human-wildlife contact has not been intense in the recent past. In southwest Madagascar, we collected ectoparasites from various mammalian hosts and chicken, and examined their host preferences and their prevalence in relation to season and habitat degradation. Field-work took place in the northern portion of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park and the adjacent coastal strip (littoral) in the dry and in the rainy season of 2016/2017. Endemic mammals were trapped with live traps placed in habitats of different degrees of degradation: 1) relatively pristine forest, 2) degraded forest, 3) cultivated and shrub land. Rats and mice were also trapped in 4) villages. We identified 17 species of ectoparasites (296 individuals of ticks [5 species], 535 lice [7 spp.], 389 fleas [4 spp.] and 13 mites [1 sp.]) collected from 15 host species. There was no indication for seasonal or habitat effects on parasite infection. A large portion of the parasites was host-specific. Some ectoparasite species were shared either by several endemic or by several introduced species, but apart from the introduced flea species Echidnophaga gallinacea (collected from six different hosts including the endemic carnivore Galidictis grandidieri) no other ectoparasite species was shared between endemic and introduced host species.
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