Arthropod parasites of Nubian ibexes (Capra ibex nubiana) and gazelles (Gazella gazella) in Israel

Parasites Detected in Hatay Mountain Gazelles (Gazella gazella)

The current study aimed to detect parasites in Hatay Mountain Gazelles (Gazella gazella), which are categorized as endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The present study was conducted in Hatay Mountain Gazelle Wildlife Development Area, where 40 gazelles inhabited (30 ♀, 10 ♂), 15 of which were over three years old as well-considered adults. Fecal samples were taken from 60 fecal foci immediately after the defecation of the gazelles. Each of the fecal samples was analysed with Benedek sedimentation, Fülleborn flotation and Bearman-Wetzel methods and examined under a light microscope. In addition, Ixodid ticks were collected from an injured gazelle which was brought to Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, then were identified under the stereomicroscope. Nematodirus spp. (5/60, 8%), Marshallagia spp. (4/60, 7%), Trichostrongylus spp. (3/60, 5%) eggs, Dictiyocaulus filaria larvae (3/60, 5%) and Eimeria spp. oocysts (9/60, 15%) were determined based on the microscopic examination. Ixodid tick samples were identified as Rhipicephalus turanicus (2 ♀, 3 ♂). Thus this is the first report of the existence of parasites in Hatay Mountain Gazelles in Turkey. It is thought that skin and fecal examinations should be performed to prevent parasitic diseases in gazelles.

First report of Linognathus africanus (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) on goats in Bulgaria

The current study was conducted in 28 farms from 11 administrative districts in Bulgaria and included 4132 goats from six breeds, naturally infested with ectoparasitic insects. The visit to the farms was paid after the owners alarmed for signs of strong discomfort and itching among the animals. From the 28 studied herds, 14 (50%) turned out to be infested with the African sucking louse of goats: Linognathus africanus (Kellog & Paine, 1911) belonging to the family Linognathidae, suborder Anoplura, order Phthiraptera. All documented cases were of mixed infestation with other ectoparasitic species. The ectoparasites were collected and preserved in 70o ethanol for laboratory identification, morphological observation and for preparing photographic material. The full morphological description of the species showed that the total body length (TBL) of the male individuals varied between 0.912-1.556 mm, and that of the females: from 1.159 to 1.784 mm. A morphological identificationof the phylogenetically close species Linognathus africanus (Kellog & Paine, 1911) and Linognathus stenopsis (Burmeister, 1838) was conducted in laboratory conditions. The population structure of the species was presented through the sex identification of Linognathus africanus which demonstrated a numerical ratio of F:M = 2.2:1.

The Biology and Ecology of Cat Fleas and Advancements in Their Pest Management: A Review

The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché) is the most important ectoparasite of domestic cats and dogs worldwide. It has been two decades since the last comprehensive review concerning the biology and ecology of C. f. felis and its management. Since then there have been major advances in our understanding of the diseases associated with C. f. felis and their implications for humans and their pets. Two rickettsial diseases, flea-borne spotted fever and murine typhus, have been identified in domestic animal populations and cat fleas. Cat fleas are the primary vector of Bartonella henselae (cat scratch fever) with the spread of the bacteria when flea feces are scratched in to bites or wounds. Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) common in dogs and cats has been successfully treated and tapeworm infestations prevented with a number of new products being used to control fleas. There has been a continuous development of new products with novel chemistries that have focused on increased convenience and the control of fleas and other arthropod ectoparasites. The possibility of feral animals serving as potential reservoirs for flea infestations has taken on additional importance because of the lack of effective environmental controls in recent years. Physiological insecticide resistance in C. f. felis continues to be of concern, especially because pyrethroid resistance now appears to be more widespread. In spite of their broad use since 1994, there is little evidence that resistance has developed to many of the on-animal or oral treatments such as fipronil, imidacloprid or lufenuron. Reports of the perceived lack of performance of some of the new on-animal therapies have been attributed to compliance issues and their misuse. Consequentially, there is a continuing need for consumer awareness of products registered for cats and dogs and their safety.

First detection of Sarcoptes scabiei from domesticated pig (Sus scrofa) and genetic characterization of S. scabiei from pet, farm and wild hosts in Israel

In this report we describe for the first time the detection of Sarcoptes scabiei type suis mites on domestic pigs in Israel and examine its genetic variation compared with S. sabiei from other hosts. Microscopic examination of skin samples from S. scabiei-infested pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) revealed all developmental stages of S. scabiei. To detect genetic differences between S. scabiei from different hosts, samples obtained from pig, rabbits (Orictolagus cuniculus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), jackal (Canis aureus) and hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) were compared with GenBank-annotated sequences of three genetic markers. Segments from the following genes were examined: cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), glutathione-S-transferase 1 (GST1), and voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC). COX1 analysis did not show correlation between host preference and genetic identity. However, GST1 and VSSC had a higher percentage of identical sites within S. scabiei type suis sequences, compared with samples from other hosts. Taking into account the limited numbers of GST1 and VSSC sequences available for comparison, this high similarity between sequences of geographically-distant, but host-related populations, may suggest that different host preference is at least partially correlated with genetic differences. This finding may help in future studies of the factors that drive host preferences in this parasite.

Integrated Bayesian species delimitation and morphological diagnostics of chorioptic mange mites (Acariformes: Psoroptidae: Chorioptes)

The external morphology of adult and immature stages of mange mites of the genus Chorioptes was investigated with the aid of light and scanning electron microscopy. A molecular phylogeny of this genus was inferred based on six genes (18S, 28S rDNA, EF1-α, SRP54, HSP70, and CO1). The validity of four species (Ch. bovis, Ch. panda, Ch. texanus, and Ch. sweatmani sp. nov. described from the moose from Sweden, Finland, and Russia) was confirmed based on morphology and a Bayesian species delimitation analysis incorporating both gene tree uncertainties and incomplete lineage sorting via the coalescent process model in BPP. Sequence data for Ch. crewei and Ch. mydaus was not available but their morphology strongly suggests their validity. The six valid Chorioptes species are diagnosed using type and non-type specimens, and a key to species is provided. Ch. sweatmani differs from closely related Ch. texanus by the following features: in males, the body length, including the gnathosoma, is 380-405 μm (vs. 220-295 in Ch. texanus), the idiosoma is 3-4 times longer than setae cp (vs. 1.3-1.6 times longer), legs III are approximately three times longer than setae sRIII (vs. 1.8-2 times longer), the apical spur of tarsus III is curved (vs. straight), a spur near seta fIII base is not developed (vs. small but distinct); in females, setae h2 are 1.4-1.5 times shorter than legs IV (vs. about two times longer). Hosts and distribution records of Chorioptes species are summarized.

First report of Ctenocephalides felis felis infestation of buffalo calves in Punjab, India

Two female buffalo calves of approximately 3 months of age from Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab state, India were found to be moderately infested with the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis. The calves were apparently healthy with no clinical signs and skin lesions. The calves were also found to be simultaneously infested with ixodid tick (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus). Infestations of buffalo calves by C. felis felis is reported for the first time.

Molecular evidence for Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Israel

Sequences from the Anaplasma phagocytophilum 16S rRNA gene were detected in 5 ticks representing 3 species (Hyalomma marginatum, Rhipicephalus turanicus, and Boophilus kohlsi) collected from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Mount Carmel, Israel. The sequences were all identical to those of Ap-variant 1 strain.

Epidemiology of flea infestation of ruminants in Libya

The results of an epidemiological and clinical study of flea infestations of farm animals in northern Libya is reported. Of 12,130 sheep examined from 124 flocks, 150 sheep were found to be infested with fleas from 50 different flocks. Likewise 23 goats from 2981 examined, and 11 calves from 1124 cattle examined were infested No fleas were recovered from camels or horses. Of 1861 fleas recovered from farm livestock, 1857 were Ctenocephalides felis strongylus and 4 were Pulex irritans. Dogs from farms and local clinics were also examined. Eight farms dogs were found to be infested with P. irritans. Of 79 infested dogs examined in veterinary clinics, 53 were found infested with P. irritans, 11 with Ctenocephalides felis felis, 12 had a mixed infestation of P. irritans and C. felis felis. Single dogs had mixed infestation of P. irritans and C. canis; C. felis felis and C. canis; and P. irritans, C. felis felis and Echidnophaga gallinacia. C. felis felis was also found on 15 infested cats. C. felis felis was never found on large farm animals despite frequently sharing their environment with dogs or cats. Likewise C. felis stongylus was never isolated from dogs or cats. This is consistent with the hypothesis that C. felis strongylus has become adapted to large farm animals, whilst C. felis felis is better adapted to dogs and cats. However, four stockmen were found infested with a total of 176 C. felis strongylus, which suggests that this subspecies is also a potential zoonosis. A significantly higher proportion of intensive farms had animals with flea infestation compared to semi-intensive farms. Fleas were not found in nomadic herds. Infested farm animals often presented with excoriation, alopecia, pruritus and hyperkeratitis particularly on the lower limbs. These signs are consistent with the generation of flea-bite hypersensitivity.

Severe infestation of a she-ass with the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouche, 1835)

A 6-year-old she-ass was found to be severely infested with the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis. The animal was severely anaemic and after 2 days of recumbency, it succumbed to the flea infestation. The acrimonious anaemia was characterised as normocytic, hypochromic.