Survey of zoonotic dermatoses in client-owned exotic pet mammals in southern Italy

Psoroptes cuniculi infestation in pet rabbits in Tabasco, Mexico, 2021-2022

BACKGROUND

Rabbits are an important worldwide meat- and fibre-producing animal, and they are popular pets. The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptes cuniculi, causes severe dermatological disease. Epidemiological data on P. cuniculi infestations are important for public health.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of P. cuniculi infestation in pet rabbits and evaluate epidemiological factors associated with infestation.

ANIMALS

Two hundred pet rabbits presented for veterinary care between 2021 and 2022.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Physical examination, otoscopy and microscopy were used for ear mite identification. Association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), breed, feeding and housing management was analysed.

RESULTS

Of the 200 rabbits, 59 (29.5%) were positive for P. cuniculi. Only female sex had a positive association with P. cuniculi.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Psoroptes cuniculi in pet rabbits has a similar frequency to that reported in meat-producing rabbits, and female sex had a positive association.

Zoonotic Dermatoses of Exotic Companion Mammals

Integumentary disorders caused by zoonotic agents are very common in exotic companion mammals. This article provides an understanding of the main zoonotic dermatoses including parasitic, fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases to provide the most updated information on their epidemiology, diagnosis, reported clinical signs, and therapies.

Rodent Dermatology

This article reviews the most common dermatologic conditions of the pet rodent population, including the prevalence, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.

Ferret Dermatology

Skin diseases commonly affect pet ferrets, with neoplastic, endocrine, and parasitic diseases being the most common. This review includes clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of diseases with a dermatologic presentation in ferrets.

Efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin against naturally acquired Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in 10 pet rabbits: Retrospective case series

BACKGROUND

Current treatments for sarcoptic mange in rabbits mainly include administration of avermectines every 10-30 days. Recently, a single oral dose of fluralaner has been shown to be effective to treat sarcoptic mange in 12 pet rabbits over a three-month period.

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively assess the efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto Plus) for the treatment of sarcoptic mange in rabbits.

ANIMALS

Ten client-owned rabbits diagnosed with sarcoptic mange.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An application of fluralaner plus moxidectin at an average dose of 25 mg/kg and 1.24 mg/kg, respectively, was administered topically once. Parasitological and dermatological examination was carried out weekly for one month and monthly for three months.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 15 (range 3-48) months. Based on the age of onset, there were three juvenile (<6-month-old) and seven adult-onset cases. Of those, four were generalized (head, feet and/or genital area) and six were localized form (head only). The combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin resulted in 100% eradication of mites and complete resolution of all skin lesions within 21 days. Recurrence was not observed 90 days post-treatment. Relapse was not observed in one case followed up for a further four months and two rabbits followed up for a further six months. The other pets were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results indicated that a single dose of a formulation containing fluralaner plus moxidectin, at 25 mg/kg and 1.24 mg/kg, respectively, was effective for the treatment of naturally occurring sarcoptic mange in rabbits.

Fungal Flora in Asymptomatic Pet Guinea Pigs and Rabbits

Simple Summary

Small mammals hider a wide number of saprophytic fungi associated with dermatophytosis in young or immunocompromised humans. This raises the possibility of potential zoonotic transmission of dermatophytes in animals from pet shops. Therefore, it is recommended that routine fungal diagnostic testing in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) be carried out, to detect potential zoonotic fungi. The almost complete lack of cutaneous lesions in many cases associated with the presence of such a dermatophyte on healthy mammals may increase the risk of zoonotic transmission. This study identifies the most common fungal species that occur on the skin in guinea pigs and rabbits and determines the rate of asymptomatic carriers in healthy pet animals.

Abstract

Fungal skin diseases are well-recognized diseases with public health implications. The study provides a comprehensive overview and aims to determine the rate of positive fungal cultures to identify the most common fungal species in guinea pigs and rabbits and to determine the rate of asymptomatic carriers in healthy pet animals. This knowledge is essential for understanding disease transmission dynamics and epidemiological situation problems. A total of 167 animals (64 rabbits and 103 guinea pigs) were investigated in this study. The fungi of the genus Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus were the most common in the examined animals, and they were isolated from 162 (97%) of the animals enrolled. No fungal growth was observed in 5 animals. In 15 cases (8.98%), we found pathogenic zoonotic dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes), which caused several health problems in two humans in contact with affected animals. This study presents the prevalence of fungal flora in pet guinea pigs and rabbits in Slovakia.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Zoonotic Dermatophyte Infection in Pet Rabbits in Northern Taiwan

Dermatophytes are the group of keratinophilic fungi that cause superficial cutaneous infection, which traditionally belong to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Dermatophyte infection is not only a threat to the health of small animals, but also an important zoonotic and public health issue because of the potential transmission from animals to humans. Rabbit dermatophytosis is often clinically identified; however, limited information was found in Asia. The aims of this study are to investigate the prevalence and to evaluate the risk factors of dermatophytosis in pet rabbits in Northern Taiwan. Between March 2016 and October 2018, dander samples of pet rabbits were collected for fungal infection examination by Wood’s lamp, microscopic examination (KOH preparation), fungal culture, and PCR assay (molecular identification). Z test and Fisher’s exact test were performed to evaluate the potential risk factors, and logistic regression analysis was then performed to build the model of risk factors related to dermatophyte infection. Of the collected 250 dander samples of pet rabbits, 29 (11.6%) samples were positive for dermatophytes by molecular identification. In those samples, 28 samples were identified as the T. mentagrophytes complex and 1 sample was identified as M. canis. Based on the results of the Firth’s bias reduction logistic analyses, animal source (rabbits purchased from pet shops) and number of rearing rabbits (three rabbits or more) were shown as the main risks for dermatophyte infection in the pet rabbits in Taiwan. The results of the present study elucidate the prevalence of rabbit dermatophyte infection, pathogens, and risk factors in Taiwan, and provide an important reference for the prevention and control of rabbit dermatophytosis.

Younger generations are more interested than older generations in having non-domesticated animals as pets

The trade and private ownership of non-domesticated animals has detrimental effects on individual animals and their wild populations. Therefore, there is a need to understand the conditions that motivate and dissuade interest in non-domesticated pet ownership. Past research has demonstrated that the way in which non-domesticated animals are portrayed in images influences the public’s perception that they are suitable as pets. We conducted an online survey of people residing in the United States to investigate how viewing images that could be realistically captured in the zoo and broader tourism industries impact the degree to which people report interest in having that animal as a pet. We focused on two species, reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) and two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni), and presented each species in six different visual contexts. After viewing an image, respondents reported interest in pet ownership on a four-point Likert scale. Each species was studied separately in a between-subjects design and results were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression models. Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported interest in sloth pet ownership, and 21% reported interest in python pet ownership. However, contrary to our hypotheses, we found that viewing these species in different visual contexts did not significantly affect survey respondents’ reported interest in having either species as a pet. Generation was a significant predictor of interest in both sloth and python pet ownership, with younger generations reporting more interest in having these species as pets. Male respondents reported more interest in python pet ownership, whereas there were no significant differences between genders regarding interest in sloth ownership. We consider how modern media exposure to animals in unnatural contexts may relate to the generational effect and discuss priorities for future research to better understand the development of individual interests in non-domesticated pet ownership.

Efficacy of Fluralaner in the Treatment of Sarcoptic Mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) in 12 Pet Rabbits

Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi are cutaneous mites of companion rabbits. In rabbits, sarcoptic mange is characterized by intense pruritus, alopecia, erythema, scales, and crusts around the head, neck, trunk, feet, and genitals. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral fluralaner in pet rabbits naturally infested by S scabiei var. cuniculi. Twelve privately owned pet rabbits with a definitive diagnosis of sarcoptic mange were included in the study if they had compatible clinical signs and positive superficial skin scrapings for S scabiei. Clinical and parasitological evaluations were performed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90 after receiving a single oral dose of 25 mg/kg of fluralaner. On day 7, 5 of 12 rabbits had positive skin scrapings, while 8 of 12 had clinical signs (alopecia and erythema) still present. By day 14 none of the rabbits had positive skin scrapings and only 1 of 12 had persistent clinical signs. By day 21 none of the rabbit had positive skin scrapings nor had clinical signs. A reoccurrence of the clinical signs or positive skin scrapings was not observed for the duration of the study (day 90). A single oral dose of fluralaner was effective for the treatment of naturally occurring sarcoptic mange in rabbits over a 90-day period.

German-Wide Analysis of the Prevalence and the Propagation Factors of the Zoonotic Dermatophyte Trichophyton benhamiae

For about 10 years, a new variant of the pathogen Trichophyton (T.) benhamiae has appeared in Germany, characterized by a previously unobserved culture phenotype with a strong yellow reverse. A few studies suggest that this new variety is now the most common zoophilic dermatophyte in Germany. The guinea pig is the main carrier. Exact prevalence measurements are not yet available. Thus, the aim of our ongoing study was to collect data on the frequency and geographic distribution of the pathogen and its phenotypes (white and yellow) in humans and guinea pigs throughout Germany. Our former studies have already shown that animals from large breeding farms are particularly heavily affected. In contrast to this, 21 small, private breedings were sampled and husbandry conditions recorded. This placed us in a position to identify propagation factors and to give recommendations for containment. For animals from private breedings, we detected T. benhamiae with a prevalence of 55.4%, which is a reduction of nearly 40% compared with animals from large breeding farms. As risk factors, we identified the type of husbandry and the contact to other breedings. Furthermore, certain animal races, like Rex guinea pigs and races with long hair in combination with curls were predestined for colonization with T. benhamiae due to their phenotypic coat characteristics. A prevalence for infections with T. benhamiae of 36.2% has been determined for symptomatic pet guinea pigs suspected of having dermatophytosis and is comparable to the study of Kraemer et al. showing a prevalence of 34.9% in 2009 in Germany. The prevalence in humans is stable with about 2-3% comparing the data of 2010-2013 and 2018 in Thuringia. The new type of T. benhamiae was by far the most frequent cause in all settings.

Prevalence and zoonotic risk of tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) in exotic companion mammals in southern Italy

BACKGROUND

Exotic companion mammals are popular pets worldwide. They are a potential source of zoonotic infections transmissible to their owners.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and zoonotic risks of tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) in exotic companion mammals in Italy.

ANIMALS

The records of 782 exotic pet mammals seen in multiple veterinary clinics (n = 20), pet shops (n = 10) and private breeders (n = 2) around Naples (Italy) were searched.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The isolation of O. bacoti was the only inclusion criterion. Relative (in the subgroups) and absolute prevalence (in the entire population sampled) of clinical signs in pets and owners were calculated. The prevalence of clinical signs in pets and their owners was also calculated based on their housing (pet shops versus private housing) using Fisher's exact test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Seventy seven records (9.8%) of animals infested were identified. Of those, 33.8% (26 of 77) were hamsters, 25.9% (20 of 77) gerbils, 11.7% (nine of 77) guinea pigs, 7.8% (six of 77) rabbits, 7.8% (six of 77) degus, 5.2% (four of 77) kangaroo mice, 2.6% (two of 77) hedgehogs, 2.6% (two of 77) squirrels and 2.6% (two of 77) were sugar gliders. The frequency of owners affected by the rat mite dermatitis was very high in gerbils (20 of 20), hamsters (21 of 26) and guinea pigs (seven of nine).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The results of the present survey indicate that exotic pet mammals may serve as an active reservoir for O. bacoti infestation. The results of this study also suggest a lack of species specificity for O. bacoti when favourable conditions are present (overcrowding).

Parasitic conditions of domestic owned rabbits in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria: Retrospective evaluation, risk factors and co-infestations

Parasitism is of great concern to the production, reproduction and performance of man and animals. The present study evaluated the parasitic conditions of rabbits brought for medical attention in the major Veterinary hospitals in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria during ten years (2006–2015). A total of 444 rabbits were brought during the study period, out of which 312 (70.27%) was diagnosed for mange, 126 (28.38%) for helminthoses, 60 (13.51%) for coccidiosis and 6 (1.35%) for flea infestation. There was no defined pattern in the yearly and monthly prevalence of these parasitic diseases. Age, sex and season were the statistically significant (P < 0.05) risk factors associated with the prevalence of helminthoses, while age and season were associated with mange at P < 0.05. There was a significant negative correlation in the co-infection of helminthoses and coccidiosis, helminthoses and mange, coccidiosis and mange, while the co-infection of helminthoses with flea infestation, coccidiosis with flea infestation and mange with flea infestation was not statistically significant. These findings could be useful for surveillance, monitoring and designing of appropriate interventions for diseases control in Osun State and Nigeria at large. The proper management, prevention, control and eradication of these disease conditions will improve the production and reproduction of rabbits for better profitability for farmers and increased availability of protein sources for consumers.

The first case of Leporacarus gibbus infestation in a rabbit from Poland

This case report presents asymptomatic infestation with Leporacarus gibbus (formerly Listrophorus gibbus) in a pet rabbit. This is the first report of L. gibbus infestation in a pet rabbit from Poland. Previously, infestation in Poland had been detected only in hares.

Prevalence and zoonotic risks of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Cheyletiella spp. in guinea pigs and rabbits in Dutch pet shops

Young rabbits and guinea pigs are often purchased as pets for children and may be infected with zoonotic skin infections. To assess the risk of acquiring such an infection from rabbits or guinea pigs, this study investigated the prevalence of the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes and the fur mite Cheyletiella parasitovorax in asymptomatic rabbits and guinea pigs in Dutch pet shops. In 91 pet shops a total of 213 rabbits and 179 guinea pigs were sampled using the Mackenzie technique and cultured. Clean cultures were examined microscopically and a PCR was performed on at least one sample from each pet shop. All animals were investigated for fur mite using a flea comb, a magnifying glass and white paper. From the fur of 3.8% (8/213) of the rabbits and 16.8% (30/179) of the guinea pigs, T. mentagrophytes was isolated. From 1 guinea pig (0,6%) Chrysosporium keratinophilum was isolated. Dermatophyte-positive rabbits and guinea pigs originated from 5.6% (5/90) and 27.3% (24/88) of the investigated pet shops, respectively. Fur mites were not found. Pet shops can play an important role in preventing transmission of zoonotic ringworm infections (dermatophytosis) and educating their customers. Specific preventive measures such as routine screening examinations and (prophylactic) treatment of rabbits and guinea pigs are recommended next to regular hygiene when handling animals.

Trichophyton erinacei in pet hedgehogs in Spain: Occurrence and revision of its taxonomic status

Hedgehogs have increased in popularity as pets in Spain but there are no data of infection rates of this exotic animal with dermatophytes in our country. During the period of 2008-2011 a total of 20 pet hedgehogs (19 African pygmy hedgehogs and 1 Egyptian long-eared hedgehog) suspected of having dermatophytoses were studied. This is the first survey of the occurrence of T. erinacei in household hedgehogs in Spain. The T. erinacei infection rate was 50% (9 out of 19 African pygmy hedgehogs, and the one Egyptian long-eared hedgehog surveyed). Morphological identification of the isolates was confirmed by molecular analysis. All the strains had the same ITS sequence and showed 100% sequence similarity to T. erinacei type strain CBS 511.73 (AB 105793). The Spanish isolates were confirmed as T. erinacei urease positive. On the basis of ITS sequences, T. erinacei is a species close to but separate from the taxa included in the A. benhamiae complex. Review of the current literature on DNA-based methods for identification of species included in this complex has highlighted the urgent need to reach a consensus in species circumscription and classification system accepted by all mycologists.

Parasitic fauna of domestic cavies in the western highlands of Cameroon (Central Africa)

BACKGROUND

Domestic cavies (Cavia porcellus) are increasingly reared in rural areas of Cameroon for meat and income generation. Unfortunately, health constraints due to various pathogens including parasites stand as one of the major obstacles to the development of cavy industry in the country. The main objective of this study was to investigate the species of gastrointestinal parasites in cavy husbandry in the western highlands of Cameroon and to detect external parasites in those animals affected with dermatological disorders.

METHODS

Pooled fecal samples were collected from 62 privately-own farms, as well as individual fecal samples from 21 animals at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Dschang, and examined for parasite eggs and oocysts/cysts. Ectoparasites were also collected from cavies and identified.

RESULTS

The overall infection rate with both helminthes and arthropods was 40.3 %. Ectoparasites were found in 19 out of 62 farms (30.6 %) while 12.9 % of farms were infected with helminthes. Eggs of Graphidium strigosum (8.1 %), Trichostrongylus sp. (3.2 %) and Paraspidodera uncinata (3.2 %) were found at farm level. Oocysts of Eimeria caviae and eggs of Paraspidodera uncinata were found in 14.3 and 9.5 % of examined animals respectively. Concerning ectoparasites, Cordylobia anthropophaga and Pulex sp. were observed in 25.8 % and 6.6 % of farms respectively.

CONCLUSION

The parasites are apparently composed of host-specific species in the original habitat (South America) and species acquired later from other mammals. These parasites are either deleterious to cavy health or zoonotic. Preventive measures should be put in practice to avoid their presence on farms due to their harmful effect on cavy rearing.