Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in Southern Brazil

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidium, obligate intracellular protozoan, with complex life cycle, affecting virtually all-animal species homoeothermics. Goats are considered susceptible to infection by T. gondii, alterations being reported as pathological fetal death (with subsequent reabsorption), abortion, mummification, and/or the birth of weak goats. Because of these consequences to the animal, the disease is investigated throughout the Brazilian territory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and identify risk factors in goats. Materials, Methods & Results: It were collected 654 blood samples from goats distributed on west and mountainous regions of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The number municipalities with the highest numbers of goats were used, with an expected prevalence of 25%, error of 3.2% and confidence level of 95%. All collected samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and 216 (33.02%; 95% CI 29.43-36.77) had antibodies against T. gondii (IFA 1: 64). Titration 1:64 was observed more frequently (60.2%; 130/216) among seropositive animals. The region with the highest prevalence was the west, i.e., more prone to infections present, with 1.16 more chances than the mountainous region. Animals Boer were more likely to T. gondii infection, being race is a risk factor for [...](AU)

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in Southern Brazil

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidium, obligate intracellular protozoan, with complex life cycle, affecting virtually all-animal species homoeothermics. Goats are considered susceptible to infection by T. gondii, alterations being reported as pathological fetal death (with subsequent reabsorption), abortion, mummification, and/or the birth of weak goats. Because of these consequences to the animal, the disease is investigated throughout the Brazilian territory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and identify risk factors in goats. Materials, Methods & Results: It were collected 654 blood samples from goats distributed on west and mountainous regions of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The number municipalities with the highest numbers of goats were used, with an expected prevalence of 25%, error of 3.2% and confidence level of 95%. All collected samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and 216 (33.02%; 95% CI 29.43-36.77) had antibodies against T. gondii (IFA 1: 64). Titration 1:64 was observed more frequently (60.2%; 130/216) among seropositive animals. The region with the highest prevalence was the west, i.e., more prone to infections present, with 1.16 more chances than the mountainous region. Animals Boer were more likely to T. gondii infection, being race is a risk factor for [...]

Antiparasitic resistance of different populations of ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus) in the Western of Santa Catarina state, Brazil / Resistência antiparasitária de diferentes populações de carrapatos(Rhipicephalus microplus) no oeste do estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Background: In Brazil, the tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a serious problem for beef and milk cattle due to the damagecaused directly to the animal. Ticks are responsible for major economic losses related to production, especially in breedsof European origin, prevalent in Southern Brazil. The use of most acaricides may allow the survival of some tick thattransmits this characteristic to future generations, consequently each successive treatment is a process of selection. Thelack of technical guidance on how to control ticks may contribute to the emergence of new resistant strains of ticks. Theobjective of this study was to test the effi cacy of antiparasitic drugs on tick populations (Rhipicephalus microplus) fromthe Western region of Santa Catarina, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-one farms participated in this study and 70 engorged female ticks were collect fromeach property. They were divided into seven groups of 10 specimens each. Ticks were exposed to six commercial drugs:amitraz (A); cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and citronellal (B); diazinon (C); diclovós and chlorpyrifos (D); cypermethrin(E); cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and piperonyl butoxide (F); and one group was used as a control to validate the test (G:no drug). Tests with acaricides followed standard protocols, recommended for in vitro testing. The effectiveness of theproduct was calculated based on egg laying and hatching. The drug tested is considered effective if the result was morethan 95%. The number of farms with populations of resistant ticks were 13 (41.9% - group A), 2 (6.45% - group B), 15(48.38% - group C), 6 (19.35% - group D) and 12 (38.7% - group E). Ticks from the group F did not show resistance tothe tested products. i.e., all farms obtained 100% effi ciency. Among the products tested that showed the highest effi cacywere the combinations of three or two active principle as cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos and piperonyl butoxide (group F -...(AU)

Antiparasitic resistance of different populations of ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus) in the Western of Santa Catarina state, Brazil / Resistência antiparasitária de diferentes populações de carrapatos(Rhipicephalus microplus) no oeste do estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Background: In Brazil, the tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a serious problem for beef and milk cattle due to the damagecaused directly to the animal. Ticks are responsible for major economic losses related to production, especially in breedsof European origin, prevalent in Southern Brazil. The use of most acaricides may allow the survival of some tick thattransmits this characteristic to future generations, consequently each successive treatment is a process of selection. Thelack of technical guidance on how to control ticks may contribute to the emergence of new resistant strains of ticks. Theobjective of this study was to test the effi cacy of antiparasitic drugs on tick populations (Rhipicephalus microplus) fromthe Western region of Santa Catarina, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-one farms participated in this study and 70 engorged female ticks were collect fromeach property. They were divided into seven groups of 10 specimens each. Ticks were exposed to six commercial drugs:amitraz (A); cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and citronellal (B); diazinon (C); diclovós and chlorpyrifos (D); cypermethrin(E); cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and piperonyl butoxide (F); and one group was used as a control to validate the test (G:no drug). Tests with acaricides followed standard protocols, recommended for in vitro testing. The effectiveness of theproduct was calculated based on egg laying and hatching. The drug tested is considered effective if the result was morethan 95%. The number of farms with populations of resistant ticks were 13 (41.9% - group A), 2 (6.45% - group B), 15(48.38% - group C), 6 (19.35% - group D) and 12 (38.7% - group E). Ticks from the group F did not show resistance tothe tested products. i.e., all farms obtained 100% effi ciency. Among the products tested that showed the highest effi cacywere the combinations of three or two active principle as cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos and piperonyl butoxide (group F -...

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in goats from the Western Santa Catarina, Brazil / Ocorrência de parasitas gastrintestinais em caprinos na região Oeste de Santa Catarina, Brasil

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in goats from the Western Santa Catarina, Brazil. Twenty four farms were analyzed in 17 different municipalities. Animals (n=217) from different production purposes (milk and meat) and age were randomly chosen. Fecal samples were collected from the rectum stored in plastic bottles and transported to the laboratory in portable coolers at 10 °C. The technique of centrifugal flotation with saturated sugar solution was carried out in order to investigate the presence of eggs, cysts, and oocysts of gastrointestinal parasites. In 88.9% of the investigated animals, it was observed that the presence of nematode eggs which belongs to the Strongylida order, after cultivation and larvae identification were identified as Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Teladorsagia spp., Cooperia spp., and Oesophagostomum spp. Eggs of Thysanosoma, Trichuris, Moniezia, and Neoascaris genus were also observed. Additionally, the presence of oocysts of Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. as well as cysts of Giardia spp., and Entamoeba spp. were verified. In all the farms evaluated, the animals showed a single or mixed infection, with the highest occurrence of helminths belonging to the Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus genus, as well as the protozoan Eimeria.

O presente estudo objetivou investigar a ocorrência de parasitas gastrointestinais que infectam caprinos na região Oeste de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram analisadas 24 propriedades localizadas em 17 municípios, totalizando 217 caprinos. Os animais de diferentes categorias de produção (leite ou carne) e idade foram escolhidos aleatoriamente. A coleta das fezes foi realizada diretamente da ampola retal dos animais, armazenadas em frascos plásticos e transportadas para o laboratório em caixas térmicas a 10 °C. A técnica de centrífugo-flutuação com solução saturada de açúcar foi utilizada para pesquisar a presença de ovos, cistos e oocistos de parasitos. Em 88,9% dos animais analisados foi verificada a presença de ovos de nematóides da ordem Strongylida e, após cultivo, foram identificadas larvas de Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Teladorsagia spp., Cooperia spp. e Oesophagostomum spp. Foram identificados também ovos de parasitos dos gêneros Thysanosoma, Trichuris, Moniezia e Neoascaris. A presença de oocistos de Eimeria spp. e Cryptosporidium spp., e cistos de Giardia spp., e Entamoeba spp. foram observadas. Em todas as propriedades avaliadas, os animais apresentavam infecções simples ou mistas, sendo a maior ocorrência de helmintos do gênero Haemonchus e Trichostrongylus, assim como pelo protozoário Eimeria.

STEPHANOFILARIASIS IN DAIRY CATTLE: THE NEED FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Stephanofilariasis is a disease caused by a nematode, globally widespread, that affects dairy cattle causing skin lesions near the mammary gland. Therefore, the objective of this study was to report the occurrence of an outbreak of stephanofilariasis in dairy cows in a property from Southern Brazil, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment. Stephanofilariasis was suspected based on the appearance and location of the lesion. Skin scrapings and lesion imprints confirmed the clinical suspicion. Since the cows were lactating, treatment was based on topical organophosphate trichlorfon 6% for seven days. Early diagnosis helps to better curative efficacy.

Stephanofilariasis in dairy cattle: the need for early diagnosis and treatment

Stephanofilariasis is a disease caused by a nematode, globally widespread, that affects dairy cattle causing skin lesions near the mammary gland. Therefore, the objective of this study was to report the occurrence of an outbreak of stephanofilariasis in dairy cows in a property from Southern Brazil, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment. Stephanofilariasis was suspected based on the appearance and location of the lesion. Skin scrapings and lesion imprints confirmed the clinical suspicion. Since the cows were lactating, treatment was based on topical organophosphate trichlorfon 6% for seven days. Early diagnosis helps to better curative efficacy.