Proliferative strongyloidiasis in a colony of colubrid snakes.

Strongyloides are small rhabditid nematodes primarily associated with enteric disease in a variety of animal species, including reptiles. Strongyloides spp life stages were associated with a disease outbreak in a large breeding colony of snakes. Multiple Pantherophis and Lampropeltis colubrids exhibited respiratory distress, anorexia, stomatitis, facial deformation, and waning body condition that resulted in death or necessitated euthanasia. Postmortem examinations of 13 snakes revealed epithelial hyperplasia and inflammation of the alimentary and respiratory tracts associated with varying numbers of adult and larval nematodes and embryonated or larvated ova. In a subset of snakes, aberrant nematode migration was also observed in the eye, genitourinary system, coelom, and vasculature. Histomorphology and gross examination of parasitic adult female nematodes from host tissues were consistent with a Strongyloides spp. Sedimented fecal material from 101/160 (63%) snakes housed in the affected facility was positive for nematodes and/or larvated ova. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of portions of the 18S and 28S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) genes and the internal transcribed spacer region of adult female parasites and positive fecal samples supported the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Strongyloides spp possess a unique life cycle capable of alternating between parasitic (homogonic) and free-living (heterogonic) stages, resulting in the production of directly infective larvae. Commonly utilized husbandry practices in reptile collections can amplify the numbers of infective larvae generated in the captive environment, increasing the risk for rhabditid hyperinfections. This report documents morbidity, mortality, and non-enteric disease manifestations due to Strongyloides hyperinfections in a captive colubrid snake colony.

Human IgE mAbs identify major antigens of parasitic worm infection.

BACKGROUND: Much of our understanding of the targets of IgE comes from studies of allergy, though little is known about the natural immunogenic targets seen after parasitic worm infections. OBJECTIVE: We used human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for an unbiased and comprehensive characterization of the immunodominant antigens targeted by IgE in conditions like allergy or helminth infection that are associated with elevated levels of IgE. METHODS: Using human hybridoma technology to immortalize IgE encoding B-cells from peripheral blood of subjects with filarial infections and elevated IgE, we generated naturally occurring human IgE mAbs. B-cell cultures were screened in an unbiased manner for IgE production without regard to specificity. Isolated IgE mAbs were then tested for binding to Brugia malayi somatic extracts using ImmunoCAP, immunoblot, and ELISA. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry proteomics was used to identify helminth antigens that were then expressed in Escherichia coli for IgE binding characterization. RESULTS: We isolated 56 discrete IgE mAbs from 7 individuals with filarial infections. From these mAbs, we were able to definitively identify 19 filarial antigens. All IgE mAbs targeted filarial excreted/secretory proteins, including a family of previously uncharacterized proteins. Interestingly, the transthyretin-related antigens acted as the dominant inducer of the filaria-specific IgE antibody response. These filaria-specific IgE mAbs were potent inducers of anaphylaxis when passively administered to human FcεRI-expressing mice. CONCLUSIONS: We generated human hybridomas secreting naturally occurring helminth-specific IgE mAbs from filarial-infected subjects. This work provides much-needed insight into the ontogeny of helminth-induced immune response and IgE antibody response.

IDENTIFICATION AND RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF A FILARIOID NEMATODE SPECIES IN MANAGED GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS (AMMODRAMUS SAVANNARUM).

The grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) is a species of ground-dwelling passerine bird with 12 different subspecies. The Florida subspecies (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) is classified as federally endangered, with the most common threats including habitat loss, nest predation, and floods. A managed breeding program was established at White Oak Conservation (Yulee, FL) in 2015 with eastern grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum pratensis) as a model for breeding Florida grasshopper sparrows as part of an assurance colony. A filarioid parasite species (Aproctella sp.) was characterized by PCR after identification by blood films and postmortem examinations of both subspecies housed at White Oak Conservation. This Aproctella species was distinct from others with available sequence. Records from 157 eastern and Florida grasshopper sparrows were reviewed, and correlations between presence of filariasis and subspecies, sex, body condition score, and presence of systemic isosporosis, squamous metaplasia, coelomitis, airsacculitis, or a combination of conditions were investigated. Twenty-nine (18.5%) birds (13 of 71 Florida grasshopper sparrows; 16 of 86 eastern grasshopper sparrows) were positive for filariasis by blood film review, grossly or by tissue imprint at postmortem examination, or histologically. Filariasis was significantly correlated with systemic isosporosis, coelomitis, and airsacculitis; was not correlated with subspecies, sex, or squamous metaplasia; and had a questionable correlation with body condition score. This report provides evidence that this Aproctella species has potential to contribute to morbidity and mortality in the grasshopper sparrow. This information will be helpful for implementing effective measures against suspected vectors and for the development of best practice strategies for the health management of the species in breeding programs.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) in Florida, USA: current status.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been found in Florida, USA, from the panhandle in the north to Miami and surrounding areas in the southern parts of the state, in both definitive and intermediate hosts in a limited studies completed in 2015. Additional studies have identified this parasite in a variety of intermediate hosts, both native and non-native gastropod species, with new host species recorded. Many areas in Florida with higher A. cantonensis prevalence were those with a high human population density, which suggests it is a matter of time before human infections occur in Florida. Case reports in the state currently involve non-human primates and include a gibbon and orangutan in Miami. Here, we report the current status of A. cantonensis in the state, as well as the infection in a capuchin monkey and presumptive infection in a red ruffed lemur in Gainesville, Florida.

Gastrointestinal entamoebiasis in captive anurans in North America.

Infections with Entamoeba spp. are recognized as a cause of clinical disease in many species including humans and reptiles; however, cases in amphibians are under-reported. Investigation of a mortality event among a captive population of Cranwell's horned frogs Ceratophrys cranwelli at a production facility in Florida, USA, revealed that deaths were due to the newly described Entamoeba species CT1. Infection caused severe necroulcerative gastroenterocolitis with a predilection for the colon. To date, this Entamoeba species has only been described in invasive cane toads Rhinella marina in Australia. Retrospective screening of archived anuran cases from a zoological pathology service identified 8 cases from captive populations that had histological evidence of gastrointestinal entamoebiasis. Molecular characterization was positive in 3 cases. Two cases, 1 in a Puerto Rican crested toad Peltophryne lemur and 1 in an Amazon milk frog Trachycephalus resinifictrix, showed 100% homology to E. ranarum and 1 case in a White's tree frog Litoria caerulea showed 100% homology to Entamoeba sp. CT1. This is the first report of novel Entamoeba sp. CT1 being associated with clinical disease in anurans within North America and also the first report of this Entamoeba species causing disease within managed collections as far back as 2003.

Dermatitis caused by autochthonous Cercopithifilaria bainae from a dog in Florida, USA: clinical, histological and parasitological diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Cercopithifilaria bainae is a tick-vectored filarioid nematode associated with erythematous dermatitis in dogs. It has not been reported previously in the United States. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical, histological and parasitological diagnosis and treatment of C. bainae in a dog. ANIMALS: An 11-month-old golden retriever/standard poodle mixed breed dog from Florida (USA). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The dog had no travel history within or outside the United States, was presented with a one month history of annular erythematous plaques on the head and ulcers on the medial canthi. Lesions were unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation of skin biopsies revealed an eosinophilic to lymphohistiocytic perivascular dermatitis with multiple microgranulomas and rare 5-10 µm diameter microfilariae within microgranulomas. Microfilarial morphology was consistent with C. bainae. PCR and sequencing of 18S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I genes confirmed the nematodes as C. bainae. The dog was treated with a commercial spot-on containing imidacloprid and moxidectin, and clinical resolution occurred. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of C. bainae in a dog in the United States and the first description of dermatological lesions caused primarily by C. bainae.

PREVALENCE OF PARELAPHOSTRONGYLUS ANDERSONI IN WHITE-TAILED DEER, OTHER CERVIDS, AND BOVIDS IN NORTHERN FLORIDA.

Parelaphostrongylus andersoni, the muscleworm, commonly infects white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and also infects caribou (Rangifer tarandus [R.t.] groenlanicus, R.t. grantii, R.t. tarandus, and R.t. caribou). Heavy infection with P. andersoni leads to weakness in the hindquarters, abnormal gait, and pulmonary lesions. The geographical range and full host spectrum of this parasite are not fully known. This study aims to understand host specificity better, especially in nonnative cervids and bovids. This study involved the collection of 140 fecal samples from native and nonnative cervid and bovid species, and 34 snail specimens. With the use of real-time PCR, we found 4/47 (8.5%) O. virginianus fecal samples were positive for P. andersoni. No previously undocumented species of cervids or bovids were found to be infected. Further research is warranted to understand P. andersoni range, host distribution, and potential impact on host health.

A nowcast model to predict outdoor flea activity in real time for the contiguous United States.

BACKGROUND: The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), a parasite commonly found on both dogs and cats, is a competent vector for several zoonotic pathogens, including Dipylidium caninum (tapeworms), Bartonella henselae (responsible for cat scratch disease) and Rickettsia felis (responsible for flea-borne spotted fever). Veterinarians recommend that both cats and dogs be routinely treated with medications to prevent flea infestation. Nevertheless, surveys suggest that nearly one third of pet owners do not routinely administer appropriate preventatives. METHODS: A mathematical model based on weighted averaging over time is developed to predict outdoor flea activity from weather conditions for the contiguous United States. This 'nowcast' model can be updated in real time as weather conditions change and serves as an important tool for educating pet owners about the risks of flea-borne disease. We validate our model using Google Trends data for searches for the term 'fleas.' This Google Trends data serve as a proxy for true flea activity, as validating the model by collecting fleas over the entire USA is prohibitively costly and time-consuming. RESULTS: The average correlation (r) between the nowcast outdoor flea activity predictions and the Google Trends data was moderate: 0.65, 0.70, 0.66, 0.71 and 0.63 for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. However, there was substantial regional variation in performance, with the average correlation in the East South Atlantic states being 0.81 while the average correlation in the Mountain states was only 0.45. The nowcast predictions displayed strong seasonal and geographic patterns, with predicted activity generally being highest in the summer months. CONCLUSIONS: The nowcast model is a valuable tool by which to educate pet owners regarding the risk of fleas and flea-borne disease and the need to routinely administer flea preventatives. While it is ideal for domestic cats and dogs to on flea preventatives year-round, many pets remain vulnerable to flea infestation. Alerting pet owners to the local increased risk of flea activity during certain times of the year may motivate them to administer appropriate routine preventives.

Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) whartoni (Nematoda: Rictulariidae) encysted larvae in invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) from Florida, United States.

Species of Pterygodermatites are spirurid nematodes that have expanded their geographic distribution worldwide. They infect a variety of mammalian definitive hosts with few reports of potential paratenic infections in amphibian and reptile hosts. In this study, we report Pterygodermatites sp. larvae identified in free-ranging, invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis), from central Florida, United States. Encysted larvae were recovered from the skeletal muscle and/or the coelomic cavity of three frogs; molecular characterization of the small subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA and cytochrome oxidase I genes of the parasites matched reported sequences of Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) whartoni (Tubangui, 1931). This is a parasite native to Southeastern Asia and to the best of the authors' knowledge, it is the first report of the species in the New World. The recovery of invasive Pterygodermatites from invasive Cuban treefrogs in North America highlights the growing concern regarding the potential impact non-native parasites and invasive species may have on native wildlife populations.

Comparison of sampling techniques and diagnostic tests for Cryptosporidium serpentis in eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi).

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare various sampling techniques and commercially available diagnostic tests for Cryptosporidium serpentis. METHODS: A colony of 80 eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi) in human care was screened for the presence of C serpentis using endoscopic gastric mucosal biopsies for histologic and molecular analyses. At the time of endoscopic examination and biopsy, a cloacal swab, gastric swab, and gastric lavage sample were also collected. A C serpentis-specific probe hybridization quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed on each sample. The gastric lavage sample was divided equally for direct microscopy, acid-fast stain, rapid qualitative immunochromatographic assay, direct fluorescent antibody, and 5 different PCR analyses. If a fecal sample was available at the time of endoscopic evaluation, it was also evaluated for Cryptosporidium oocysts by direct microscopy and acid-fast staining. RESULTS: When comparing test results to histologic analyses, the sensitivity of the probe hybridization qPCR of gastric biopsy, gastric lavage, and gastric swab was 100% while the cloacal swab was 72%. When gastric lavage tests were compared, qPCRs outperformed the other tests. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic biopsy for histologic and qPCR analyses is recommended for disease diagnosis, while gastric lavage or gastric swab samples for qPCR analysis are as sensitive as endoscopic biopsy for screening for the pathogen but cannot diagnose disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results from this study allow the veterinary practitioner to select the most appropriate sample and testing methodology when evaluating an ophidian patient for gastric cryptosporidiosis.

A new species of Tritrichomonas (Sarcomastigophora: Trichomonida) from the domestic cat (Felis catus).

Feline trichomoniasis is an intestinal disease in cats resulting in chronic diarrhea, flatulence, tenesmus, and fecal incontinence. Bovine trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease of cattle infecting the reproductive tract of cows causing pyometra and possible mid- to late-term abortions. The causative agent for both diseases has been reported to be the flagellated protozoan, Tritrichomonas foetus. However, several published reports support significant biological differences between T. foetus isolated from bovines and felines. In the present study, we describe Tritrichomonas blagburni n.sp. from the domestic cat (Felis catus) as the causative agent of feline intestinal trichomoniasis. We support our proposal based on results of experimental cross-infection studies between cats and cattle using both feline and bovine isolates of the parasite, differences in pathogenicity between the two parasites for the respective host species, and molecular gene sequencing differences between parasites obtained from domestic cats and parasites obtained from cattle.

The invasive pentastome Raillietiella orientalis in a banded water snake from the pet trade.

Raillietiella orientalis is established in Florida and rapidly spreading both geographically and in known host species. A banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata), purchased in Michigan at a regional reptile show, expectorated a pentastome whose morphology and DNA sequence indicated that it was R. orientalis. This event indicates that, through the pet trade, R. orientalis has been spread 1,500 km from its previously known distribution limit. Fecal sample analyses indicated that the snake was shedding large numbers of embryonated eggs for at least several months. The diversity of reptile species that are both known hosts of R. orientalis in Florida and are commonly sold in the pet trade indicates that this invasive pentastome may become a widespread health concern for pet owners and veterinarians.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in dogs with Dirofilaria immitis.

BACKGROUND: Infection by the canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, causes significant cardiopulmonary disease, with progression impacted by increasing parasite numbers and duration of infection. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an important mediator of cardiac and pulmonary disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) mitigates the maladaptive effects of angiotensin II by converting it to angiotensin (1-7). We hypothesized that circulating ACE2 activity would be altered in dogs with high heartworm infection intensities relative to dogs without heartworms. METHODS: Frozen serum samples (-80 °C) from 30 dogs euthanized at Florida shelters were analyzed for ACE2 activity using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectroscopy and a kinetics approach with and without an ACE2 inhibitor. A convenience sample of 15 dogs without heartworms (HW0) and 15 dogs with > 50 heartworms (HW>50) was included. Heartworm number and microfilariae presence were determined at necropsy. The effects of heartworm status, body weight, and sex on ACE2 were evaluated using regression analysis. Values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: All HW0 dogs were D. immitis microfilariae-negative and all HW>50 dogs were D. immitis microfilariae-positive with a median adult worm count of 74 (minimum = 63, maximum = 137). The ACE2 activity of HW>50 dogs (median = 28.2 ng/ml; minimum = 13.6, maximum = 76.2) was not different from HW0 dogs (median 31.9 ng/ml; minimum = 14.1, maximum = 139.1; P = 0.53). The ACE2 activity was higher in dogs with high body weight (median 34.2 ng/ml minimum = 14.1, maximum = 76.2) than in dogs with low weight (median 27.5 ng/ml; minimum = 16.4, maximum = 139.1; P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: Heartworm infection did not impact ACE2 activity in shelter dogs with or without heartworms, but heavier dogs had higher ACE2 activity compared to lighter dogs. Comprehensive RAAS evaluation and additional clinical information would aid in understanding how ACE2 activity relates to the entire cascade and clinical status in dogs with heartworm disease.

Association between vector-borne pathogen seroprevalence in shelter-housed and owned dog populations in the contiguous United States of America.

Domestic dogs are susceptible to numerous vector-borne pathogens that are of significant importance for their health. In addition to being of veterinary importance, many of these pathogens are zoonotic and thus may pose a risk to human health. In the USA, owned dogs are commonly screened for exposure to or infection with several canine vector-borne pathogens. Although the screening data are widely available to show areas where infections are being diagnosed, testing of owned dogs is expected to underestimate the actual prevalence in dogs that have no access to veterinary care. The goal of this study was to measure the association between the widely available data from a perceived low-risk population with temporally and spatially collected data from shelter-housed dog populations. These data were then used to extrapolate the prevalence in dogs that generally lack veterinary care. The focus pathogens included Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. There was a linear association between the prevalence of selected vector-borne pathogens in shelter-housed and owned dog populations and, generally, the data suggested that prevalence of heartworm (D. immitis) infection and seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and B. burgdorferi are higher in shelter-housed dogs, regardless of their location, compared with the owned population. The seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. was predicted to be higher in areas that have very low to low seroprevalence, but unexpectedly, in areas of higher seroprevalence within the owned population, the seroprevalence was expected to be lower in the shelter-housed dog population. If shelters and veterinarians make decisions to not screen dogs based on the known seroprevalence of the owned group, they are likely underestimating the risk of exposure. This is especially true for heartworm. With this new estimate of the seroprevalence in shelter-housed dogs throughout the USA, shelters and veterinarians can make evidence-based informed decisions on whether testing and screening for these pathogens is appropriate for their local dog population. This work represents an important step in understanding the relationships in the seroprevalences of vector-borne pathogens between shelter-housed and owned dogs, and provides valuable data on the risk of vector-borne diseases in dogs.

Increasing temperature denatures canine IgG reducing its ability to inhibit heartworm antigen detection.

BACKGROUND: Immune complexing of target antigen to high affinity host antibody is recognized to impact the sensitivity of commercial heartworm antigen tests. Published information describing the effect of heat on interfering canine host antibodies is lacking. Immune complex dissociation (ICD) by heat treatment of serum for samples initially testing negative for heartworm antigen increases sensitivity of commercial antigen tests, particularly for single sex or low adult infection intensities. In this study the stability and nature of the targeted epitope and mechanism of heat ICD were examined. METHODS: Canine IgG was isolated using protein-A columns from serum originating from four dogs evaluated after necropsy: one dog with evidence of previously cleared infection and three dogs with confirmed heartworm infections. These dogs were expected to have an excess of antibodies based on negative antigen test and to have no or low antigen optical density, respectively, following heat treatment. Interference of antigen detection on (non-heated) positive serum was evaluated, following 1:1 mixing of antibody/PBS solutions previously heated at 25 °C, 65 °C, 75 °C, 85 °C, 95 °C and 104 °C, compared to positive serum/PBS control measured by optical density using a commercial heartworm antigen ELISA and protein quantification. Live heartworms incubated in media for 72 h provided excretory/secretory antigen for antigen stability studies following heat, endopeptidase digestion and disulfide bond reduction. RESULTS: Mixing antigen-positive heartworm serum with antibody solutions demonstrated a significant inhibition of antigen detection for antibody solutions previously heated at 25 °C and 65 °C relative to positive serum/PBS control. Antigen detection optical density was restored at or above the control when positive serum was mixed with solutions previously heated at 75 °C, 85 °C, 95 °C and 104 °C. Significant changes occurred in protein levels for antibody solutions heated at 75 °C, 85 °C, 95 °C and 104 °C. Relative stability of antigen from live heartworms in culture was demonstrated following heat, chemical and enzymatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes in protein levels and antigen binding ability occurred in IgG solutions heated above 65 °C. The findings confirm heat denaturation of antibodies as the suspected mechanism of heat ICD at 104 °C for antigen diagnosis of heartworm. No significant change occurred in antigen detection following heat, chemical or enzymatic digestions supporting a heat-stable linear nature of the epitope.

Both Feline Coronavirus Serotypes 1 and 2 Infected Domestic Cats Develop Cross-Reactive Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain: Its Implication to Pan-CoV Vaccine Development.

The current study was initiated when our specific-pathogen-free laboratory toms developed unexpectedly high levels of cross-reactive antibodies to human SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV2) receptor binding domain (RBD) upon mating with feline coronavirus (FCoV)-positive queens. Multi-sequence alignment analyses of SCoV2 Wuhan RBD and four strains each from FCoV serotypes 1 and 2 (FCoV1 and FCoV2) demonstrated an amino acid sequence identity of 11.5% and a similarity of 31.8% with FCoV1 RBD (12.2% identity and 36.5% similarity for FCoV2 RBD). The sera from toms and queens cross-reacted with SCoV2 RBD and reacted with FCoV1 RBD and FCoV2 spike-2, nucleocapsid, and membrane proteins, but not with FCoV2 RBD. Thus, the queens and toms were infected with FCoV1. Additionally, the plasma from six FCoV2-inoculated cats reacted with FCoV2 and SCoV2 RBDs, but not with FCoV1 RBD. Hence, the sera from both FCoV1-infected cats and FCoV2-infected cats developed cross-reactive antibodies to SCoV2 RBD. Furthermore, eight group-housed laboratory cats had a range of serum cross-reactivity to SCoV2 RBD even 15 months later. Such cross-reactivity was also observed in FCoV1-positive group-housed pet cats. The SCoV2 RBD at a high non-toxic dose and FCoV2 RBD at a 60-400-fold lower dose blocked the in vitro FCoV2 infection, demonstrating their close structural conformations essential as vaccine immunogens. Remarkably, such cross-reactivity was also detected by the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of FCoV1-infected cats. The broad cross-reactivity between human and feline RBDs provides essential insights into developing a pan-CoV vaccine.

Infection with the fox lungworm (Crenosoma vulpis) in two dogs from New England - Two clinical reports and updated geographic distribution in North America.

Crenosoma vulpis, the fox lungworm, is a helminth parasite endemic to the fox population of New England. Domestic dogs are susceptible to infection via ingestion of snails and slugs. Two dogs from New England were diagnosed with C. vulpis. The predominant clinical sign in both dogs was a chronic cough. Treatment with steroids and antibiotics only temporarily relieved clinical signs. Thoracic radiographs in both dogs revealed bronchial patterns. Endotracheal washes were performed in each dog revealing marked, mixed inflammation consisting mainly of neutrophils with eosinophils in lesser numbers. Helminth larvae could also be visualized on cytology. A fecal flotation revealed helminth larvae in one dog but failed to identify larvae in the second dog. The diagnosis of C. vulpis was confirmed via PCR analysis and sequencing of samples from both endotracheal washes. One dog was treated with fenbendazole (50 mg/kg PO q24h for 14 days), enrofloxacin (13 mg/kg PO q 24 h for 5 days), and a tapering protocol of prednisone (20 mg PO q12h for 5 days, 20 mg PO q24h for 5 days, then 20 mg PO q48h for 10 days). The second dog was treated with fenbendazole (50 mg/kg PO q24h for 10 days) with an additional 7 days of febantel and two doses of milbemycin, achieving complete resolution of clinical signs. This lungworm is becoming increasingly more prevalent in domestic dogs worldwide and may be more prevalent in New England than previously thought. Veterinary practitioners of New England should include this respiratory helminth as a differential in dogs with respiratory signs, and respiratory washes and Baermann fecal examinations are warranted in dogs presenting with non-specific respiratory clinical signs.

Rat Lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) in the Invasive Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Central Florida, USA.

Cuban treefrogs, Osteopilus septentrionalis, were grossly examined for parasites and parasite species confirmed by PCR. Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae were recovered from the hind leg muscle of O. septentrionalis. This is the first report of the zoonotic rat lungworm in the Cuban treefrog and new geographic location (Volusia County) in Florida, US.

A NEW COCCIDIAN (APICOMPLEXA: EIMERIIDAE) IN THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED CENTRAL AMERICAN RIVER TURTLE (DERMATEMYS MAWII) IN BELIZE.

As part of a biannual health examination, coprological samples from 3-mo-old Central American river turtles, Dermatemys mawii (Gray, 1847) in a breeding program in Belize, Central America, revealed a previously undescribed coccidian (Apicomplexa) in 17 of 46 (37%) samples. Of 3 positive fecal samples transported to the University of Florida, coccidian oocysts were observed in 1 sample. Sporulated oocysts were measured and described, and using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), an approximately 400-base pair (bp) region of both the small subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA gene and 1,200-bp region of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene were amplified in all 3 samples and their products were sequenced. For comparative value, the same PCR reactions and amplifications were performed on a fecal sample containing oocysts of Eimeria mitraria obtained from a red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans. Results indicated a new eimerian in D. mawii, Eimeria grayi n. sp.

Burden of anemia and intestinal parasites in farmers and family members and owned livestock in two geographic locations in Senegal before and during the rainy seasons.

Different environmental conditions can impact the burden of anemia and intestinal parasite infections in human and livestock populations. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of anemia and intestinal parasite infections in farmers, family members, and owned sheep in two geographic locations along the Senegal River in June (end of the dry season) and September (rainy season). In Diawara, the prevalence of anemia in humans was high in June (74%) and remained high in September (75%) (p = 0.91). The prevalence of intestinal parasite infections increased from 7% in June to 54% in September (p < 0.05). Anemia was associated with age (children) and sex (women) (p < 0.05); but not with a positive diagnosis of intestinal parasite infection (p = 0.73). In sheep, the prevalence of anemia increased from 43% in June to 73% in September (p < 0.05), and the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections increased from 75% in June to 100% in September (p < 0.05). A positive diagnosis of Haemonchus contortus was associated with anemia (p = 0.05) and loss of body weight (2.4 kg) (p = 0.08). In Mpal, similar anemia and parasite infection trends were observed in children and sheep. The persistent high prevalence of anemia, and the impact of the rainy season on the burden of intestinal parasite infections in farmers, family members, and owned sheep can justify a One Health approach, where Senegal's ministries of health and of agriculture share resources for implementation and evaluation of government program efforts to reduce anemia in children and women, as well as morbidity and mortality in owned livestock; particularly in remote areas where public health services and veterinary services are very limited.