Dacryoadenitis caused by Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Flies of the genus Cochliomyia frequently cause myiasis in the Americas during the hot and humid climate, which favors the development of the parasite's life cycle. A three-year-old female sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), originated from a conservation farm in the municipality of Casimiro de Abreu, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, was presented for a necropsy. Grossly, a nodular wound in the right lacrimal gland was observed, with many intralesional larvae. The histopathological evaluation of the injured lacrimal gland revealed maggots surrounded by areas of necrosis and inflammation. Specimens were collected for parasitological examination. Morphologically, larvae were identified as Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae). It is suggested that adult C. macellaria was attracted to the site of infestation by glandular secretion. The present study shows the first report of secondary myiasis by Cochliomyia macellaria in deer.

Rickettsia felis infection in cat fleas ctenocephalides felis felis.

The present study evaluated the rickettsial infection in a laboratory colony of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouche) in Brazil. All flea samples (30 eggs, 30 larvae, 30 cocoons, 30 males, and 30 females) tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were shown to contain rickettsial DNA. PCR products, corresponding to the rickettsial gltA, htrA, ompA and ompB gene partial sequences were sequenced and showed to correspond to Rickettsia felis, indicating that the flea colony was 100% infected by R. felis. The immunofluorescence assay (IFA) showed the presence of R. felis-reactive antibodies in blood sera of 7 (87.5%) out of 8 cats that were regularly used to feed the flea colony. From 15 humans that used to work with the flea colony in the laboratory, 6 (40.0%) reacted positively to R. felis by IFA. Reactive feline and human sera showed low endpoint titers against R. felis, varying from 64 to 256. With the exception of one human serum, all R. felis-reactive sera were also reactive to Rickettsia rickettsii and/or Rickettsia parkeri antigens at similar titers to R. felis. The single human serum that was reactive solely to R. felis had an endpoint titer of 256, indicating that this person was infected by R. felis.

Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) in the abdominal cavity of a domestic cat from Brazil.

This study reports a case of parasitism by the giant kidney worm, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782), in the abdominal cavity of a domestic cat from Brazil. A female adult cat presenting prostration, dehydration, physical debility, pronounced jaundice and ascitis, was taken to the Department of Animal Parasitology of the Veterinary Institute of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Clinical signs suggested a case of peritonitis. The cat's clinical condition was grave and death occurred within a few days. During necropsy, a brownish-red nematode, 24.9cm long, was found in the abdominal cavity and was identified as a male adult D. renale. This study reports the first confirmed case of dioctophymatosis in the domestic cat. The parasite's aberrant location in the abdominal cavity suggests that the domestic cat is not a suitable host.

Efficacy of spinosad on the treatment of myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall efficacy, larval expulsion and larvicidal effect of spinosad on the treatment of myiasis caused by New World screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax in naturally infested dogs. Six Beagle dogs presenting with myiasis were treated once with spinosad 560 mg, with dosages ranging from 43 to 577 mg/kg. Dogs were observed with 15 min post treatment, and with intervals of 15 min within the first hour followed by hourly evaluations up to six hours post-treatment. After this period, the remaining larvae were mechanically removed. Spontaneous expulsion of larvae was variable among dogs. All dogs received support treatment and were followed up for healing of the myiasis-associated lesion. On average, the highest larval expulsion occurred four hours after treatment. A single spinosad treatment had an overall efficacy of 79.7% (56.7-100%). The average larval expulsion rate was 73.3% (56.7-100%), reached its maximum within 6 h post-treatment, and the average larvicidal effect was only 23.7% (0-58.3%). No animal needed a second dosage 24 h post-treatment, lesions were completely healed within 8 days post-treatment. Despite not reaching the desirable 100% efficacy, spinosad treatment is an option in managing NSW myiasis, in conjunction with mechanical removal of maggots that remain in the lesion and support treatment.

Injectable fipronil for cattle: Plasma disposition and efficacy against Rhipicephalus microplus.

Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole class insecticide. It is widely used as an insecticide in agriculture and in the control of ectoparasites in veterinary medicine. The application of fipronil in an injectable form (subcutaneously) becomes an innovation, since there is no commercially available preparation containing fipronil herein. The present study aimed at fipronil usage, applied subcutaneously in cattle, to control Rhipicephalus microplus. The assessing criteria used in the research have been the construction of the plasma concentration curve and efficacy studies. A method using High Performance Liquid Chromatograph with ultraviolet detection was developed for determination of fipronil in bovine plasma samples, providing a fast and simple process with good reproducibility and low limit of quantification. The validation of the analytical method showed linearity, selectivity, precision, accuracy, sensitivity and stability, thus proving it as suitable for routine analysis. This method showed to be an important investigative tool in the analysis of fipronil plasma concentration in cattle. Fipronil administered via subcutaneous in bovine reached the systemic circulation (Cmax=378.06±137.44 ng/mL), was quickly absorbed (t(max)=10±0.87 h), and its elimination occurred slowly (t(1/2)=12 days), while maintaining quantifiable blood plasma levels (23.79±12.16 ng/mL) for up to 21 days after the treatment with a 1 mg/kg dosage. The in vivo efficacy tests proved that fipronil applied subcutaneously in a single dose of 1 mg/kg in cattle exhibited a mean efficacy of 82.41% against R. microplus. The potential of subcutaneous injection as an alternative treatment route in cattle encourage the development of an injectable formulation of fipronil.

Evaluation of pharmacokinetics and efficacy of ivermectin following oral administration in dogs against experimental infection of Ctenocephalides felis felis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

With the increasing number of pets in home the human-animal relationship is increasingly close and care about control disease growing. Ivermectin (IVM) is frequently used because its proven safety. IVM is recommended for the treatment of demodectic scabies and prevention of heartworm in dogs, but informally is extremely used to control of Ctenocephalides felis felis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The aim of this study is evaluate the use of IVM in dogs, by the oral route at 0.6µg/kg dose, against experimental infection of these parasites using the construction of the plasma concentration curve and efficacy study. A IVM quantification method in canine plasma using HPLC-FL was developed and validated based on RE n°899/03 ANVISA. The samples collected during the efficacy test was analyzed by this validated method and prove Cmax of 350ng/mL at 4h (tmax) and AUC of 8411ng/h/mL. Spite of formulation have shown good absorption, the highest efficiency values found for Rhipcephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis were very low, 35% and 67% respectively, demonstrating this not be the most appropriate treatment for the control of these parasites.

Efficacy of oral doramectin as treatment for Psoroptes ovis and Leporacarus gibbus in naturally infested rabbits / Eficácia de doramectin no tratamento oral para Psoroptes ovis e Leporacarus gibbus em coelhos naturalmente infestados

The present study evaluated the efficacy of a single oral dose of doramectin in the control of Psoroptes ovis and Leporacarus gibbus in naturally infested rabbits. Sixteen adult rabbits were selected and distributed in two experimental groups. The treated group received 200 µg/Kg of oral doramectin and the control group received the same volume of saline solution. The diagnosis of the mites was made with a stereoscopic microscope. Hairs from the dorsal part of the neck, lumbar right, lumbar left, ventral side of the tail and ventral abdomen were evaluated for L. gibbus, and ear wax evaluated for P. ovis. The evaluation of the efficiency and the clinical assessment of the lesions was made in days 0, +3, +7, +14, +21, +28, and +35 after treatment. An efficacy of 75% and 87,5% was observed for L. gibbus in days +3 and +7 after treatment, an efficacy of 100% was observed in days +14, + 21, +28 e +35. An efficacy of 100% for the control of P. ovis was observed following day +7. The clinical lesion score of the control group remained unaltered, except for one animal which conditions worsened during experimentation. In the treated group animals, regression of the lesions was observed following day +3, and on day +21 no signal of infestation by P. ovis was present. None of the animals from the treated group presented secondary collateral effects caused by the doramectin, which proved itself as an optimal alternative for mite control in naturally infested rabbits.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia da doramectina administrada por via oral no controle de Psoroptes ovis e Leporacarus gibbus em coelhos naturalmente infestados. Foram selecionados 16 coelhos adultos, distribuídos em dois grupos experimentais, compondo oito animais por grupo. O grupo tratado foi medicado com 200µg/kg de doramectina por via oral, enquanto que no grupo controle foi administrado o mesmo volume de solução salina. O diagnóstico dos ácaros foi realizado com auxílio de microscópio estereoscópico. Foram coletados pelos das regiões do pescoço dorsal, lombar direita, lombar esquerda, cauda ventral e abdômen ventral para avaliação de L. gibbus e para P. ovis foi coletado cerúmen das orelhas com auxílio de zaragatoas. A avaliação da eficácia e a avaliação clínica das lesões, mensuradas em escores (grau 0 a 4), foi realizada nos dias 0, +3, +7, +14, +21, +28 e +35, após o tratamento. Foi observada eficácia de 75% e 87,5% no controle de L. gibbus nos dias +3 e +7 após o tratamento, sendo observada eficácia de 100% nos dias +14, + 21, +28 e +35. Foi observada eficácia de 100% no controle de P. ovis a partir do dia +7, permanecendo até o final do período observacional. O escore das lesões clínicas no grupo controle permaneceu de forma inalterada, exceto em um animal que piorou ao longo dos dias experimentais, enquanto nos animais do grupo tratado regrediu a partir do dia +3 e já no dia +21 após o tratamento, os animais apresentavam-se sem sinais da infestação por P. ovis. Nenhum animal do grupo tratado apresentou quaisquer efeitos colaterais secundários causados pela doramectina, que se mostrou uma ótima alternativa para o controle dos ácaros em coelhos naturalmente parasitados.(AU)

Furuncular myiasis caused by the human bot-fly Dermatobia hominis in a domestic cat from Brazil.

This paper reports a case of furuncular myiasis caused by the human bot-fly Dermatobia hominis in a domestic cat from Brazil. A crossbred shorthaired female cat of approximately 3 years old, presented with three boil-like cutaneous lesions at the left cranioventral region of the neck. These were diagnosed as furuncular myiasis. The animal was sedated, and after shaving the fur, bot-fly larvae were removed from the lesion by digital compression. Afterwards, the wounds were treated with 10% iodine solution and also with wound-healing cream containing sulfanilamide, urea and beeswax. Maggots were identified as third-stage larvae of D hominis. Clinical case reports of human bot-fly myiasis in cats are relevant due to its scarce occurrence in feline veterinary practice in some countries.

Larvicidal efficacy of nitenpyram on the treatment of myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in dogs.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of nitenpyram for the treatment of screwworm myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in naturally infested dogs. Seven Beagle dogs presenting with myiasis were treated with nitenpyram twice at an interval of 6 h. The animals received dosages between 1.43 and 4.42 mg/kg body weight of nitenpyram in each given treatment. The criteria used to determine the drug efficacy were larval expulsion and fall. These were quantified at 15 min intervals within the first hour followed by 2, 3, 4, 6, and 18 h post-treatment. The highest larval expulsion happened between 1 and 2 h post-treatment. The spontaneous larval expulsion percentages were 86% and 94.11% for 6 and 18 h after the first treatment, respectively. Larvae were expelled until 18 h post-treatment. After this period the remaining dead larvae were mechanically removed. Nitenpyram showed 100% efficacy on the treatment of myiasis by C. hominivorax in naturally infested dogs.

Eficácia da ivermectina oral no controle de Psoroptes ovis e Leporacarus gibbus em coelhos naturalmente infestados / Efficacy of oral ivermectin for control of Psoroptes ovis and Leporacarus gibbus in naturally infested rabbits

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia da ivermectina administrada por via oral no controle de Psoroptes ovis e Leporacarus gibbus em coelhos naturalmente infestados. Foram selecionados 20 coelhos adultos, distribuídos na mesma proporção de ambos os sexos, em dois grupos experimentais, compondo dez animais por grupo. No grupo controle foi administrado o mesmo volume do tratamento de solução salina, enquanto o grupo tratado recebeu dose única de ivermectina oral (400 µg/Kg). O diagnóstico dos ácaros foi realizado com auxílio de microscópio estereoscópico após a devida coleta de material. Para P. ovis foi realizada através de coleta do cerúmen com auxílio de zaragatoas efetuadas nas orelhas e para por L. gibbus foi realizada coleta de pelos nas regiões do pescoço dorsal, lombar direita, lombar esquerda, cauda ventral e abdômen ventral. A avaliação da eficácia e a avaliação clínica das lesões, mensuradas em escores (grau 0 a 4) foi realizada nos dias 0, +3, +7, +14, +21, +28 e + 35, após o tratamento. Foi observada a eficácia de 100% no controle de P. ovis a partir do dia +7 e para L. gibbus a partir do dia +14, mantendo-se negativos até o final do período experimental. O escore da lesão das orelhas do grupo tratado regrediu a partir do dia +14 e no dia +21 todos os animais atingiram grau 0. No grupo controle, dois animais apresentaram aumento no escore da lesão das orelhas, um coelho apresentou aumento do escore de grau 1 para 2 e outro coelho de grau 3 para 4. Não foram observadas quaisquer reações adversas nos animais tratados. A ivermectina administrada por via oral em dose única foi eficaz no controle de P. ovis e L. gibbus em coelhos naturalmente infestados...

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral ivermectin in the control of Psoroptes ovis and Leporacarus gibbus in naturally infested rabbits. Twenty adult rabbits were selected; they were distributed in two groups with equal proportions of both sexes, containing ten animals per group. In the control group the same volume of the treatment was administered of saline solution, meanwhile the treated group received a single dose of oral ivermectin (400µg/kg). The diagnosis of the mites was made with a stereoscopic microscope, after the proper collection of material. For P. ovis it was performed by collecting of ear wax with swabs and for L. gibbus it was performed by collecting hairs in the dorsal part of the neck, lumbar right, lumbar left, ventral side of the tail and ventral abdomen. The evaluation of the efficiency and the clinical evaluation of the lesions, measured in scores (grade 0 to 4) was made in days 0, +3, +7, +4, +21, +28, and +35, after treatment. An efficiency of 100% was observed for P. ovis following day +7, and for L. gibbus following day +14, remaining negative until the final day of the study. The score of lesions in the ears of the treated group regressed following day +14 and on day +21 all animals reached a score of 0. In the control group, two animals presented an increase in ear lesion score, one rabbit presented an increase from score 1 to 2, and the other rabbit, from score 3 to 4. No adverse reactions were observed in the treated animals. The single dose administration of oral ivermectin was successful in the control of P. ovis and L. gibbus in naturally infested rabbits...

Efficacy of the d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen association against mites in naturally co-infested rabbits / Eficácia da associação de d-fenotrina e piriproxifen no controle de ácaros em coelhos naturalmente co-infestados

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen association against Psoroptes ovis, Cheyletiella parasitivorax, and Leporacarus gibbus infestations in naturally co-infested rabbits. Twenty crossbreed (New Zealand White x California) rabbits concurrently infested by the three mite species were randomly divided in two groups. All rabbits presented with hyperemia, erythema and formation of crusts in the ear canals caused by P. ovis. Infestations by both C. parasitivorax and L. gibbus were considered asymptomatic in all animals.Ten animals were treated with a 4.4% d-phenothrin and 0.148% pyriproxyfen spray formulation until have their body surface uniformly sprayed, including external ear canals. The other ten rabbits remained untreated, serving as control group. Observations were done on days +7, +14, +21, +28, and +35 post-treatment. The d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen association showed 100% efficacy against the three mite species and was responsible for the remission of psoroptic mange lesions on treated animals. No signs of intoxication were observed. The results indicate that d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen spray formulation in a single application is an effective and clinically safe option for the control of different mite infestations in rabbits.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da associação de d-fenotrina e piriproxifen no controle de infestações simultâneas por Psoroptes ovis, Cheyletiella parasitivorax e Leporacarus gibbus em coelhos naturalmente co-infestados. Vinte coelhos mestiços (Nova Zelândia Branco x Califórnia) infestados simultaneamente pelas três espécies de ácaros foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Todos os coelhos infestados por apresentavam eritema, hiperemia e formação de crostas nas orelhas, causados por P. ovis. Infestações simultâneas por C. parasitivorax e L. gibbus foram considerados assintomáticas em todos os animais. Dez animais foram tratados com uma formulação spray contendo d-fenotrina a 4,4% e piriproxifen a 0,148%, pulverizando toda a superfície corporal de forma uniforme, incluindo a face interna das orelhas. Os outros 10 coelhos não foram t ratados, sendo mantidos como grupo controle. Os animais foram avaliados nos dias 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 pós-tratamento. A associação de d-fenotrina e piriproxifen foi 100% eficaz no controle das três espécies de ácaros e foi responsável pela remissão das lesões de sarna psoróptica nos animais tratados. Não foram observados sinais de intoxicação. Os resultados indicam que a formulação spray de d-fenotrina e piriproxifen em uma única aplicação é uma opção clinicamente segura e eficaz no controle de infestações por ácaros em coelhos.

[Residual activity in vitro of treated dog's hair coat with dinotefuran on larvae and adults of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)]. / Atividade residual in vitro do pelo de cobertura de cães tratados com dinotefuran sobre larvas e adultos de Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the residual activity of treated dog's hair coat with dinotefuran on larvae and adults of Ctenocephalides felis felis. Three female Beagle dogs were used. One female dog was treated with 0.834% dinotefuran spray, the second was treated with 30% dinotefuran strip-on and the third was not treated. Some areas of dog's hair were clipped on days 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 37 and 44 after treatment. For the evaluation of adulticidal and larvicidal activities, flea adults and larvae from the laboratory colony were used. Six repetitions were used with 10 samples of each flea stage per day, placed in assay tubes. In each repetition we added 0.02 g of treated or untreated dog's hair and larval diet for the immature stage. Flea adult assay was evaluated with 24 hours and the flea larvae 20 days after treatment. The residue on hair coat of both treated dogs showed efficacy on the flea larvae control for 44 days. Regarding the flea adults control the spray and strip-on formulations showed efficacy until days 16 and 23, respectively.

[Activity of neem extract on the embryonary development of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)]. / Atividade do extrato de nim sobre o desenvolvimento embrionário de Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae).

The present study had as objective to evaluate the activity of limonoid azadiractin, extracted of the seeds of the plant Azadirachta indica, neem, on the embryonary development of Ctenocephalides felis felis. A dog was sprayed with the formulation 10%, another dog was kept as control, without treatment. Both had been infested weekly with 600 fleas, in the ratio of 1:1 between males and females. The deriving positions of the infestations had been incubate per seven days in assay pipes, and evaluated it percentage of emerging of flea eggs, comparing themselves the averages of the groups treat and have controlled. The extract of nim presented activity on the embryonary development of C. f. felis, keeping superior levels of effectiveness 80% until day +14, beyond diminishing the position and inhibiting the development between urging larval of the percentage of larvae that had come out.

[Bovine parasitic otitis due to rhabditiform nematodes in Gyr cows from the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Otite parasitária bovina por nematóides rhabditiformes em vacas Gir no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

The aim of this report was to describe the occurrence of the bovine parasitic otitis caused by rhabditiform nematodes in Gyr cows breed from the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eighty six Gyr cows, from the same farm, presenting clinical otitis, were examined for the presence of rhabditiform nematodes with the aid of a swab. All the animals were positive for rhabditiform nematodes in both ear cannals.

Eficácia acaricida de uma emulsão contendo 10 por cento de óleo de nim (Azadirachta indica) no controle de Psoroptes ovis em coelhos naturalmente infestados / Miticidal efficacy of an emulsion containing 10 percent neem (Azadirachtaindica) oil for control of Psoroptes ovis in naturally infested rabbits

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de uma emulsão contendo 10% de óleo de nim, Azadirachta indica, no controle de Psoroptes ovis em coelhos naturalmente infestados. Foram utilizados 12 coelhos separados aleatoriamente em dois grupos de seis animais cada. O grupo controle permaneceu sem tratamento, enquanto que o grupo tratado recebeu a formulação em teste, contendo 10% de Nim, borrifando ambos os condutos auditivos, uma vez ao dia, por sete dias consecutivos. Os animais foram avaliados diariamente para observação de possíveis efeitos adversos do produto. Nos dias +3, +7, +14,+21, +28 e +35 foi coletado material de todos os animais para avaliação da presença de ácaros vivos. Os coelhos do grupo controle apresentavam ácaros em ambos os condutos auditivos em todos os dias de observação. O grupo tratado apresentou eficácia de 41,7% no dia +3 e 100% a partir do dia +7 até o dia +35. O produto demonstrou ser eficaz no tratamento da sarna psoróptica em coelhos. Entretanto, todos os animais tratados apresentaram reações dermatológicas, tais como alopecia e hiperemia no local de aplicação do produto, variando de baixa a média severidade.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of an emulsion containing 10% of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil on the control of Psoroptes ovis in naturally infested rabbits. Twelve rabbits were randomly divided in two groups of six animals. The control group remained without treatment; while animals in the other group were treated with the 10% neem extract formulation by spraying both ears daily for seven consecutive days. The animals were evaluated daily for the presence of adverse effects. Material from ears all animals was collected on days +3, +7, +14, +21, +28 and +35, and evaluated for the presence of living mites. Animals from control group presented mites in both ears along all days of observation. The treated group presented an efficacy of 41.7% on day +3 and 100% from day +7 to +35. The product containing 10% neem oil has demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of psoroptic mange on rabbits. However, treated animals presented dermatological reaction such as alopecia and hyperemia at the site of application, varying from low to medium severity.

[Miticidal efficacy of thiabendazole against Otodectes cynotis (Hering, 1838) in dogs]. / Eficácia acaricida do tiabendazol sobre Otodectes cynotis (Hering, 1838) em cães.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of thiabendazole on the treatment of Otodectes cynotis infestations in dogs. Ten naturally infested beagle dogs were used. The mites were diagnosed through otoscopy. Dogs were examined three days before treatment (day -3) and on the treatment day (day 0). They were randomly divided into two groups, five animals for the control group and five for the treated. During seven days, was applied in both ears of the treated dogs 1ml of the thiabendazole 5% solution, which correspond to 50mg of the product. All animals were reexamined through otoscopy on days +1, +3, +7, +10, +17, +24 and +31. The dogs on the control group showed mites in both ears during the whole period of observation. On the treated group the efficacy varied from 20% on the left ear to 80% on the right ear, on the first day after treatment. On days +3, +7, +10, +17, +24 and +31 the medium efficacy was 100% on both ears. The thiabendazole was efficient on the elimination of O. cynotis in dogs when used on the dose of 50mg per ear during seven following days.

Rickettsia felis infection in cat fleas Ctenocephalides felis felis

The present study evaluated the rickettsial infection in a laboratory colony of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouche) in Brazil. All flea samples (30 eggs, 30 larvae, 30 cocoons, 30 males, and 30 females) tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were shown to contain rickettsial DNA. PCR products, corresponding to the rickettsial gltA, htrA, ompA and ompB gene partial sequences were sequenced and showed to correspond to Rickettsia felis, indicating that the flea colony was 100 percent infected by R. felis. The immunofluorescence assay (IFA) showed the presence of R. felis-reactive antibodies in blood sera of 7 (87.5 percent) out of 8 cats that were regularly used to feed the flea colony. From 15 humans that used to work with the flea colony in the laboratory, 6 (40.0 percent) reacted positively to R. felis by IFA. Reactive feline and human sera showed low endpoint titers against R. felis, varying from 64 to 256. With the exception of one human serum, all R. felis-reactive sera were also reactive to Rickettsia rickettsii and/or Rickettsia parkeri antigens at similar titers to R. felis. The single human serum that was reactive solely to R. felis had an endpoint titer of 256, indicating that this person was infected by R. felis.

Avaliação de diferentes dietas merídicas sobre a emergência de adultos de Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) / Evaluation of different meridic diets upon adult emergence of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a influência de dietas merídicas compostas por sangue de diferentes espécies animais sobre a emergência de adultos da pulga Ctenocephalides felis felis. Foram utilizadas seis dietas artificiais contendo areia e sangue desidratado de cão, boi, coelho e galinha, acrescidas ou não com farelo de trigo. Foram realizadas seis repetições contendo dez ovos de C. f. felis para cada dieta. Após 25 dias de incubação, os ovos foram quantificados e avaliados quanto à emergência de adultos. O número de pulgas emergidas para dietas com sangue de boi, cão, coelho e galinha, com areia e farelo de trigo, foi de aproximadamente oito pulgas. Para as dietas contendo apenas sangue de boi ou de cão e areia, essa emergência foi de aproximadamente uma pulga para ambas. Conclui-se que a origem do sangue empregado na elaboração da dieta não interfere significativamente no percentual de emergência de adultos de C. f. felis. Portanto, pode-se optar pela espécie animal disponível para o preparo da dieta artificial, aliada à suplementação comfarelo de trigo, para suprir uma eventual perda nutricional decorrente da desidratação do sangue.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of meridic diets composed by blood from different animal species upon the adult emergence of Ctenocephalides felis felis fleas. Six artificial diets containing dried bloodof cattle (standard), dogs, rabbit and chicken, combined with sand or sand/wheat bran were prepared. For each diet six samples containing ten C. f. felis eggs were evaluated. After 25 days of incubation, samples were assessed for adult emergence. The number of emerge fleas for diets composed by bovine, canine, rabbit and chicken combined with sand/ wheat bran was aproximally eight fleas. Diets composed by bovine and canine combined with sand, this emergence was aproximally one flea, for both. It can be concluded that the blood origin do not alter significantly C. f. felis adultemergence rate. Therefore, blood from any available animal species can be used for artificial diet formulation, combined with wheat bran in order to supply any nutritional losses occurred during blood dehydration.

Inefficacy of albendazole sulphoxide and ivermectin for the treatment of bovine parasitic otitis caused by rhabditiform nematodes / Ineficácia do sulfóxido de albendazole e da ivermectina no tratamento da otite parasitária bovina causada por nematóides rhabditiformes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of orally administered albendazole sulphoxide and pour-on ivermectin for the treatment of bovine parasitic otitis caused by rhabditiform nematodes. Eighteen Gyr cows presenting clinical otitis were divided in three groups with six animals each. The first one did not receive any treatment (control group). The second one was treated with 0.5 percent pour-on ivermectin, 500µg/kg of body weight, and the third group was treated with oral 6 percent albendazole sulphoxide, at 6.0mg/kg. Both ear canals of each animal were reexamined on days 7 and 21 post treatment. The animals in the control group remained infected throughout the days of observation. Ivermectin treatment did not show effectiveness on days 7 or 21 post treatment. The albendazole sulphoxide treatment had an efficacy of 16.7 and 25 percent on days 7 and 21, respectively. Further studies are required to assess an effective treatment for this parasitic disease, especially via alternative administration routes, because of its significant impact on Bos taurus indicus cattle breeding in Tropical and Subtropical Regions.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do sulfóxido de albendazol administrado oralmente e da ivermectina "pour-on" no tratamento da otite parasitária bovina causada por nematóides rhabditiformes. Dezoito vacas Gir apresentando otite clínica foram divididas em três grupos de seis animais cada. O primeiro não recebeu tratamento (grupo controle). O segundo foi tratado com ivermectina "pour-on" a 0,05 por cento na dose de 500µg/kg de peso vivo. O terceiro grupo foi tratado com sulfóxido de albendazol oral a 6 por cento na dose 6,0mg/kg. Os condutos auditivos de todos os animais foram reexaminados nos dias 7 e 21 pós-tratamento. Os animais do grupo controle permaneceram infectados nos dias de observação. O tratamento com ivermectina não demonstrou eficácia alguma para os dias 7 e 21 pós-tratamento. O tratamento com sulfóxido de albendazol obteve 16,7 e 25 por cento de eficácia nos dias 7 e 21, respectivamente. Mais estudos são necessários para determinação de tratamentos eficazes para tal doença parasitária, especialmente através de vias alternativas de administração, por causa de seu significante impacto na criação de Bos taurus indicus nas Regiões Tropical e Subtropical.

Survey on control and management practices of equine helminthes infection / Inquérito sobre práticas de manejo e controle das helmintoses em éguas no Brasil

Twenty-nine stud farms were selected in the Medium Paraíba region of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. After an interview with the person responsible for the animals, faecal samples were collected from mares and analyzed via the EPG technique, faecal cultures, Sedimentation-centrifugo-flotation, and modified Ueno and Baermann techniques. The prevalence of helminths in the mares and in the stud farms was calculated. The stocking rates of pasture, change of horse bedding, absence of pasture rotation, absence of technology in the property, and less frequent treatment of the animals were associated with a greater prevalence of helminths, showing that these variables must be considered in equine control programs. The intensity of the parasitism was also associated with the stocking rate of pasture, absence of dunghill, presence of the animals only in paddocks, lack of technology in the property, less frequent treatment of the animals, and absence of the use of rotation regarding the anthelmintic class.

Vinte nove haras foram selecionados na região do Médio Paraíba, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, os responsáveis pelos animais entrevistados e amostras fecais de éguas foram coletadas e submetidas às técnicas de OPG, Coprocultura, Sedimento-centrifugo-flutuação, Ueno e Baermann modificadas. A prevalência dos helmintos para as éguas e haras foi calculada. A capacidade de suporte, a troca de cama nas baias, a ausência da rotação do pasto, a ausência do tecnificação na propriedade e menor freqüência do tratamento dos animais foram associadas à prevalência maior dos helmintos, indicando que estas variáveis devem ser consideradas em programas de controle dos helmintos de eqüinos. A intensidade do parasitismo foi também associado à capacidade de suporte do pasto, à ausência de esterqueira, à presença dos animais somente nos pastos, à ausência do tecnificação na propriedade, à menos freqüência do tratamento e à ausência de uso da rotação da classe anti-helmintica.