Development of an indirect ELISA for the serodiagnosis of canine infection by Onchocerca lupi.

Onchocerca lupi is a zoonotic filarioid parasite of dogs and cats with widespread distribution. A specific non-invasive diagnostic assay for the detection of O. lupi infections remains unavailable. This study aimed to assess the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of an ELISA test designed using nine peptides from two O. lupi proteins. Sera (n = 54) collected from O. lupi infected dogs from endemic areas (Portugal and USA), alongside sera from dogs positive for Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, Cercopithifilaria bainae, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum (n = 53) from a non-endemic area for O. lupi, as well as from helminth-free dogs (n = 60), were tested. The checkerboard titration method was applied for the optimization of peptide concentrations and conjugate anti-dog dilutions. Sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off values were calculated using ROC curve analysis. All peptides reacted against sera of O. lupi, with no correlation between optic density (OD) values and microfilariae (mfs) loads. Sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 85.45 to 100%, and 88.89% to 100%, respectively, were recorded for all peptides examined, with 100% specificity and sensitivity observed for peptides 40_3, 40_5, 130_3, 120_3 and 40_1, 130_5, respectively. The maximum cut-off value was observed for peptides 40_5 (0.765) and 40_3 (0.708). Testing of sera from dogs positive for other filarioids resulted in lower OD values (up to 1.565) for peptides 40_3 and 40_5 when compared with O. lupi (up to 2.929). The availability of this assay will be of value in epidemiological studies of canine O. lupi infection in both endemic and non-endemic areas, and in assessing the risk for zoonotic transmission.

Aural hematoma in lambs associated with Otobius megnini (Ixodida: Argasidae) infestation.

In this report we described a case of aural hematomas in three lambs associated with Otobius megnini (Ixodida: Argasidae) infestation. From April to May 2021, five 3-month-old Hampshire cross lambs presented with unilateral aural hematomas. Upon otoscopic examination, engorged soft ticks (O. megnini) were observed in the external ear canals of three of the five lambs. The remaining two lambs had lesions consistent with infestation and were in a shared environment and deemed likely to have been infected. The treatment of all animals was based on the drainage of the serosanguinous fluid through an incision in the internal space of the ear pinna. Upon physical inspection of the entire flock (n = 310), O. megnini infestation was observed in one additional animal that did not have a hematoma. Following animal and environmental ectoparasiticide treatment with permethrin, no recurrences or additional cases of aural hematomas were observed in the flock in the following two-year period. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of aural hematomas in lambs associated with O. megnini infestation with successful recovery after surgery and off-label acaricide treatment.

Evaluation of a refugia-based strategy for gastrointestinal nematodes on weight gain and fecal egg counts in naturally infected stocker calves administered combination anthelmintics.

Refugia-based strategies associated with a combination of anthelmintic drugs belonging to different drug classes are becoming more common management practices to mitigate anthelmintic resistance (AR) in gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in small ruminants. Though refugia-based strategies have been largely demonstrated in small ruminants, cattle veterinarians and producers are considering such management strategies in grazing cattle production systems. Implementing refugia-based strategies lowers the amount of anthelmintics used in the herd and therefore slows the progression of AR by allowing a proportion of worms to escape drug selection pressure. The objective of this study was to observe the effect of a refugia-based strategy on body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and fecal egg counts (FEC) of trichostongyle-type nematodes in naturally infected beef calves over a 131-day grazing season when compared with a whole herd treatment strategy, using the same combination of drugs. Stocker calves (n = 160) were ranked by body weight within sex then allocated to 16 paddocks, which were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. All calves in Group 1 (n = 80) were administered treatment, while in Group 2 (n = 80) the steer with the highest FEC in eggs per gram (EPG) within the paddock was left untreated. Treated calves received an extended release injectable 5 % eprinomectin (LongRange®, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.; 1 mL/50 kg of BW) and a 22.5 % oxfendazole oral suspension (Synanthic®, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.; 1 mL/50 kg of BW). Fecal egg counts and BW were recorded on days (D) -35, 0, 21, 131, and 148 to calculate the average fecal egg count reduction (FECR) and ADG for both groups. Linear mixed models, with paddock as the experimental unit, were used for analyses. The EPG differed on D21 (p < 0.01) and D131 (p = 0.057) with Group 2 having a higher average FEC (15.2 EPG D21; 57 EPG D131) compared with Group 1 (0.4 EPG D21; 37.25 EPG D131). However, there was no significant difference in average BW or ADG between treatment groups throughout the study. Results suggest refugia-based strategies could be implemented without significant negative impacts on average BW and ADG across other calves in the herd.

An unusual case of Brugia sp. infection in a dog from Alberta, Canada.

Brugia is a vector-transmitted nematode that is commonly known for its zoonotic significance of causing lymphatic filariasis in Asia and Oceanic regions of the world. In addition to public health concerns, Brugia species have been known to infect domestic animals, including dogs and cats. However, information is scarce regarding genus Brugia in North America, and rare infections have been noted in domestic cats, humans, and other wild mammals. Herein, we document the first reported case of a Brugia species infection in a dog from North America and the first molecular characterization of the species in question. A three-year-old German Shepard from Alberta, Canada presented to a local veterinary clinic with a facial subcutaneous nodule that was surgically excised. Histopathology identified an enlarged buccal lymph node containing small foci of eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammation within the cortex and capsule. This inflammation was associated with adult filarioid nematodes localized within lymphatic vessels or adjacent connective tissue. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, and PCR targeting the Hha1 repeat and the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1) of the mitochondrial DNA confirmed parasite identity as Brugia sp. While we can rule out B. beaveri being the causative agent, we cannot exclude B. lepori infection or a third uncharacterized Brugia species. Veterinarians and physicians should be made aware of North American Brugia infections and their possible health concerns.

The Prevalence and Control of Lungworms of Pastoral Ruminants in Iran.

Lungworms of the genera Dictyocaulus, Muellerius, Protostrongylus, and Cystocaulus are common helminths of domestic and wild ruminants with substantial veterinary and economic importance. Several studies have assessed the presence and prevalence of lungworm infections in ruminants in Iran. This report compiles the available scientific information about the occurrence of lungworms in domestic and wild ruminants in Iran between 1931 and June 2022 to give an insight into their epidemiology, and where possible to describe drug treatment efficacy. For this purpose, national and international scientific databases were searched. Overall, 54 publications comprising 33 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 8 conference papers, and 13 dissertations were evaluated regarding prevalence data; and an additional 4 peer-reviewed articles were evaluated regarding drug efficacy. Seven species of lungworms, namely Dictyocaulus filaria, Dictyocaulus viviparus, Dictyocaulus eckerti, Protostrongylus rufescens, Protostrongylus raillietti, Muellerius capillaris, and Cystocaulus ocreatus have been recorded from different ruminant hosts in Iran. Thirty-three studies conducted on small ruminant (sheep and goat) lungworms reported prevalences of lungworm infection of 11.6%, 45.81% and 66.29% using abattoir meat inspection, Baermann technique and fecal flotation, respectively. Eight studies conducted on large ruminants (cattle and water buffalo) reported prevalences of infection of 14.83%, 13.98% and 5% using abattoir meat inspection, the Baermann technique and fecal flotation, respectively. The prevalence of infection in wild ruminants was variable across examined species; 38% in urial, 37% in wild goats, 5% in goitered gazelles and 67% in red deer, in addition to a single case report in roe deer. There are few contemporary studies assessing the efficacy of currently available broad-spectrum anthelmintic compounds against lungworms in Iran. The high prevalence of multiple lungworm species in Iran, combined with a lack of information about drug efficacy, supports the need to improve the understanding of these important nematode parasites and inform the development of sustainable control strategies. The aim of this review and meta-analysis is to provide a baseline for future conventional parasitology and next generation molecular epidemiological studies of lungworm infection in pastoral ruminants in Iran.

Extensive Aberrant Migration of Onchocerca lupi in a Dog.

A 13-year-old Labrador retriever mixed breed dog from Arizona was presented for evaluation of an acute onset of a head tilt as well as vocalization and head shaking upon palpation of the ears. The dog was previously treated for ocular onchocercosis associated with the right eye 10 years earlier. Ophthalmic examination at presentation revealed irregular, tan-colored, masses on the sclera of both eyes. Otoscopic evaluation of the left ear was limited because the canals were stenotic and inaccessible. Cytology did not reveal any infectious etiologies and the dog was subsequently treated with an anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone for 10 days. Two weeks later the dog developed a mild dysphonia and stridor that eventually progressed to include difficulty breathing. The dog was euthanized and postmortem examination revealed white-to-tan nodules identified in the episclera, trachea, subcutis around the nares, external ear canals, and within the fascia overlying the temporalis muscle, as well as in the parietal pleura, and pericardium. There was also a large mass that obliterated the laryngeal cartilage that partially occluded the laryngeal opening. Microscopically, the described nodules consisted predominately of lakes of abundant mineralized debris, admixed with granulomatous inflammation centered around degenerate nematodes that were subsequently confirmed by PCR and sequence analysis to be Onchocerca lupi. The veterinary literature is comprised of only 2 reports that describe aberrant O. lupi migration to the trachea and larynx. Here, we provide the first detailed description of a dog with extensive aberrant onchocercosis.

Endoparasites of pet reptiles and amphibians from exotic pet shows in Texas, United States.

Reptiles and amphibians are becoming increasingly more common in the exotic pet trade and as such veterinary care is also rising. Parasitic infections can pose a serious threat to pet reptiles and amphibians and are a common finding in these exotic pets. The purpose of the present study was to determine the species composition of parasites among reptiles and amphibians entering the pet industry. Excreta were collected from 283 reptiles and amphibians (181 geckos, 23 chameleons, 21 frogs, 16 tortoises, 11 snakes, 1 caiman, and 31 other lizard species), representing 58 different species. Samples were collected from animals being sold at exotic pet shows in Texas, USA, where breeders from throughout the United States gathered to showcase their exotic pets. Excreta samples were tested using double centrifugation flotation with Sheather's sucrose solution. Endoparasites were identified in 51.9% of samples. The most prevalent helminth parasite among reptiles and amphibians were Pharyngodonidae (44.5%) nematodes. Oocysts of coccidians such as Isospora, Eimeria, and Choleoeimeria, and cysts of the ciliate Nyctotherus were also identified. The prevalence rates of endoparasites among animal groups ranged from 0 to 87.5%. The highest prevalence of infection was found in Testudines (87.5%), followed by Chamaeleonidae (87%), other lizards (76.7%), Amphibia (71.4%), Serpentes (63.6%), and then Gekkonidae (55.2%). No endoparasites were detected in the one Crocodylia sampled. Our results show that parasitic infections, many of which can cause clinical disease and mortality, are common in exotic reptiles and amphibians being sold or traded as pets in the United States, underlining the need for veterinary care and routine diagnostic screening for parasitic infections.

Crassicaudiasis in three geographically and chronologically distant Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) stranded off Brazil.

The Cuvier's beaked whale (CBW; Ziphius cavirostris) is a cosmopolitan marine mammal found in deep tropical and temperate waters of all oceans. CBW strandings have been recorded sporadically in Brazil; however, there is lack of information available regarding their causes of stranding and/or death. Herein, we report the epidemiologic, pathologic, morphologic parasitologic features and molecular identification of arterial and renal crassicaudiasis by Crassicauda sp. in three geographically and chronologically distant CBW stranded off Brazil. CBW-1 was an adult male stranded dead in Rio Grande do Sul State. CBW-2 was an adult female that stranded alive in Sergipe State and died shortly after. CBW-3 was and adult male that stranded dead in Santa Catarina State. The most relevant pathologic findings in these three CBW were severe, chronic proliferative mesenteric and caudal aortic endarteritis and chronic granulomatous and fibrosing interstitial nephritis with renicular atrophy and loss, and numerous intralesional Crassicauda sp. nematodes. Furthermore, CBW-1 had concomitant gram-negative bacterial pneumonia and pulmonary and hepatic thromboembolism. Morphologic analysis of renal adult nematodes identified Crassicauda sp. in the three CBW. Molecular analyses targeting the 18S and ITS-2 ribosomal loci of renal nematodes in CBW-2 and CBW-3 identified C. anthonyi. It is believed that severe arterial and renal crassicaudiasis likely resulted or contributed significantly to morbidity and death of these animals. These results expand the known geographical range of occurrence of crassicaudiasis in CBW. Specifically, the present study provides the first accounts of arterial and renal crassicaudiasis in CBW off the southern hemisphere, specifically in CBW off Brazil, and to the authors' knowledge, it is the first record of C. anthonyi in the southern Atlantic Ocean.

Retrospective study of canine endoparasites diagnosed by fecal flotation methods analyzed across veterinary parasitology diagnostic laboratories, United States, 2018.

BACKGROUND: Companion animal endoparasites play a substantial role in both veterinary medicine and public health. Updated epidemiological studies are necessary to identify trends in occurrence and distribution of these parasites, and their associated risk factors. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of canine endoparasites  retrospectively, using fecal flotation  test data available through participating academic veterinary parasitology diagnostic laboratories across the United States of America (USA). METHODS: Canine fecal flotation records from ten veterinary diagnostic laboratories located in nine states in the USA acquired from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, were included. RESULTS: A total of 4692 fecal flotation test results were obtained, with a majority comprised of client-owned dogs (3262; 69.52%), followed by research dogs (375; 8.00%), and shelter dogs (122; 2.60%). Samples from 976 (20.80%) dogs were positive for at least one parasite, and co-infections of two or more parasites were found in 3.82% (179/4692) of the samples. The five most commonly detected parasites were: Giardia sp., (8.33%; 391/4692), Ancylostomatidae (5.63%; 264/4692), Cystoisospora spp. (4.35%; 204/4692), Toxocara canis (2.49%;117/4692), and Trichuris vulpis (2.43%; 114/4692). Various other internal parasites, including gastrointestinal and respiratory nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and protozoans were detected in less than 1% of samples. CONCLUSIONS: These data illustrate the importance of parasite prevention, routine fecal screening, and treatment of pet dogs. Additionally, pet owners should be educated about general parasite prevalence, prevention, and anthelmintic treatment regimens to reduce the risks of environmental contamination and zoonotic transmission.

Sparganosis due to Spirometra sp. (cestoda; Diphyllobothriidae) in captive meerkats (Suricata suricatta).

We report three cases of sparganosis due to plerocercoids of the tapeworm Spirometra sp. in captive meerkats (Suricata suricatta) from a zoo exhibit in the southeastern United States. Two meerkats were euthanized, one due to an uncontrollable seizure and the other due to trauma, and at necropsy cysts containing cestode larvae were observed. A third meerkat had a subcutaneous nodule surgically removed, which contained similar larvae. The third animal died years later, and had numerous cestode larvae in the pleural and peritoneal cavities. The larvae were morphologically identified as plerocercoids of diphyllobothriidean cestodes. On necropsy, multiple nodules, ranging in size from 2.5 to 3.0 cm, were observed in the subcutaneous tissue and muscles. Multifocally, separating skeletal muscle fibers were longitudinal and transversal sections of cestode larva. Histologically, parasitic cysts contained large numbers of neutrophils and macrophages, admixed with proteinaceous material. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses confirmed that specimens from one of the meerkats belonged to the genus Spirometra and was closely related to Spirometra plerocercoids isolated from a snake from the United States and wild felids from South America. Meerkats likely became infected by ingesting infected second intermediate hosts, such as amphibians and reptiles that may have entered the exhibit. Management practices that minimize access of meerkats and other susceptible hosts to intermediate hosts should be implemented.

Comparison of fecal analysis methods for the detection of Platynosomum fastosum in naturally infected cats.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis of Platynosomum fastosum Kossack 1910, a liver fluke of cats, can be challenging, with infections potentially not identified depending on the fecal analysis method used. The aim of this study was to compare three methods for identification of P fastosum eggs in feces. METHODS: Feces from 50 cats with unknown infection status from a location endemic for P fastosum were analyzed. The methods used included double centrifugation with Sheather's sugar flotation solution (specific gravity 1.28); the Mini-Parasep (Apacor) flotation kit with ZnSO4 (specific gravity 1.20); and the Mini-Parasep sedimentation kit with Triton X/ethyl acetate solution. RESULTS: Thirty-four cats were identified as positive for P fastosum. Of these cats, 33 were identified with the double centrifugation method, 16 with the Mini-Parasep flotation kit and 11 with the Mini-Parasep sedimentation kit. Using the total number of samples identified as positive by at least one method as the true positive, the sensitivity of the methods was 97.1% for double centrifugation, 47.1% for the Mini-Parasep flotation kit and 32.4% for the Mini-Parasep sedimentation kit. Other parasite eggs (eg, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Trichuris species and Toxocara cati) also were detected more frequently with the double centrifugation method. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Of the three methods tested, double centrifugation with Sheather's sugar flotation solution was the most effective in identifying cats with P fastosum and other helminth eggs in their feces. The lower specific gravity of the flotation solution in the Mini-Parasep flotation kit likely influenced the results. A primary drawback of the Mini-Parasep sedimentation kit was the amount of sediment. While more sediment was examined than recommended in the manufacturer's instructions, this was still only a small portion of the total sediment. In addition, reading the slides took longer than with the other methods.

Prevalence survey of gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites of shelter cats in northeastern Georgia, USA.

The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites of shelter cats from northeast Georgia, thus promoting a more targeted approach in parasite diagnosis and treatment. Fecal samples of cats kept in a shelter located in Lavonia, northeastern Georgia, USA, were processed for the presence of parasites using double centrifugation sugar flotation (n = 103) and Baermann techniques (n = 98). Flotation revealed eggs of Toxocara cati (17.5%), Ancylostoma sp. (11.7%), Taeniidae (3.9%), Spirometra mansonoides (2.9%), Mesocestoides sp. (1%), Dipylidium caninum (1%), and Eucoleus aerophilus (1%), and oocysts of Cystoisospora felis (16.5%), and Cystoisospora rivolta (8.7%). Baermann diagnosed Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae in 5 cats (5.1%), while fecal flotation alone identified only 2 of these infections. Taeniidae eggs were identified to species-level by PCR and sequencing targeting the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1) of the mitochondrial DNA. All isolates belong to Hydatigera taeniaeformis sensu stricto, which is the first unequivocal report of the species in North America. Overall, 45.6% of the cats were infected with at least one parasite. This prevalence of infection is much higher than what is generally reported in client owned animals, highlighting the importance of using appropriate fecal diagnostic techniques to detect gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites on newly adopted cats. Correct diagnosis may direct appropriate treatment and control strategies, which would mitigate the risk of infection of other animals in household, and human exposure to zoonotic parasites.

Ectopic infection by Dioctophyme renale in a dog from Georgia, USA, and a review of cases of ectopic dioctophymosis in companion animals in the Americas.

We report a case of ectopic dioctophymosis in an outdoor, eight-year-old spayed female, Coonhound-mix dog from Murrayville, Hall County, Georgia, USA. The dog presented to the clinic with an apparent puncture wound on her right, most caudal mammary gland, draining a serosanguinous discharge along with significant edema and thickening of the surrounding tissues. After initial physical examination the dog was placed into a cage awaiting diagnostic procedures. A couple of hours later, a bright red, live nematode was found in the bottom of the cage and submitted to the Parasitology Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Infectious Diseases of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. The specimen was morphologically identified as a female Dioctophyme renale, measuring 30 cm in length. The wound was cleaned with chlorhexidine solution. The patient was started on cefpodoxime 100 mg orally, once daily for 10 days. The dog had recent history of a mammary tumor on the left chain. After a week, an ultrasound examination confirmed integrity of the kidneys. Herein, we also provide a review on cases of ectopic dioctophymosis in companion animals in the Americas. Such cases are not uncommon, and nematodes may be found in various organs and tissues including the abdominal and thoracic cavities, scrotum, uterus, and mammary glands.

Sentinels in a climatic outpost: Endoparasites in the introduced muskox (Ovibos moschatus wardi) population of Dovrefjell, Norway.

We assessed the occurrence of endoparasite eggs, cysts, oocysts and larvae in the muskox population of Dovrefjell, Norway, during June and August 2012. This population originates from 13 calves translocated from Eastern Greenland during the 1950s. A total of 167 faecal samples were collected, of which 49% came from identified individuals: 165 were examined by the Baermann and 95 by McMaster techniques and 167 by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Lungworm larvae recovered in the Baermanns were identified as Protostrongylidae (82%) and Dictyocaulus sp. (76%) based on morphology. Further molecular analyses of the ITS-2 region of two protostrongylid larvae from two muskoxen as Muellerius capillaris. Larval prevalence and intensity differed significantly between samples collected from the different age groups in June and August, with increasing prevalence and intensity in calves during the course of their first summer, whereas intensity decreased in adults from June to August. McMaster test and IFAT were used to determine the occurrence of infections with intestinal strongyles (84%), Moniezia spp. (24%), Nematodirus sp. (2%), Eimeria spp. (98%), Cryptosporidium sp. (14%) and Giardia duodenalis (7%). Molecular analyses of three isolates of Cryptosporidium and Giardia were identified as Cryptosporidium xiaoi and G. duodenalis assemblage A. Although infection intensity of all these intestinal parasites tended to be low, the high level of polyparasitism, together with the other challenges faced by this population living at the edge of their climatic range, means that these infections should not be ignored. The potential that M. capillaris, Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections derive from other sympatric host species (sheep and reindeer) is discussed.

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.

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.

Defining parasite biodiversity at high latitudes of North America: new host and geographic records for Onchocerca cervipedis (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) in moose and caribou.

BACKGROUND: Onchocerca cervipedis is a filarioid nematode of cervids reported from Central America to boreal regions of North America. It is found primarily in subcutaneous tissues of the legs, and is more commonly known as 'legworm'. Blackflies are intermediate hosts and transmit larvae to ungulates when they blood-feed. In this article we report the first records of O. cervipedis from high latitudes of North America and its occurrence in previously unrecognized host subspecies including the Yukon-Alaska moose (Alces americanus gigas) and the Grant's caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti). METHODS: We examined the subcutaneous connective tissues of the metacarpi and/or metatarsi of 34 moose and one caribou for parasitic lesions. Samples were collected from animals killed by subsistence hunters or animals found dead in the Northwest Territories (NT), Canada and Alaska (AK), USA from 2005 to 2012. Genomic DNA lysate was prepared from nematode fragments collected from two moose. The nd5 region of the mitochondrial DNA was amplified by PCR and sequenced. RESULTS: Subcutaneous nodules were found in 12 moose from the NT and AK, and one caribou from AK. Nematodes dissected from the lesions were identified as Onchocerca cervipedis based on morphology of female and male specimens. Histopathological findings in moose included cavitating lesions with multifocal granulomatous cellulitis containing intralesional microfilariae and adults, often necrotic and partially mineralized. Lesions in the caribou included periosteitis with chronic cellulitis, eosinophilic and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, and abundant granulation associated with intralesional adult nematodes and larvae. Sequences of the nd5 region (471bp), the first generated for this species, were deposited with Genbank (JN580791 and JN580792). Representative voucher specimens were deposited in the archives of the United States National Parasite Collection. CONCLUSIONS: The geographic range of O. cervipedis is broader than previously thought, and extends into subarctic regions of western North America, at least to latitude 66°N. The host range is now recognized to include two additional subspecies: the Yukon-Alaska moose and Grant's caribou. Accelerated climate change at high latitudes may affect vector dynamics, and consequently the abundance and distribution of O. cervipedis in moose and caribou. Disease outbreaks and mortality events associated with climatic perturbations have been reported for other filarioids, such as Setaria tundra in Fennoscandia, and may become an emerging issue for O. cervipedis in subarctic North America.

Echinococcus multilocularis in urban coyotes, Alberta, Canada.

Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic parasite in wild canids. We determined its frequency in urban coyotes (Canis latrans) in Alberta, Canada. We detected E. multilocularis in 23 of 91 coyotes in this region. This parasite is a public health concern throughout the Northern Hemisphere, partly because of increased urbanization of wild canids.

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.

Myiasis caused by the New World screwworm fly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in cats from Brazil: report of five cases.

This paper reports five cases of intact adult male crossbreed cats presenting with myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax. Three were stray animals that died despite treatment due to the severity of lesions while two were client-owned cats previously treated with cryosurgery which completely recovered. Myiasis caused by the New World screwworm fly in cats appears to be more frequent than previously thought, deserving more attention from both veterinary practitioners and owners.