Detección de Leishmania (V) guyanensis en ejemplares de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) recolectados en pecaríes de collar (Pecari tajacu) / Detection of Leishmania (V) guyanensis in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from Pecari tajacu

Resumen Introducción. En estudios previos se detectó la presencia de Leishmania infantum en Rhipicephalus sanguineus, lo cual planteaba la posibilidad de que R. sanguineus transmitiera la leishmaniasis a una variedad de huéspedes. Objetivo. Identificar Leishmania (Viannia) spp. en garrapatas recolectadas en animales silvestres de una zona endémica para leishmaniasis. Materiales y métodos. Se hicieron 81 extracciones individuales de ADN en las garrapatas recogidas de tres tapires o dantas (Tapirus terrestres) y tres pecaríes de collar (Pecari tajacu) cazados en Madre de Dios, Perú. Las garrapatas recolectadas se identificaron taxonómicamente y se prepararon para la identificación del cinetoblasto (kDNA) de Leishmania (Viannia) spp. mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), así como de la especie de Leishmania mediante PCR de fusión de alta resolución (High Resolution Melt, HRM). Resultados. Se detectó el kDNA de Leishmania (V) spp. en tres garrapatas silvestres de R. (Boophilus) microplus, Canestrini, 1888, recolectadas en un pecarí de collar cazado en la selva de Madre de Dios. El análisis mediante HRM-PCR evidenció que una de las muestras positivas de kDNA tenía una curva compatible con L. (V) guyanensis. Conclusión. Los resultados evidenciaron la presencia de ADN de L. (V) guyanensis en R. (Boophilus) microplus, probablemente adquirida después de picar al pecarí. Es importante hacer nuevos estudios para aclarar la participación de R. (Boophilus) microplus en la transmisión de la leishmaniasis.

Abstract Introduction: Previous studies identified the presence of Leishmania infantum in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and indicated the possibility that it could transmit leishmaniasis to a variety of hosts. Objective: To identify parasites of Leishmania (Viannia) spp. in ticks collected from wild animals in an endemic area for leishmaniasis. Materials and methods: We performed 81 individual DNA extractions from ticks collected from three Tapirus terrestris and three Pecari tajacu in Madre de Dios, Perú. Ticks were taxonomically identified and they were subsequently prepared to identify Leishmania (Viannia) spp. kDNA by PCR and the species of Leishmania by HRM-PCR. Results: Leishmania (Viannia) kDNA was detected in three wild ticks of the species R. microplus, collected from a collard peccary (P. tajacu) hunted in the forests of Madre de Dios. The HRM-PCR showed that one of the positive samples had a kDNA curve compatible with L. (V) guyanensis. Conclusion: The results showed the presence of L. (V) guyanensis DNA in R. microplus possibly acquired after biting a collarde peccary. Therefore, it is important to design future studies to clarify R. microplus involvement in the transmission of leishmaniasis.

Echinococcus felidis in hippopotamus, South Africa.

Hydatid cysts of Echinococcus felidis are described from the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) from Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Among six hippopotami investigated, hepatic hydatids were found in three. The identification was based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. In addition, the rostellar hook morphology was analysed. This is the first morphological description of the metacestode of E. felidis, and the first molecularly confirmed report of the intermediate host of E. felidis in South Africa. The definitive host of E. felidis in South Africa is the lion (Panthera leo).

Serosurvey of anti- Leptospira sp. and anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in capybaras and collared and white-lipped peccaries

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Brazilian native species are reemerging as increasingly free-ranging populations. METHODS: Sera from 31 capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and 28 peccaries (Pecari tajacu and Tayassu pecari) were tested for anti-Leptospira and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using microscopic seroagglutination test. RESULTS: Nineteen percent of free-ranging and 10.0% of captive capybaras, along with 31.8% of collared peccaries, were seropositive for T. gondii. None was seropositive for Leptospira sp. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicated low risk of disease, particularly among capybaras and white-lipped peccaries; however, active surveillance programs are important for monitoring wildlife health and public health once they are in public parks around cities.

Fauna helmintológica de catetos (Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) procedentes da Amazônia Brasileira / Helminthic parasites of the collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) of the Brazilian Amazon

Tayassu tajacu, popularmente conhecido como cateto, é uma espécie silvestre encontrada em quase todo o continente Americano, sendo abundante em seus locais de ocorrência. O trabalho objetivou conhecer a fauna helmintológica, bem como os indicadores de infecções, de catetos (T. tajacu) procedentes da Amazônia Brasileira. Para tanto, foram utilizados cinco animais adultos (três machos e duas fêmeas), capturados no município de Araguaína, estado do Tocantins, com auxílio de armadilhas. Os catetos foram tranquilizados, contidos quimicamente e eutanasiados segundo o Guia Brasileiro de Boas Práticas para Eutanásia em Animais do Conselho Federal de Medicina Veterinária. As espécies encontradas foram identificadas e os indicadores de infecção foram determinados (percentual de infecção, abundância, intensidade média e variação da intensidade). Foi coletado um total de 1394 helmintos, sendo nove espécies de nematódeos: Eucyathostomum dentatum, Cruzia brasiliensis, Monodontus semicircularis, Monodontus aguiari, Spiculopteragia tayassui, Texicospirura turki, Parabronema pecariae, Physocephalus sexalatus, Cooperia punctata. Os helmintos com maiores percentuais de infecção foram Physocephalus sexalatus, Parabronema pecariae e Monodontus aguiari, encontrados em 100% dos animais examinados, sendo este último o mais abundante (164), com maior intensidade média (164) e com maior número total de helmintos (820). Em contrapartida, Spiculopteragia tayassui foi a espécie que obteve menores indicadores, sendo encontrada apenas uma fêmea neste estudo. Foi relatada, neste trabalho, a primeira ocorrência de Cruzia brasiliensis parasitando catetos (T. tajacu) no Brasil, espécie até então descrita e encontrada apenas parasitando suínos domésticos.(AU)

Tayassu tajacu, popularly known as collared peccary, is a wildlife species found throughout the American continent, being abundant in their places of occurrence. This study aimed to describe the helminthological fauna, as well as the infection indicators, of the collared peccary (T. tajacu) coming from the Brazilian Amazon. Five adult peccaries (three males and two females) were captured in the Araguaína region, Tocantins, Brazil, with the aid of traps. The collared peccaries were reassured, chemically restrained and euthanized according to the Brazilian Good Practice Guide for Animal Euthanasy of the Federal Board of Veterinary Medicine. The species found were identified and the infection indicators were determined (infection rate, abundance, mean intensity and intensity variation). A total of 1394 helminths of nine nematode species were collected: Eucyathostomum dentatum, Cruzia brasiliensis, Monodontus semicircularis, Monodontus aguiari, Spiculopteragia tayassui, Texicospirura turki, Parabronema pecariae, Physocephalus sexalatus and Cooperia punctata. Helminths with higher percentages of infection were Physocephalus sexalatus, Parabronema pecariae and Monodontus aguiari found in 100% of the examined animals; the latter was the most abundant (164) and had a highest mean intensity (164) and total number of helminths (820). In contrast, Spiculopteragia tayassui presented lower indicators, found only one female in this study. In this studythe the first occurrence of Cruzia brasiliensis parasitizing collared peccary (T. Tajacu) in Brazil was reported, specie hitherto described and only found parasitizing domestic pigs.(AU)

Parasitism rates of Lipoptena guimaraesi and a new record of Lipoptena mazamae on Ozotoceros bezoarticus from the Central Pantanal wetlands in Brazil / Índices parasitológicos de Lipoptena guimaraesi e novo registro de Lipoptena mazamae sobre Ozotoceros bezoarticus no Pantanal central, Brasil

From May to October of 2006 we collected 143 louse flies of the genus Lipoptena on the body surface of 16 pampas deer Ozotocerus bezoarticus captured in four farms from the central area of the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands. We also examined 172 cattle individuals and none of them had louse flies. Most of the parasites identified were Lipoptena guimaraesi but one specimen of L. mazamae was also found, representing a new host record for this ked fly. The prevalence of L. guimaraesi was 93.8 percent, the mean intensity of infestation was 9.5, and the index of discrepancy was 0.444.

De Maio a Outubro de 2006, 143 hipoboscídeos do gênero Lipoptena foram coletados sobre a superfície corporal de 16 veados-campeiros Ozotocerus bezoarticus capturados em quatro fazendas localizadas na área central do Pantanal brasileiro. Também foram examinados 172 bovinos na mesma área, sobre os quais não foram encontrados hipoboscídeos. Muitos dos parasitos foram identificados como Lipoptena guimaraesi apesar de um indivíduo de L. mazamae, registrado pela primeira vez sobre veado-campeiro. A prevalência de L. guimaraesi foi de 93,8 por cento, a intensidade média de infestação foi de 9,5 e o índice de discrepância foi de 0,444.

Nasal bots...a fascinating world!

Larvae causing obligatory myiasis are numerous and they may affect cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, wounds, nasopharyngeal cavities (nasal bots), internal organs and the digestive tract (bots) of domestic and wild animals and humans as well. Nasal bots belong to the Family Oestridae, Subfamily Oestrinae, which includes several important genera: Oestrus, Kirkioestrus, and Gedoelstia infecting Artiodactyla (except Cervidae) in Africa and Eurasia, Cephenemyia and Pharyngomyia infecting Cervidae, Rhinoestrus infecting horses, Cephalopina infecting camels, Pharyngobolus infecting African elephants, and Tracheomyia infecting Australian kangaroos. Nasal bots are widespread in Mediterranean and tropical areas and in affected animals they induce sneezing and nasal discharge which may become caked with dust making breathing very difficult. The aforementioned species of larvae are host-specific but sometimes the may be deposited in human eyes inducing a painful opthalmomyiasis of short duration. The first fascinating trait of these parasites is the very efficient morphological and biological adaptations to parasitism they show either as larvae or as adults, in order to facilitate their survival and search for a suitable host. Nasal bots have reached different degrees of complexity in their life cycles. Indeed, while for some species (e.g., Oestrus ovis, Rhinoestrus usbekistanicus) larvae are injected by flies directly into nostrils and develop in the sinuses before being ejected for external pupation, some other species migrate from eyes to blood before returning to nasal cavities either through the ethmoid bone (Gedoelstia hässleri) or via lungs and bronchi (Gedoelstia cristata). Moreover, larvae are very well-adapted to their environment being able to undergo through hypobiosis either inside or outside the host, according to the climatic environmental conditions and seasonality. The second fascinating trait of nasal bots is related to host behavioural and immune responses against the infection. Host behaviour may in fact prevent larviposition and inflammatory/immune reactions limit larval development. The main pathophysiological mechanisms involve mast cells and eosinophils which destroy the larvae in sensitized animals. The intense eosinophilic reaction has side effects both locally (i.e. on the nasal mucosa) and also generally, with possible interactions with gastrointestinal strongyles (e.g., both worm burdens and fecundity decreased in lambs infected by O. ovis). Infected animals (e.g., sheep, goat, camel, and donkey) firstly suffer from fly strike, when adult flies inject first stage larvae on nostrils: sheep may try to avoid fly swarms but eventually Rangifer tarandus can only manage a terror-stricken look! Secondly, hosts will suffer from myiasis with typical nasal discharge and sneezing related to sinusitis. Clinical manifestations may vary: for example O. ovis induces severe clinical signs in sheep whilst produces few effects in goats! These parasites are diffused in many Mediterranean and tropical countries. Unfortunately, it is commonly believed that bacterial infections induced by nasal bots are of greater clinical importance: this view is not substantiated and the control of this condition depends on treatment with macrocyclic lactones, closantel and nitroxynil. Reinfections are common, and controlling nasal bots is not so simple.

First report of Echinococcus granulosus G8 in Eurasia and a reappraisal of the phylogenetic relationships of 'genotypes' G5-G10.

In this study, we investigated the presence of the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus in wild ungulates in Estonia, genetically characterized E. granulosus isolates using mitochondrial gene sequences and used the sequence data, together with those available in a public database, to infer the phylogenic relationships of E. granulosus 'genotypes' G5-G10. While 0.8% of the 2038 moose (Alces alces) examined were found to be infected with E. granulosus, the parasite was not detected in other wild ungulates, such as roe deer (Capreolus capreolus: 1044 specimens examined) and wild boar (Sus scrofa: 442 specimens). Genetic analyses of concatenated atp6, nad1 and cox1 gene (1028 bp) sequences revealed that 2 novel E. granulosus haplotypes, namely E8 (11 samples: 69%) and E10 (5 samples: 31%), grouped with E. granulosus G8 and G10, respectively, are present in Estonia. This is the first record of an E. granulosus G8 in Eurasia. Phylogenetic analyses, using 4 different methods, demonstrated with considerable statistical support that E. granulosus G6/7 forms a subgroup together with G10, whereas G8 is a sister taxon to G6/7-G10.

A lung nematode in Canadian Arctic muskoxen. Standard radiographic and computed tomographic imaging.

Medical imaging was used before death to follow the development of U. pallikuukensis infection in muskoxen and postmortem to investigate the distribution and characteristics of parasite-associated pulmonary cysts. In two experimentally infected animals, lesions were not visible radiographically until days 178 and 191 PI, 3 months after the parasites became patent. Serial radiographs taken throughout the period of patency of one animal showed an initial increase in lesion size by day 415 PI, but by day 789 PI, lesions had stabilized or decreased in size. Although all lesions detected postmortem were not visible radiographically during life, the radiographs did provide an indication of the relative severity of infection. In contrast to other parasitic pneumonias, there was no evidence of pulmonary disease outside of the discrete parasitic cysts. Radiographs of lungs postmortem proved to be an effective tool for locating parasitic cysts in a lightly infected muskox and demonstrated a bronchovascular cyst distribution. Postmortem CT provided a more rapid and detailed assessment of the number, size, and distribution of cysts in the lungs of one muskox.

Invasive entamoebae in pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) from Wyoming.

Trophozoites and cysts of an amoeba resembling Entamoeba bovis were recovered from soft stools of captive pronghorn fawns (Antilocapra americana). Chronic or intermittent diarrhea was observed in most individuals in two groups of hand-raised 1- to 8-mo-old pronghorns. Ileocecal lymph nodes were mildly to moderately enlarged. Microscopic lesions were characterized by lymphoid hyperplasia, focal necrosis and pyogranulomatous inflammation in lymph nodes and focal necrosis and diffuse nonsuppurative enteritis in ileum and cecum. In 12 of 17 fawns, trophic stages of amoebae were observed in the submucosa of the cecum and/or the cortex of the ileocecal lymph node. This is the first report of E. bovis-like organisms invading and causing pathological changes in the tissues of their host.

Observations on the lungworm, Pneumostrongylus calcaratus, in impala (Aepyceros melampus) from Swaziland.

The lungworm, Pneumostrongylus calcaratus, was found in 85% (164 of 193) of impala (Aepyceros melampus) collected in Mlawula Nature Reserve in Swaziland. Infection was confirmed at 4.5 mo of age, and the prevalence increased to 100% at 11 mo, with a prevalence of 98% in animals greater than 1 yr of age. Pneumostrongylus calcaratus was usually found in firm, tangrey nodules along the lobar borders of the lungs, although an extensive granulomatous pneumonia with miliary caseous abscesses and calcified nodules was observed in some older animals. In the primary infection in lambs, adult parasites, larvae and eggs were observed in the alveoli and bronchioles within the nodule. There was peribronchial and perivascular mononuclear cuffing, with infiltration of mononuclear cells in the alveolar septum in the vicinity of worms. In lesions in older animals, there was local consolidation with macrophages and giant cells, and foci of parenchymal necrosis associated with degenerating eosinophils, which appeared to lead to the formation of eosinophilic granulomas. Resolving lesions caused interstitial fibrosis, with mineralized nodules. Pneumostrongylosis does not appear to pose a significant threat to the health of impala in Swaziland.

Ruminal ciliated protozoa in bison.

Ruminal contents from 79 slaughtered bison and 2 ruminally cannulated bison were collected to obtain information on total numbers and species distribution of ciliated protozoa. The bison originated from numerous herds throughout the Great Plains and were grouped into three dietary categories: (i) only forage; (ii) forage with moderate levels of supplementation; and (iii) feedlot concentrate-silage diet. Total ciliate counts were highest in bison receiving grain supplementation (210.1 x 10(4)/g) and lowest in bison consuming only forage (27.1 x 10(4)/g). All protozoan species found in bison have been reported in domestic livestock, although Ophryoscolex sp., a relatively common protozoan in cattle, was detected at low concentrations in only eight bison. The uncommon holotrich Microcetus lappus was present in five bison in concentrations reaching 8.4% of the total ciliate population. Charonina ventriculi, another infrequently observed species, was present in 18 bison, with the highest concentrations in forage-fed animals. Thirty bison possessed a type B protozoan population, characterized by Epidinium sp., Eudiplodinium maggii, and Eudiplodinium bovis. Thirty-eight bison possessed a mixed A-B population, characterized by Polyplastron sp. coexisting with low numbers of Eudiplodinium maggii or Epidinium sp. or both. Thirteen bison possessed populations lacking any remnant type B ciliate species. At least 29 of the bison possessing Polyplastron sp. were known to have been in contact with cattle, whereas all bison isolated from cattle had type B populations. The reduction of type B populations in bison becomes increasingly likely as bison production expands into areas inhabited by domestic livestock.

Hepatic lesions associated with Cooperioides hepaticae (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) infection in impala (Aepyceros melampus) of the Kruger National Park.

Intrahepatic biliary lesions were observed in two of 12 lambs, seven of 12 yearlings and 10 of 25 adult impala (Aepyceros melampus) surveyed in the Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa. Lesions were associated with the nematode Cooperioides hepaticae, a trichostrongyloid parasite that inhabits the bile ducts of impala, and ranged from a mild chronic-eosinophilic cholangitis to foci of florid hyperplastic cholangitis with duct ectasia. The latter almost always contained viable worms and, after the worms died, the lesions appeared as foreign-body granulomas. Infection was acquired early in life; severe lesions were seen most frequently in yearlings. Adults were less severely infected, which suggested an acquired immunity. Although the incidence of infection was high, cooperiiasis did not appear to be a serious herd-health problem at the time of this study.

Gastric squamous cell carcinoma and fascioliasis in a llama.

A 5-year-old intact male llama (Llama glama) with gastric squamous cell carcinoma and generalized metastasis is presented. Weight loss, anorexia and cachexia were the presenting clinical signs. Abnormal laboratory findings included neutrophilia, lymphopenia, increased serum activity of hepatic enzymes, mildly increased serum urea nitrogen concentration and elevated protein concentration and nucleated cell count in the peritoneal fluid. Fasciola hepatica ova were identified by fecal sedimentation examination. The presence of flukes, as well as carcinoma metastasis, probably contributed to the increased serum hepatic enzyme activity. Similarities to gastric squamous cell carcinoma in the equine and bovine species are discussed. This case suggests that neoplasia, although rarely reported in the llama, must be considered in the differential diagnostic list for anorexia and weight loss in the llama.

Isolation of Giardia from a llama and from sheep.

Giardia cysts were detected in feces of a domestic llama (Lama glama) and in feces of lambs (Ovis aries) from Wisconsin, U.S.A. All of the animals examined were immature, and they had recent histories of poor condition and passing unformed or semiformed, pale stools. Giardia cysts from both host species were excysted in vitro, and the trophozoites were cultivated axenically. Furthermore, Giardia cysts from both sources were shown to produce infection in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unquiculatus). The finding of Giardia in the llama represents a new host recorded for this parasite. Also, this is the first report of Giardia-infected sheep from the Western Hemisphere.

Infection of mammalian cells with Theileria species.

Experiments were carried out to determine the susceptibility of mammalian cells to infection with different species of Theileria in vitro. Sporozoites of Theileria parva (parva), Theileria parva (lawrencei) and Theileria taurotragi were isolated from Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks by grinding infected ticks in medium, filtering the suspension and concentrating by centrifugation. The sporozoites were used in attempts to infect in vitro peripheral blood leucocytes harvested from 16 different mammalian species which included 12 species of Bovidae from 6 different sub-families. The technique was shown to be both sensitive and reproducible. The sporozoites of T. parva (parva) infected and transformed cells from 2 species of the sub-family Bovinae, the two cattle types and African buffalo. Theileria parva (lawrencei) infected and transformed cells from the two cattle types, African buffalo and Defassa waterbuck. Theileria taurotragi sporozoites infected in vitro cells from 11 different species of Bovidae which were members of 6 sub-families; Bovinae, Tragelaphinae, Reduncinae, Alcelaphinae, Antilopinae and Caprinae. Transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines were established from 7 of the species infected. Sporozoite attachment and infection was not observed with non-susceptible bovid host cells, nor were any of the non-bovid leucocytes infected by the parasites. The host range observed in this study corresponded to the known host range in vivo.

Infectivity of sarcocystis spp. from bison, elk, moose, and cattle for cattle via sporocysts from coyotes.

Bison bison (bison), Cervus canadensis (elk), Alces alces (moose), and Bos taurus (cattle) musculature containing Sarcocystis spp. cysts was fed to laboratory raised Canis latrans (coyotes), Sporocysts collected from the feces of coyotes fed musculature of each of the ruminant species were fed to four groups of three laboratory-raised domestic calves, respectively, to determine if Sarcocystis spp. was transmissible from wild to domestic ruminants and if so, to compare clinical signs of infection and morphologic features of cysts with those resulting from infection with Sarcocystis bovicanis. All calves fed sporocysts of Sarcocystis from coyotes that ate bison or cattle muscle had similar clinical signs and harbored morphologically similar parasites, suggesting that both bison and cattle are intermediate hosts for S. bovicanis and that this species is transmissible between the two ruminant species. All calves fed sporocysts from coyotes that ate elk muscle or moose muscle remained asymptomatic but one calf in each group had intramuscular cysts. The finding of relatively large numbers of intramuscular cysts in one calf fed sporocysts of elk origin and smaller numbers in one calf fed sporocysts of moose origin could represent either spurious natural infections or indicate low infectivity of Sarcocystis spp. from elk and moose to cattle.

[Contribution to life-cycle of sarcosporidia in the Grant's gazelle].

We have been able to observ macro- and microscopically sarcosporidial cysts in the muscles of a Grant's Gazelle. Dogs and cats fed with these cysts shed oocysts and sporocysts in their feces, indicating that they both are the final hosts of the Sarcosporidia in Grants' Gazelle.

Blood parasites of some wild bovidae in Botswana.

Blood smears from a total of 282 wild Bovidae from Ngamiland, Botswana were examined for the presence of blood parasites. The following species were sampled: 190 African buffalo, 23 impala, 10 blue wildebeest, 18 tsessebe, 1 eland, 13 lechwe, 16 kudu and 11 sable antelope. In addition, blood from 36 of the above antelope and from a further 48 buffalo was inoculated into rodents to test for the presence of trypanosomes. An anaplasm morphologically indistinguishable from Anaplasma marginale Theiler, 1910 was found in 28,4% of buffalo. The incidence of detectable cases of A. marginale infection in buffalo less than 5 years of age was significantly higher than in those 5-10 years of age (P less than 0,02). Furthermore, the level of parasitaemia was higher in young than in old buffalo. Theilerail piroplasms were found in all 8 species and were detected in 16,3% of buffalo. Two morphological types were found in impala; clinical cytauxzoonosis was suspected in 1 impala. A large Babesia occurred in the erythrocytes of 1 blue wildebeest. Erythrocytic discrasia, associated with the presence of a small Babesia was found in 1 tsessebe. Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) congolense was found in blood smears from 4 buffalo, 1 impala, 1 lechwe and 1 kudu and T. (Trypanozoon) brucei occurred in smears from 2 buffalo and 1 kudu, but all 84 rodent inoculations were negative. The overall incidence of trypanosome infections detected was 2,5% in buffalo and 4,3% in the other species. Protozoa resembling the cyst organisms of Sarcocystis spp., probably originating from cysts ruptured accidentally, occurred in the blood films of 2 impala and 1 tsessebe. The parasite Haematoxenus was not detected in any of the blood smears. The findings are compared with those of workers in other African countries and the importance of blood parasites in wild animals is discussed.

Helminths recovered from the bontbok, Damaliscus dorcas dorcas (Pallas, 1776).

A report is given on the helminths collected from 4 bontbok, Damaliscus dorcas dorcas, which died following capture at the Bontebok National Park, Swellendam, and transfer to the National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria. Seven of these helminths are new host records. Lungworms submitted to the institute for identification over the last 2 years are also reported; these were all Dictyocaulus magna. The various scientific and common names that have been applied to the bontbok in the past are reviewed.