Integrated management of blood-feeding arthropods in veterinary teaching facilities - Part 3: proposal for a coherent and affordable control plan.

As reviewed in Part 1 of this publication series, numerous haematophagous arthropods have negative direct effects and are involved in the transmission of pathogens to either animals and/or humans in Western Europe. Their control is therefore essential to prevent vector-borne infections. Different control methods, either general or arthropod-specific, were presented in Part 2 of this publication series. Part 3 focuses on integrated management of arthropods and proposes a coherent and affordable plan for facilities housing sick animals in a veterinary faculty, i.e. small animals and large animals, with an educational farm. Control of arthropods should be part of a biosecurity plan, the effectiveness of which requires awareness raising and education of the different actors, i.e. staff, students and animal owners. The originality of the review lies in its specificity to a veterinary faculty and animal housing facilities, from a One Health point of view. As far as it could be ascertained, this is the first review focusing on arthropod control in this specific at-risk environment.

Comme les auteurs l'ont montré dans le premier article de cette série, nombre d'arthropodes hématophages ont des effets néfastes directs et interviennent dans la transmission d'agents pathogènes aussi bien aux animaux qu'aux humains en Europe occidentale. Il est donc essentiel de les contrôler afin de prévenir les infections à transmission vectorielle. Le deuxième article de cette série était consacré aux différentes méthodes de contrôle envisageables, tant générales que ciblant spécifiquement les arthropodes. Dans cette troisième partie, les auteurs traitent de la gestion intégrée des arthropodes et proposent un plan cohérent et peu coüteux destiné aux installations où sont maintenus les animaux malades au sein des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire qui s'occupent aussi bien des petits animaux que des grands et qui sont donc dotés d'une ferme pédagogique. La lutte contre les arthropodes est une composante essentielle de tout plan de sécurité biologique, lequel sera d'autant plus efficace que l'ensemble des acteurs qui y participent (personnels, étudiants, propriétaires d'animaux) sont sensibilisés et formés. L'originalité de cette étude réside dans la spécificité, dans une perspective Une seule santé, des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire et de leurs installations pour animaux. À la connaissance des auteurs, il s'agit de la première étude axée sur le contrôle des arthropodes dans cet environnement particulièrement à risque.

Como se explica en la primera parte de esta serie de artículos, numerosos artrópodos hematófagos tienen efectos negativos directos y participan en la transmisión de patógenos a animales y/o personas en Europa Occidental. De ahí que su control sea esencial para prevenir infecciones transmitidas por vectores. En la segunda parte de la serie se exponen diferentes métodos de lucha, que pueden ser genéricos o ir dirigidos selectivamente contra los artrópodos. En esta tercera parte dedicada a la lucha integrada contra los artrópodos se propone un plan coherente y asequible para las granjas pedagógicas de las facultades de veterinaria, esto es, aquellas instalaciones destinadas a alojar a animales enfermos, grandes o pequeños. El control de las poblaciones de artrópodos debería formar parte de todo plan de seguridad biológica, cuya eficacia pasa necesariamente por la sensibilización y formación de los principales interesados, a saber, personal, estudiantes y propietarios de los animales. La originalidad del estudio estriba en referirse específicamente, desde el punto de vista de Una sola salud, a las facultades de veterinaria y las instalaciones donde están alojados los animales. Hasta donde es posible saber, se trata del primer estudio centrado en la lucha contra los artrópodos en este entorno de riesgo en particular.

Integrated management of blood-feeding arthropods in veterinary teaching facilities - Part 2: overview of control methods against adults and immature stages.

Numerous arthropod species are involved in the vector-borne transmission of pathogens either to animals and/or to humans. Part 1 of this paper was dedicated to a review of these species, and their role in the transmission of pathogens in North-western Europe. This part will discuss the different anti-arthropod control methods, which are either general, used as good management practices, or arthropod-specific. The majority of these measures are efficient against several arthropod groups. Management of the environment is crucial for controlling the immature stages of winged arthropods, fleas and lice, but also ticks. Spraying pesticides should be considered carefully, because of the risk of emergence of resistance and the negative impact on the environment and non-targeted insects. Monitoring of haematophagous arthropods is useful when considering its use in the validation of control measures, the follow-up of endemic populations, vigilance for emergence of new species, and the detection of pathogens and, indirectly, resistance to chemicals. Monitoring also helps to determine the most appropriate timing and location for implementing control measures. It is strongly advised to combine control methods targeting adults and others addressing immature stages. Even if challenging, their combination under an integrated pest management programme should be preferred. Indeed, integrated vector management aims at making vector control more efficient, cost-effective, ecologically sound and sustainable.

Nombre d'espèces d'arthropodes participent à la transmission vectorielle d'agents pathogènes aux animaux et/ou aux humains. Dans une première partie de leur étude, les auteurs ont donné une vue d'ensemble de ces espèces et expliqué le rôle qu'elles jouent dans la transmission d'agents pathogènes dans le nord de l'Europe occidentale. Cette deuxième partie est consacrée aux différentes méthodes de contrôle des arthropodes ; elles se répartissent entre d'une part, des méthodes générales qui correspondent aux bonnes pratiques de gestion, et d'autre part, des méthodes ciblant spécifiquement les arthropodes. La plupart de ces mesures sont efficaces contre plusieurs groupes d'arthropodes. Il est essentiel de respecter les principes de bonne gestion de l'environnement afin de parvenir à contrôler les stades immatures des arthropodes ailés tels que les puces et les poux, mais aussi les tiques. L'utilisation de pesticides par aérosols devrait être envisagée avec prudence en raison du risque d'émergence de résistances et de l'impact négatif de ces produits sur l'environnement et sur les insectes non-cibles. La surveillance des arthropodes hématophages présente un intérêt lorsqu'on l'applique pour la validation des mesures de contrôle, le suivi des populations endémiques, la veille face à l'émergence d'espèces nouvelles et la détection d'agents pathogènes, ainsi qu'indirectement pour détecter les résistances aux agents chimiques. La surveillance permet également de déterminer quand et où mettre en oeuvre les mesures de contrôle pour plus de résultats. Il est conseillé d'associer les méthodes ciblant les adultes et celles ciblant les stades immatures. Malgré les difficultés d'une telle association, il conviendra de la privilégier dans le cadre d'un programme intégré de gestion des nuisibles. En effet, la gestion intégrée des vecteurs vise à rendre la lutte anti-vectorielle à la fois plus efficace, plus rentable, plus rationnelle au plan écologique et plus durable.

Numerosas especies de artrópodo participan en la transmisión vectorial de patógenos a animales o personas. En la primera parte de esta serie de artículos se hace un repaso de estas especies y se explica el papel que cumplen en la transmisión de patógenos en el noroeste de Europa. En esta segunda parte se examinan los diferentes métodos de lucha contra los artrópodos, que pueden ser genéricos, esto es, utilizados como buena práctica de gestión, o ir dirigidos selectivamente contra artrópodos. La mayoría de estas medidas son eficaces contra varios grupos de artrópodos. La gestión de las condiciones del entorno es crucial para combatir a las fases inmaduras de artrópodos alados, pulgas y piojos, así como a las garrapatas. El rociado con plaguicidas es un recurso que conviene estudiar con detenimiento, dado el riesgo de que surjan resistencias y su negativo impacto en el medio ambiente y en otros insectos que no se pretende dañar. La vigilancia de las poblaciones de artrópodos hematófagos resulta útil cuando se contempla su uso para la validación de medidas de lucha, el seguimiento de poblaciones endémicas, la vigilancia de la aparición de nuevas especies o la detección de patógenos e, indirectamente, la resistencia a productos químicos. La vigilancia también ayuda a determinar el momento y lugar idóneos para aplicar medidas de lucha. Se aconseja vivamente combinar métodos de lucha dirigidos contra los adultos con otros que combatan a las fases inmaduras. La aplicación de este tipo de planteamiento combinado, por dificultosa que resulte, será siempre la opción preferible para formar parte de un programa de gestión integrada de plagas. La lucha integrada contra los vectores, en efecto, tiene por objetivo hacer más eficaz, rentable, ecológicamente sensata y sostenible la lucha contra los vectores.

Integrated management of blood-feeding arthropods in veterinary teaching facilities - Part 1: overview of haematophagous arthropods of interest in North-western Europe.

Numerous arthropod species negatively affect animal and human health through physical attacks, by generating allergic reactions and as potential vectors of pathogens. Their control is essential to prevent vector-borne diseases and reduce their negative direct effect. Climate change militates for appropriate preparedness towards invasive species, their establishment and their involvement in new potential vector-pathogen-host cycles. This paper reviews the main blood-feeding arthropods of veterinary/zoonotic interest and their role in the transmission of infections in North-western Europe. It is the first part of an approach aimed at proposing a coherent and affordable vector control programme for facilities housing healthy and sick animals in a veterinary faculty, from a global health point of view. It is the first review focusing on this topic in such a specific and at-risk environment. Indeed, considering its multi-disciplinary and multi-species context and the importance of animal welfare, a veterinary faculty should attach great importance to vector control.

Nombre d'espèces d'arthropodes ont un impact négatif sur la santé animale et humaine, soit lors d'attaques directes, soit en déclenchant des réactions allergiques ou encore en tant que vecteurs potentiels d'agents pathogènes. Il est essentiel de contrôler ces espèces afin de prévenir les maladies à transmission vectorielle et de réduire leurs effets négatifs directs. Le changement climatique intensifie le problème des espèces envahissantes, ce qui milite en faveur d'une préparation appropriée face à leur introduction, leur installation et leur probable participation à des cycles vecteur-pathogène-hôte inédits. Les auteurs font le point sur les principales espèces d'arthropodes hématophages d'intérêt vétérinaire et/ou zoonotique ainsi que sur leur rôle dans la transmission de maladies infectieuses dans le nord de l'Europe occidentale. Il s'agit du premier volet d'une approche visant à proposer un programme cohérent et peu coüteux de lutte anti-vectorielle afin de faciliter le maintien dans les installations des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire d'animaux en bonne santé mais aussi d'animaux malades, dans une perspective sanitaire globale. Il s'agit de la première étude d'ensemble traitant de ce sujet dans un environnement aussi spécifique et à risque. En effet, compte tenu de la nature pluridisciplinaire des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire, de leur axe pluri-espèces et de l'importance qu'y revêt le bien-être animal, ces institutions devraient attacher une importance majeure à la lutte anti-vectorielle.

Hay numerosas especies de artrópodo que perjudican la salud de personas y animales por las reacciones alérgicas que provoca su ataque físico o porque pueden actuar como vectores de patógenos. La lucha contra esas especies es básica para prevenir enfermedades de transmisión vectorial y reducir sus efectos perjudiciales directos. El cambio climático aconseja una adecuada preparación para hacer frente a las especies invasoras, su implantación y su intervención en eventuales nuevos ciclos vector-patógeno-hospedador. Los autores pasan revista a los principales artrópodos hematófagos de interés veterinario y/o zoonótico y exponen su función en la transmisión de infecciones en el noroeste de Europa. Se trata del primer capítulo de una reflexión encaminada a proponer, desde el punto de vista de la salud mundial, un programa coherente y asequible de lucha antivectorial que se aplique a las instalaciones de las facultades de veterinaria que alojan a animales sanos o enfermos. Se trata del primer trabajo en la materia que se centra específicamente en este tipo de entorno, tan particular como expuesto a riesgo. Toda facultad de veterinaria, en efecto, teniendo en cuenta su contexto pluridisciplinar y multiespecífico y lo importante que es el bienestar animal, debería otorgar suma importancia a la lucha contra los vectores.

Dispersal capacity of Haematopota spp. and Stomoxys calcitrans using a mark-release-recapture approach in Belgium.

The dispersion potential of mechanical vectors is an important factor in the dissemination of pathogens. A mark-release-recapture experiment was implemented using two groups (unfed and partially fed) of the Tabanidae (Diptera) (Haematopota spp.) and biting Muscidae (Diptera) (Stomoxys calcitrans) most frequently collected in Belgium in order to evaluate their dispersion potential. In total, 2104 specimens of Haematopota spp. were collected directly from horses and 5396 S. calcitrans were collected in a cattle farm using hand-nets. Some of these insects were partially fed in vitro and all were subsequently coloured. Overall, 67 specimens of S. calcitrans (1.2%) and 17 of Haematopota spp. (0.8%) were recaptured directly on horses. Stomoxys calcitrans flew maximum distances of 150 m and 300 m when partially fed and unfed, respectively. Haematopota spp. travelled maximum distances of 100 m and 200 m when partially fed and unfed, respectively. Segregation measures seem essential in order to reduce the risk for pathogen transmission. A distance of 150 m appears to be the minimum required for segregation to avoid the risk for mechanical transmission, but in areas of higher vector density, this should probably be increased.

[Multidisciplinary management of alveolar echinococcosis : Echino-Liege Working Group]. / Prise en charge multidisciplinaire de l'échinococcose alvéolaire : le groupe Echino-Liège.

Alveolar echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease due to the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. The definitive host is the red fox. Until recently, Belgium was considered a country at very low risk for alveolar echinococcosis. However, recent studies carried out in southern Belgium have revealed, through post-mortem examination, high prevalences (up to 62 %) in foxes. Cats and dogs can act as definitive hosts. Human are accidentally infected by ingestion of food contaminated by the feces. After a long incubation period, invasive hepatic lesions may appear, as well as extra-hepatic lesions. The disease may be fatal. The diagnosis is based on imaging techniques, serology and nucleic acid detection in tissues. Early diagnosis may allow surgical removal of the lesion associated with at least 2 years of albendazole postoperative treatment. In case of contraindication to surgery, a long term treatment with albendazole is necessary. Liver transplantation is sometimes necessary. This article presents the epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutics features of this zoonotic disease.

L'échinococcose alvéolaire est une zoonose due à Echinococcus multilocaris, un cestode, dont l'hôte définitif est le renard roux (Vulpes vulpes). Jusqu'il y a peu, la Belgique était un pays considéré comme à très faible risque pour cette parasitose, mais de récentes autopsies de renards ont montré des prévalences élevées chez ceux-ci (pouvant dépasser les 60 %). Les chiens et les chats peuvent également être des hôtes définitifs. La transmission humaine (hôte accidentel) se fait principalement via la consommation d'aliments souillés par les déjections animales contaminées donnant, après une longue période d'incubation, des lésions hépatiques infiltrantes et, éventuellement, des atteintes extra-hépatiques pouvant être mortelles. Le diagnostic est fondé sur l'imagerie médicale couplée à des tests sérologiques et la PCR sur des tissus. La prise en charge curative est chirurgicale, lorsque la résection complète est possible. Elle est associée à un traitement de deux ans post-opératoire à base d'albendazole. En cas d'impossibilité de résection complète, un traitement au long cours par de l'albendazole est préconisé. Enfin, dans certains cas, une transplantation hépatique peut être envisagée. En raison de l'augmentation des cas autochtones rencontrés en Wallonie, un groupe spécialisé dans la prise en charge de l'échinococcose a été créé au sein de l'université de Liège. Cet article illustre les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques, diagnostiques et thérapeutiques de cette zoonose.

Current status of fasciolosis in Vietnam: an update and perspectives.

Vietnam is recognized to be endemic for fasciolosis. However, most of the available publications have not been published in international journals. This review is based on national and international Vietnamese publications and highlights the current status of fasciolosis in Vietnam. It also provides some information available for neighbouring countries. Updated data on responsible species, distribution, transmission and control aspects are summarized. The central region of Vietnam is reported as being highly endemic for fasciolosis, with a high number of human patients (more than 20,000 in 2011). Fasciola gigantica is reported to be the main species in Vietnam. However, hybrids between F. gigantica and F. hepatica were identified. Both humans and animals are infected by the ingestion of raw vegetables and possibly contaminated drinking water. Three lymnaeid snail species (Austropeplea viridis, Radix auricularia and Radix rubiginosa) may act as intermediate hosts of Fasciola spp. However, due to the likely misidentification of snail species and cercariae during the past decade the critical analysis of published data is difficult. A better understanding of transmission aspects of fasciolosis would allow the implementation of preventive measures of this important neglected zoonotic disease.

Culicoides monitoring in Belgium in 2011: analysis of spatiotemporal abundance, species diversity and Schmallenberg virus detection.

In 2011, Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were collected at 16 locations covering four regions of Belgium with Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) traps and at two locations with Rothamsted suction traps (RSTs). Quantification of the collections and morphological identification showed important variations in abundance and species diversity between individual collection sites, even for sites located in the same region. However, consistently higher numbers of Culicoides midges were collected at some sites compared with others. When species abundance and diversity were analysed at regional level, between-site variation disappeared. Overall, species belonging to the subgenus Avaritia together with Culicoides pulicaris (subgenus Culicoides) were the most abundant, accounting for 80% and 96% of all midges collected with RSTs and OVI traps, respectively. Culicoides were present during most of the year, with Culicoides obsoletus complex midges found from 9 February until 27 December. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction screening for Schmallenberg virus in the heads of collected midges resulted in the first detection of the virus in August 2011 and identified C. obsoletus complex, Culicoides chiopterus and Culicoides dewulfi midges as putative vector species. At Libramont in the south of Belgium, no positive pools were identified.

Foci report on indigenous Dermacentor reticulatus populations in Belgium and a preliminary study of associated babesiosis pathogens.

The occurrence of autochthonous clinical cases of canine and equine babesiosis in Belgium during the last two decades suggests that the vector of the pathogens responsible for these diseases, Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae), may be present in this country. Consequently, evidence for the presence of this tick species in different locations within Belgium was investigated. Four different locations were monitored by flagging in 2010; these included the locations at which D. reticulatus was previously found on a dog in 2009 and on two red deer in 2007. Two different species of tick were identified, Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and D. reticulatus. A total of 282 D. reticulatus adult ticks (98 males, 184 females) were collected from the four sites. Ticks were found mainly from early March until the end of May and a peak in activity was apparent in March. A Babesia spp. (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) genus-specific polymerase chain reaction test based on the amplification of a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene was used to investigate the potential presence of Babesia spp. All DNA extracts isolated from the total tick samples yielded negative results. Additional studies to accurately determine the distribution and vectorial capacity of this important tick species in Belgium are warranted.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dairy cattle from north-west and centre of Romania.

Neosporosis is a disease that mainly affects cattle in both dairy and beef herds. The main definitive host of this parasite is the dog. Since 1984 and its first description a large number of data were published worldwide on this parasite. In Romania, the research regarding this parasite is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle from six regions in north-western Romania and to evaluate the intensity of infection in different animals groups. A total number of 901 samples (862 sera from adult cows and 39 sera from calves) were collected from dairy farms and were screened for the presence of specific IgG anti-bodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence for neosporosis was 34.6%. In adult cows and calves seroprevalences reached 34.8% (300/862) and 30.8% for calves (12/39) respectively. In cattle which had previously aborted, seroprevalence was 40.9%. These results indicate that N. caninum infection is widespread among animals reared in dairy systems from Romania and a program for farmer training and a strategy for reducing the economic impact of the disease are needed.

Coprological survey of endoparasite infections in owned dogs and owners' perceptions of endoparasite control in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Infections with endoparasites are common in dogs. Some of these parasites are potentially zoonotic and therefore a public health concern. A survey was conducted in twenty-six small animal practices to evaluate the prevalence of endoparasites in Belgian and Dutch owned dogs older than 6 months as well as risk factors associated with infection. Out of 239 faecal samples screened (168 in Belgium and 71 in the Netherlands), 18 dogs were tested positive for at least one type of endoparasite with three dogs co-infected with two parasitic species. Toxocara sp. was the most frequently found endoparasite (4.6%). Three other dogs were positive for Angiostrongylus vasorum (1.4%) using the Baermann method and confirmed in one dog by the Angiodetect® test. Age and predation behaviour were identified as two risk factors associated with endoparasite infection. Although the majority (77%) of the owners in this study reported to administer at least one anthelmintic treatment per year, only a minority of them (24.3%) were aware of the risk to human health, indicating that owner awareness is sub-optimal. For dog owners, human toxocarosis and other potential zoonoses remain an underestimated health concern. The implementation of sustainable parasite control strategies should be promoted taking also into account the public health risk.

Quantification of pigeon circovirus in serum, blood, semen and different tissues of naturally infected pigeons using a real-time polymerase chain reaction.

The development of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on SYBR Green chemistry is described for the quantification of pigeon circovirus (PiCV) DNA in various samples. Plasmid containing a fragment of the PiCV genome was used to create a standard curve and to estimate the viral DNA copies in analysed samples. Both primers were designed in highly conserved regions to avoid false negatives, and amplified a 139-base-pair amplicon. When the amplifications were performed in the presence of cellular DNA extracted from PCR-negative liver, bursa and spleen samples, the detection limits were respectively 20, 20 and 60 copies of genome per milligram of tissue. These limits were 10, 160 and 25 copies/microl for control blood, sera and semen, respectively. For cloacal swab, the detection limit was 200 copies. The assay showed a linear detection over a six-log range (R(2)>0.99) and displayed reliable inter-assay and intra-assay reproducibility. Application of the test to sera samples indicated the presence of the virus in Belgium in 1991, 6 years before PiCV infections were histologically diagnosed. Testing of samples from pigeons with "young pigeon sickness" showed that the viral loads were high in the bursa of Fabricius (up to 2.07 x 10(9) copies/mg), the liver (up to 2.88 x 10(8) copies/mg) and spleen (up to 5.57 x 10(8) copies/mg). For liver, the viral load was significantly higher in sick pigeons than in apparently healthy pigeons. Detection of high quantities of PiCV DNA (up to 1.6 x 10(9) copies/microl) in the sera or blood of some young healthy pigeons indicated that the viral load in this sample type would not be useful as predictive indicator of disease. This work also showed that PiCV DNA can be detected in relatively large amounts in semen (up to 1.0 x 10(7) copies/ejaculate) and cloacal swabs (up to 3.6 x 10(10) copies/swab), confirming that PiCV may be transmitted by vertical and horizontal routes.

The carriage of larval echinococcus multilocularis and other cestodes by the musk rat (Ondatra zibethicus) along the Ourthe River and its tributaries (Belgium).

In Belgium, the carriage of Echinococcus multilocularis by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) can be very high in some areas. This study was designed to evaluate the carriage of the larval form of E. multilocularis and other cestodes in a musk rat (Ondatra zibethicus) population trapped along the Ourthe River (southeastern Belgium). Six hundred fifty-seven musk rats were necropsied, and the larval cestodes of the abdominal and pleural cavities were identified. For E. multilocularis, the fertility of the cysts was verified in 58 liver samples. The following species were found: Taenia taeniaeformis (65.8%), Taenia martis (22.2%), E. multilocularis (22.1%), Taenia polyacantha (2.6%), and Taenia crassiceps (0.9%). Results were analyzed according to the site of capture (upper, middle, and lower Ourthe). There was a highly significant relationship between the carriage of E. multilocularis and the site of capture (the prevalence being higher in the upper part of the river). This difference could be due to different geoclimatic conditions. All but one hepatic lesion were found to contain protoscoleces of E. multilocularis (98.8%). The musk rat is probably infected through the consumption of plant material contaminated by the fox's feces. The red fox can occasionally prey on musk rats, but the musk rat cadavers that are left on the river banks by the trappers are probably also consumed. This could favor the maintenance of E. multilocularis life cycle. In conclusion, the musk rat seems to be highly susceptible to E. multilocularis and in Belgium could play the role of reservoir; when present this species could represent an inexpensive and sensitive bioindicator for the study and monitoring of the zoonosis.

First isolation of Parafilaria bovicola from clinically affected cattle in Belgium.

The observation of the first two outbreaks of bovine parafilariosis in Belgium led to a preliminary epidemiological investigation conducted through a telephone survey among veterinarians in a limited area around the outbreaks. Typical clinical signs consisting of bleeding spots and areas of oedema were recorded, and the aetiology was confirmed through the observation of typical embryonated eggs of Parafilaria bovicola in the exudate. The localisation of the lesions on the withers, neck, back and, to a smaller extent, the rump of the animals, and their first appearance in early spring, were additional useful epidemiological observations. The clinical herd prevalence in the area was 14.1 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 11.3 to 17.2 per cent), suggesting that bovine parafilariosis is established in the area.

Echinococcus multilocularis in Belgium: prevalence in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and in different species of potential intermediate hosts.

Echinococcus multilocularis causes a rare but potentially lethal zoonotic infection in humans. This tapeworm is known to be endemic in foxes in several countries of Western and Central Europe. In Western Europe, the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the water vole (Arvicola terrestris) are considered to be the most important intermediate host species of this cestode whereas the red fox is by far the most important final host. The purpose of this study was to provide data on the prevalences in Wallonia (Southern part of Belgium) both in the red fox and in different potential intermediate hosts. A total of 990 red foxes were examined between January 2003 and December 2004 for the presence of E. multilocularis. The average prevalence was 24.55% (22.38-27.87). Out of 1249 rodents or insectivores belonging to the species Apodemus sylvaticus, Arvicola terrestris, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus agrestris and Sorex araneus, only one M. arvalis (out of 914-0.11% (0.003-0.61) and one C. glareolus (out of 23-4.3% (0.1-21.9) were found to be infected. However, the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) seems to be a good intermediate host as 11.18% (9.72-12.76) of the animals (n=1718) were found to be infected. A positive correlation was found between the prevalences in foxes and in muskrats in each of the different geological regions. This study indicates that the muskrat is highly sensitive to this zoonotic tapeworm and could perhaps represent a good bioindicator when studying the epidemiology of this parasitic infection in Belgium and in other countries where the muskrat is present.

Vector monitoring at Belgian outbreak sites during the bluetongue epidemic of 2006.

In response to the first bluetongue outbreak in Belgium a monitoring programme was started at the end of August 2006 to identify possible vectors transmitting the disease. Black light traps were deployed at 36 outbreak sites and captured 1959 Culicoides specimens belonging to 16 different species. Eighty four percent of the biting midges captured belonged to the C. obsoletus complex, among them C. obsoletus s.s., C. dewulfi and C. scoticus, three suspected bluetongue vectors. The Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre detected viral RNA in pools of individuals belonging to this complex. Culicoides pulicaris, a potential bluetongue vector in Italy, should yet not be excluded as a possible vector in Belgium as this species was frequently found around outbreak sites, notwithstanding this species is not easily captured with the trapping techniques used during this survey.

Culicoides trapping with Rothamsted suction traps before and during the bluetongue epidemic of 2006 in Belgium.

The collection of biting midges was taking place some months before the first bluetongue outbreak in Belgium in August 2006. The Walloon Agricultural Research Centre had been monitoring aphid populations at two sites annually in Belgium (Gembloux and Libramont), using two stationary '12-m' Rothamsted suction traps. For the Gembloux trap, collections of insects captured daily from 11 May 2006 onwards were already available at the time of the outbreak. An examination of these samples revealed the presence of Culicoides, some species of which are considered as potential vectors of the bluetongue virus (BTV). The trapping was therefore extended beyond the normal aphid activity period and the Culicoides captured were identified to species level. From 11 May to 31 December 2006, the Gembloux trap caught 664 Culicoides specimens belonging to 19 species comprising known BTV-vectors. The second trap, at Libramont, was reactivated from 12 September to 13 October and caught 97 specimens belonging to nine species, all of which had been found at the Gembloux site. Among the 19 species identified, four were new to Belgian fauna: Culicoides achrayi, C. deltus, C. lupicaris and C. newsteadi. This paper examines the overall phenology and the physiological status of Culicoides in 2006 before and during the bluetongue epidemic. It discusses the potential of the Rothamsted suction trap to monitor Culicoides.

Pathogenicity and thermotolerance of entomopathogenic fungi for the control of the scab mite, Psoroptes ovis.

Psoroptes ovis is responsible for a highly contagious skin condition, both in sheep and cattle. This parasite has a marked economical impact in the sheep and cattle industry. Biological control is considered as a realistic alternative to chemotherapeutic control. Laboratory experiments were carried out to evaluate the pathogenicity and the thermotolerance of twelve isolates of entomopathogenic fungi from four genera (Beauveria Vuillemin, Metarhizium Sorokin, Paecilomyces Bainier and Verticillium Nees). The pathogenicity was evaluated by the survival of P. ovis females after exposure to 10(6) to 10(8) conidia ml(-1) in humidity chambers. Results revealed intra- and interspecies differences. All isolates with the exception of B. bassiana IHEM3558 and V. lecanii MUCL8672 induced 50% mortality within 2 days at the highest concentration. At this concentration the entire mite population became infected with all isolates but B. bassiana IHEM3558; however, only four isolates gave rise to 100% infected cadavers at the lowest concentration. The thermotolerance of each isolate was evaluated by measuring its growth on an artificial medium kept between 25 and 37.5 degrees C. All isolates were able to grow up to 30 degrees C but only two, M. anisopliae IHEM18027 and Paecilomyces farinosus MUCL18885, tolerated temperatures up to 35 degrees C. These two isolates could be considered as good candidates for further use as biopesticide taking into account their virulence and thermotolerance. Other critical factors linked with the implementation of this type of biocontrol in P. ovis infected animals are discussed.

Angiostrongylosis in dogs with negative fecal and in-clinic rapid serological tests: 7 Cases (2013-2017).

BACKGROUND: Angiostrongylosis is considered as emerging disease in dogs in Belgium. Detection of first-stage larvae in feces using the Baermann method has an imperfect sensitivity. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of efficacy of noninvasive blood and fecal diagnostic tests in comparison with PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) material in a small series of coughing or dyspnoeic dogs naturally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. ANIMALS: Seven dogs with angiostrongylosis. METHODS: Retrospective study. Dogs with cough, exercise intolerance and dyspnea of 2- to 8-week duration. Diagnostic methods used included Baermann analysis, AngioDetect rapid assay, ELISAs for detection of circulating antigen and specific antibodies and qPCR on BAL material. RESULTS: Baermann analysis, AngioDetect rapid assay, antigen ELISA, antibody ELISA, and qPCR on BAL material were positive in 3/7, 2/7, 3/6, 6/6, and 7/7 dogs, respectively. ELISA for antibodies or qPCR on BAL material were essential for definitive diagnosis in 3 dogs. Relative sensitivities of AngioDetect rapid assay, Baermann analysis, and ELISA for antigen detection were lower than 50% compared with ELISA for antibodies or qPCR on BAL material. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In this small clinical series, Baermann analysis and AngioDetect rapid assay failed to confirm the diagnosis in some dogs. Therefore, ELISA for antibody detection and qPCR on BAL material should strongly be considered in clinically suspected dogs when antigen detection methods (AngioDetect or ELISA) and Baermann analysis are negative.

Fasciola hepatica: an assessment on the vectorial capacity of Radix labiata and R. balthica commonly found in Belgium.

A previous study conducted in Belgium revealed that genetic material of Fasciola sp. was present in snail species belonging to the genus Radix. Here, these snails were collected and identified by DNA-based techniques as Radix labiata and Radix balthica. These two species and Galba truncatula (the major intermediate host in Europe) were experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica. The resulting metacercariae were fed to rats and the infection was monitored using several techniques. Microscopy revealed the presence of larval stages in 78.3, 45, and 6.25% of G. truncatula, R. labiata, and R. balthica snails, respectively. These results were confirmed by a PCR that amplifies a Fasciola sp. specific sequence. Furthermore, this PCR was found to be more sensitive than microscopic examination. R. labiata shed fewer metacercariae than G. truncatula but these were as infective to rats as those shed by G. truncatula. This study demonstrates that R. labiata may act as an incidental intermediate host for F. hepatica in Belgium.