Flea parasitism in wild mammals in the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Fleas are eurixenous ectoparasites that can parasitize different species of warm-blooded animals, including humans, with the possibility of causing irritation and blood spoliation. They are vectors responsible for the transmission of numerous pathogens and have a wide geographical distribution, more frequently in warm regions. Domestic animals (dogs and cats) are preferred hosts, but parasitism can also occur in wild hosts, with a greater variety of parasitic species and strong interaction between these siphonapters and their hosts. During the period from January 2021 to June 2023, flea specimens were collected from wild animals coming from the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, São Paulo. Some of these animals were animals from the zoo's own stock, which were diagnosed with parasitism during routine examinations and others were rescued from the natural environment and sent to the zoo. The flea specimens collected were packed in alcohol 700 GL and sent for microscopic diagnosis. Four groups were diagnosed at the specific level: Ctenocephalides felis, Rhopalopsyllus lutzi, R. lugrubis and Tunga penetrans, and two groups as unidentified species, belonging to the genera Rhopalopsyllus and Polygenis. The parasitized animals were all mammals, belonging to eleven different species, distributed in the Orders Carnivora, Didelphimorphia, Rodentia and Cingulata. Studies on the parasitofauna of wild animals contribute to a greater knowledge about the distribution of parasitic agents and their relationships with the host species.

As pulgas são ectoparasitos eurixenos que podem parasitar diferentes espécies de animais de sangue quente, incluindo seres humanos, com possibilidade de causar irritação e espoliação sanguínea. São vetores responsáveis pela transmissão de inúmeros patógenos e apresentam ampla distribuição geográfica, com maior frequência em regiões quentes. Os animais domésticos (cães e gatos) são hospedeiros preferenciais, mas o parasitismo pode ocorrer também em hospedeiros selvagens, com maior variedade de espécies parasitas e forte interação entre esses sifonápteros e seus hospedeiros. Durante o período de janeiro de 2021 a junho de 2023, espécimes de pulgas foram coletados de animais selvagens provenientes da região metropolitana de Sorocaba, São Paulo. Alguns destes animais eram animais do plantel do próprio zoológico, que foram diagnosticados com o parasitismo durante exames de rotina e outros foram resgatados do ambiente natural e encaminhados ao zoológico. Os espécimes de pulgas coletadas foram acondicionados em álcool 700 GL e enviados para diagnóstico microscópico. Foram diagnosticados quatro grupos a nível específico: Ctenocephalides felis, Rhopalopsyllus lutzi, R. lugrubis e Tunga penetrans, e dois grupos como espécies não identificadas, pertencentes aos gêneros Rhopalopsyllus e Polygenis. Os animais parasitados eram todos mamíferos, pertencentes a onze espécies diferentes, distribuídas nas Ordens Carnivora, Didelphimorphia, Rodentia e Cingulata. Estudos sobre a parasitofauna de animais selvagens contribuem para um maior conhecimento sobre a distribuição de agentes parasitários e suas relações com as espécies hospedeiras.

Parasitism of Dirofilaria incrassata Molin, 1858 in coatis (Nasua nasua).

Populations of the coati, Nasua nasua, like the populations of other wild animals, are regulated by several biotic or abiotic factors. For example, parasites act as a biotic factor affecting the dynamics and density of coati populations. The parasitic nematodes of coatis include Dirofilaria species, such as Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, and Dirofilaria incrassata. Considering that there are few records on parasitism by D. incrassata, including information on the life cycle or location in the host body, this study aimed to investigate the infection of N. nasua by D. incrassata in midwestern Brazil. Thus, two coatis (males and adults) from the Cerrado of Goiás, which died (cause unknown) at the Wild Animal Screening Center/IBAMA in the municipality of Goiânia, Goiás, Midwestern of Brazil, were dissected and all helminths found were collected, identified following specific keys and quantified. A total of 85 specimens of D. incrassata were collected, with a mean parasitic intensity of 42.5 and a parasitic amplitude ranging from 40 to 45, measuring 41-93 mm in length and 0.23-0.45 mm in width. All helminths were adults and were distributed in the superficial and deep fascia (at different levels) from the neck to the hind limb. Most helminths were tangled, with some encased in a connective tissue film. Most reported human heartworm cases refer to subcutaneous or ocular heartworm infection, mainly caused by D. repens, although other species of heartworm may be associated. D. incrassata was not reported as zoonotic agent, diferently of other Dirofilaria species associated with wild animals and with zoonotic potential in the Americas. This study reiterates N. nasua as the definitive host for D. incrassata and the subcutaneous tissue as the site of choice for this helminth in the adult form. In addition, it reports new body regions where the parasite occurs. This study is the first to document the occurrence of D. incrassata infestation in the State of Goiás, Brazil.

The giant African snail Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica Bowdich, 1822 as an intermediate host of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet, 1898) in the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a metastrongilid nematode that causes feline aelurostrongylosis. The adult life stage parasitizes the lungs of wild and domestic felids. Terrestrial mollusks act as its intermediate host, and birds, amphibians, and small mammals act as paratenic hosts. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus presents a worldwide distribution, and in Brazil it has been recorded in most states. The present study investigates the occurrence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in terrestrial mollusks from urban areas of two out of the six Mesoregions of Rio de Janeiro state: Metropolitana and Centro Fluminense (46 municipalities). Larvae were recovered from the tissue of the mollusks collected during the surveys and identified based on morphology and sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2). In all, 2791 mollusks, belonging to 14 different species, were collected. Larvae of A. abstrusus were recovered from two species: Achatina fulica in 22 out of 46 municipalities, and from the slug Latipes erinaceus in 1 out of 46 municipalities. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was recorded in half (50%) of the municipalities of the Metropolitana Mesoregion and in 44% of those of the Centro Fluminense Mesoregion. Results indicate a strong association between A. abstrusus and A. fulica, since 99% of the mollusks infected with A. abstrusus were A. fulica. This study recorded A. abstrusus in the Centro Fluminense Mesoregion and naturally parasitizing L. erinaceus for the first time. Despite the high number of mollusks infected with A. abstrusus and their wide distribution in Rio de Janeiro State, there are still few reports of infection in Brazilian felids, probably given that this is an under-diagnosed parasitosis in this country. Further studies in other regions of the Rio de Janeiro State, and other Brazilian States, focusing on intermediate and definitive hosts, particularly in the urban environments where they coexist, are needed. These studies will enable further understanding of the epidemiology and prevention of aelurostrongylosis.

Evaluation of Larval Therapy Compared to Antibiotic Therapy in the Treatment of Skin Wounds in Rabbits.

Larval therapy (LT) is a therapeutic modality that uses larvae of necrophagous flies for the treatment of wounds. The use of this therapy presents several benefits, due to the action of the larvae that remove necrotic tissue selectively, exercising antimicrobial action, and promoting healing. There are situations in which LT proves to be the only or the best alternative for the patient, such as wounds infected by multidrug-resistant microorganisms or when treatment difficulties may lead to an indication for amputation. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of LT, using larvae of Chrysomya megacephala, with that of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of cutaneous wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Twenty-four rabbits were used to perform the experiment, distributed in four groups: group 1, induced wound without bacterial infection; group 2, induced wound with bacterial infection; group 3, induced wound with bacterial infection and antibiotic therapy; group 4, induced wound with bacterial infection and LT. The macroscopic, microscopic, and statistical analyses indicated that LT was as effective as antibiotic therapy in wound healing.

The sensitivity of Demodex canis (Acari: Demodicidae) to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia - an in vitro study.

The essential oil of the Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) (tea tree oil) has been effective in previous studies, in the treatment of infestation by Demodex mites in humans. The present study aimed at evaluating the in vitro acaricidal effect of this herbal medicine on Demodex canis. For the parasitological examination, samples were collected from a dog's skin and examined using optical microscopy. Only samples with intact mites and with evident movement of chelicerae and tarsi were selected. Twenty-one samples were tested with the oil, in seven different concentrations: 100%; 50%; 25%; 12.5%; 6.25%; 5.0% and 3.13%. Three samples were tested with the positive control amitraz, and three with the negative control neutral shampoo. The interval between the time the solution was added and the moment the movement of the last mite ceased defined the survival time in the sample. By comparing the times at different concentrations and controls, the results showed that the higher the concentration of the oil, the more quickly its lethal effect occurred, and that the survival times in the controls were longer than in the different concentrations of melaleuca oil.

Endoparasites of household and shelter cats in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Endoparasitic infections are associated with morbidity in cats. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of endoparasites among cats of different life stages in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The samples were analyzed individually by macroscopic exploration for proglottids and centrifugal-flotation. Stool samples were obtained from household cats (n = 57) and shelter cats (n = 336). Endoparasites were detected in 50.64% of the samples. Among household and shelter cats, 21.05% and 55.66% were infected with endoparasites, respectively. In household cats, the most prevalent endoparasites were Ancylostoma spp. (in 25.0%) and Strongyloides spp. (in 25.0%), followed by Toxocara spp. (in 16.67%), Dipylidium caninum (in 16.67%), Cystoisospora spp. (in 8.33%), and Uncinaria spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 8.33%). In shelter cats, the most prevalent endoparasite was Ancylostoma spp. (in 29.41%), followed by Cystoisospora spp. (in 26.20%) and Toxocara spp. (in 16.58%), as well as Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 8.02%); Ancylostoma spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 11.76%); Cystoisospora spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.74%); Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.21%); and Dipylidium caninum + Ancylostoma spp. (in 0.53%). Endoparasitic infections in cats underscore the need for preventive veterinary care and routine coproparasitologic tests.

Endoparasites of household and shelter cats in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Endoparasitos de gatos domiciliados e de abrigos da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract Endoparasitic infections are associated with morbidity in cats. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of endoparasites among cats of different life stages in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The samples were analyzed individually by macroscopic exploration for proglottids and centrifugal-flotation. Stool samples were obtained from household cats (n = 57) and shelter cats (n = 336). Endoparasites were detected in 50.64% of the samples. Among household and shelter cats, 21.05% and 55.66% were infected with endoparasites, respectively. In household cats, the most prevalent endoparasites were Ancylostoma spp. (in 25.0%) and Strongyloides spp. (in 25.0%), followed by Toxocara spp. (in 16.67%), Dipylidium caninum (in 16.67%), Cystoisospora spp. (in 8.33%), and Uncinaria spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 8.33%). In shelter cats, the most prevalent endoparasite was Ancylostoma spp. (in 29.41%), followed by Cystoisospora spp. (in 26.20%) and Toxocara spp. (in 16.58%), as well as Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 8.02%); Ancylostoma spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 11.76%); Cystoisospora spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.74%); Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.21%); and Dipylidium caninum + Ancylostoma spp. (in 0.53%). Endoparasitic infections in cats underscore the need for preventive veterinary care and routine coproparasitologic tests.

Resumo Endoparasitoses estão associadas à morbidade em gatos. Este estudo objetivou investigar a ocorrência de endoparasitos em gatos de diversas faixas etárias, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. As amostras passaram por exploração macroscópica à procura de proglotes de cestódeos e analisadas individualmente por centrífugo-flutuação. Assim, amostras fecais foram obtidas de gatos domiciliados (n = 57) e de abrigos (n = 336). Endoparasitos foram detectados em 50,64% das amostras fecais. Nos gatos domiciliados e de abrigos, 21,05% e 55,66% estavam infectados por endoparasitos, respectivamente. Ancylostoma spp. (25%) e Strongyloides spp. (25%) foram os helmintos mais prevalentes encontrados nas amostras de fezes dos gatos domiciliados, seguido por Toxocara spp. (16,67%), Dypilidium caninum (16,67%), Cystoisospora spp. (8,33%) e a associação de Uncinaria spp. e Ancylostoma spp. (8,33%). Entre os gatos dos abrigos, Ancylostoma spp. estavam presentes em 29,41% das amostras, seguidos por Cystoisospora spp. (26,20%), Toxocara spp. (16,58%) e as associações de parasitos Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. (8,02%), Ancylostoma spp. + Toxocara spp. (11,76%), Cystoisospora spp. + Ancylostoma spp (3,74%), Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocaraspp. + Ancylostoma spp. (3,21%) e Dipylidium caninum + Ancylostoma spp. (0,53%). Cystoisospora spp. foi o único protozoário encontrado. A presença de endoparasitos reforça a necessidade de cuidados veterinários preventivos e testes coproparasitológicos de rotina para evitar sua disseminação.

Prevalência de parasitos gastrointestinais em mamíferos selvagens do Jardim Zoológico do Rio de Janeiro / Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in wild mammals from Zoological Garden of Rio de Janeiro

Durante o período de janeiro a novembro de 2016 foi avaliada a prevalência de parasitos gastrointestinais em mamíferos selvagens do Jardim Zoológico do Rio de Janeiro S/A (RioZoo). Amostras fecais de cento e trinta e três mamíferos selvagens, incluindo setenta e um primatas, vinte e dois felídeos, cinco roedores, cinco procionídeos, quatro taiassuinídeos, quatro mustelídeos, três quirópteros, três canídeos, dois mirmecofagídeos, dois camelídeos, dois tapirídeos, dois cervídeos, dois proboscídeos, dois hipopotamídeos, um otarídeo, um herpestídeo, um erinaceomorfídeo e um dasipodídeo, foram processadas por uso das técnicas de Gordon & Whitlock, Sheather e Baermann-Moraes. A prevalência de animais positivos para pelo menos uma espécie de parasito foi de 16,5 % (22/133) e a prevalência específica para cada grupo de hospedeiros positivos foi de: 100% (1/1) em dasipodídeos, 100% (1/1) em herpestídeos, 50% (1/2) em camelídeos, 21,1% (15/71) em primatas, 20% (1/5) em procionídeos, 13,6% (3/22) em felídeos e 0% em outros grupos (tapirídeos, canídeos, roedores, taiassuinídeos, cervídeos, proboscídeos, mustelídeos, artiodactilídeos, suinídeos, otarídeos, erinaceomorfos, mirmecofagídeos e quirópteros). Das amostras positivas, foram encontrados ovos e larvas de nematóides da Superfamília Rhabdiasoidea em 36,4% (8/22), ovos da Superfamília Ascaroidea em 31,8% (7/22), ovos da Superfamília Trichuroidea em 4,5% (1/22) e ovos da Superfamília Strongyloidea em 4,5% (1/22). O parasitismo por pentastomídeos (subClasse Pentastomida) apresentou prevalência de 4,5 % (1/22) e por acantocéfalos (Filo Acantocephala) 4,5% (1/22). Cistos ou trofozoitas de protozoários (Reino Protozoa) não foram encontrados.

Avaliação clínica e molecular de cães com erliquiose / Clinical and molecular evaluation of dogs with ehrlichiosis

A erliquiose monocítica canina é uma doença cosmopolita causada por Ehrlichia canis e transmitida pelo carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus, sendo frequentemente diagnosticada em cães em todo o Brasil. Este trabalho teve por objetivo investigar citológica e molecularmente a infecção por Ehrlichia em 195 cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, analisando os achados clínicos e laboratoriais. Nos 48 cães atendidos com citologia positiva para Ehrlichia sp., foi possível verificar a diversidade de sinais, com predominância estatisticamente significativa de palidez de mucosas (P≤0,05), assim como variados achados hematológicos, ocorrendo tanto anemia, leucopenia e trombocitopenia, quanto normalidade ou aumento dessas células. Ocorreu aumento das proteínas plasmáticas, com hiperglobulinemia, sem, no entanto, haver diferença significativa (P≥0,05), apesar de esse achado ser frequente nessa afecção. Por meio do PCR nested, confirmou-se a infecção por E. canis em cães da cidade de Cuiabá.

The canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a cosmopolitan disease, caused by Ehrlichia canis, transmitted by ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus that has been frequently diagnosed in dogs throughout the country. This study aimed to investigate the cytological and molecular Ehrlichia infection in 195 dogs examined at the University Veterinary Hospital of Mato Grosso, by analyzing the clinical and laboratory findings. In 48 dogs with positive cytology for Ehrlichia sp it was possible to detect the diversity of signs, with predominance statistically significant of pallor of mucous membranes (P≤0.05) as well as several hematological findings, occurring anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, or increased as normal cells. There was increased of plasma proteins, with hyperglobulinemia, however without any significant difference (P≥0.05), although this finding is common in that infection. Through the nested PCR technique it was possible to confirm the infection by E. canis in the city of Cuiaba.

Avaliação da resistência de larvas de Contracaecum sp. (nematoda: anisakidae) à ação da citronela, Cymbopogon sp., in natura, administrada como tratamento da anisakiose em coelhos infectados experimentalmente / Evaluation of the resistence of the Contracaecum sp. larvae, (nematoda: anisakidae), to the action of the citronella, Cymbopogon sp., in natura, administered as treatment of anisakiosis in experimentally infected rabbits

A avaliação da ação larvicida da citronela, Cymbopogon sp., in natura foi feita através da administração da planta ad libitum a coelhos, Oryctolagus cuniculi, experimentalmente infectados com larvas de Contracaecum sp. Com intervalos regulares de 24 horas após o início da administração da planta, foram realizadas eutanásias e necropsias dos animais infectados, analisando-se a eficácia através de parâmetros como número e viabilidade de larvas recuperadas. A citronela in natura apresentou baixa ação larvicida sobre Contracaecum sp Federal

The evaluation of the larvicide action of the citronella, Cymbopogon sp., in natura was done through the feeding of the citronella grass ad libitum to rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculi, experimentally infected by Contracaecum sp. larvae. By regular intervals of 24 hours after the beginning of the experiment, the infected animals went submitted to eutanasy and necropsy exams to analyse the action of the plant, using parameters as the number and viability of the recovered larvae. The citronella in natura produced low larvicide action over Contracaecum sp. experimentally.

Análise do parasitismo por Contracaecum sp. e Eustrongylides sp. em cacharas, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum (Linnaeus, 1766) (Pisces: Pimelodidae) provenientes do rio Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil / Analisys of the parasitism by Contracaecum sp. and Eustrongylides sp. in cacharas, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum (Linnaeus, 1766) (Pisces: Pimelodidae) from Cuiabá river, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Cento e quarenta e nove espécimes de cacharas (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) foram capturados do rio Cuiabá, estado de Mato Grosso, durante o período de outubro de 2004 a abril de 2006, para análise do parasitismo por larvas de nematóides. Encontrou-se prevalência de 100% destes peixes parasitados por larvas de Contracaecum sp. e/ou Eustrongylides sp. A análise do parasitismo foi feita por registro da prevalência e localização das larvas encontradas. Cinco cacharas (3,35%) apresentaram parasitismo por larvas de Contracaecum sp. na musculatura esquelética e 147 (98,65%) no mesentério. Cinquenta cacharas (33,55 %) apresentaram larvas de Eustrongylides sp. na musculatura esquelética e 117 (78,52%) no mesentério. A intensidade média de infecção foi de 15,42 larvas/peixe para Contracaecum sp. e de 6,37 larvas/peixe para Eustrongylides sp. O peso médio dos peixes examinados foi de 5,59 kg (1,9-10,5 kg) e o comprimento total médio de 82,39 cm (63,5-105 cm). Não foi observada correlação entre parâmetros biométricos como comprimento total e peso dos hospedeiros e a intensidade de infecção.

One hundred and forty-nine cacharas (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) specimens were captured from Cuiabá river, Mato Grosso State, between october of 2004 to april of 2006, intending to analyse the parasitism by nematode larvae. The prevalence was 100% to parasitism by Contracaecum sp. and/or Eustrongylides sp. larvae. The analysis of the parasitism were done by prevalence record and the localization of the larvae founded. Five cacharas (3,35 %) presented parasitism by Contracaecum larvae in the skeletal muscle and one hundred and forty-seven (98,65 %) on the mesenterium. Fifty cacharas (33,55%) presented Eustrongylides sp. larvae in the skeletal muscle and one hundred seventeen (78,52%) on the mesenterium. The mean intensity of infection was 15,42 larvae/fish for Contracaecum sp. and 6,37 larvae/fish for Eustrongylides sp. The average of weight to the examined fishes was 5,59 kg (1,9-10,5 kg) and the average of the total length was 82,39 cm (63,5-105 cm). Correlation between biomethric parameters as host´s total length and weight and the intensity of infection was not observed.

In vitro evaluation of the resistence of the Contracaecum sp. larvae (Railliet & Henry, 1912) (Nematoda: Anisakidae), to the essential oil of citronella ( Cymbopogon sp.) (Poaceae)

The essential oil of citronella ( Cymbopogon sp.) was used in vitro to assess its influence on the L3 larvae of Contracaecum sp. The parameters investigated were the morphological integrity and motility of the larvae after being in contact with the product. The essential oil was very effective in its trade form killing all the larvae at the utmost in two hours. The damage caused to the larvae was evaluated with a microscope in histological cuts, where cuticular rupture and disintegration of the intestinal wall of the larvae were found. The results were analyzed through the use of a monocaudal Fisher test to detect differences between the groups where the significance of p<0,05 was obtained.

O óleo essencial de citronela ( Cymbopogon sp.) foi utilizado in vitro para avaliar sua ação sobre larvas L3 de Contracaecum sp. Os parâmetros observados foram motilidade e integridade morfológica das larvas após contato com o produto. O óleo essencial demonstrou-se bastante eficaz, em sua forma comercial, causando morte de todas as larvas em no máximo duas horas. Os danos causados às larvas foram avaliados microscopicamente em cortes histológicos, encontrando-se ruptura cuticular e lise da parede intestinal das larvas. Os resultados foram analisados através da aplicação do teste de Fisher monocaudal para detectar diferenças entre os grupos, onde se obteve uma significância de p<0,05.

Resistência de larvas de Contracaecum sp., a baixas temperaturas / Resistence of Contracaecum sp. larvae under low temperature

Trinta e cinco peixes da espécie Hoplias malabaricus provenientes do rio Cuiabá, estado de Mato Grosso, foram necropsiadospara a coleta de larvas de anisaquídeos, Contracaecum sp., com o objetivo de avaliar a resistência desses nematóides ao frio.As larvas foram coletadas e avaliadas quanto a sua viabilidade, através de movimento espontâneo e integridade morfológica;estas foram acondicionadas entre fatias da massa muscular e mantidas em freezer a -30°C, para avaliação da sobrevivênciados parasitos a cada hora. Após cinco horas de exposição, todas as larvas estavam mortas.

Thirty-five specimens of Hoplias malabaricus collected from Cuiabá River, Mato Grosso state, Brazil, were necropsied forcollecting anisakid larvae, Contracaecum sp., aiming to observe the resistence of these nematode to the cold. The larvae werecollected and considered about as its viability through spontaneous movement and morphologic integrity. It was kept intomuscle masses -30°C, testing its survival on the hour. After five hours of exposition all the larvae were dead.

Freqüência de moscas (Diptera, Cyclorrapha) de importância médico veterinária no Zoológico da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Brasil, 2 / Frequence of flies (diptera, cyclorrapha) with vererinary importance at the zoological garden of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) Brasil, 2

A freqüência de moscas no zoológico da UFMT foi estudada, realizando-se capturas no período de maio de 1997 a abril de 1998. Foram utilizadas três armadilhas orientadas pelo vento, com iscas de banana, fezes e peixe. A revisão das armadilhas foi feita a cada três dias, para troca das iscas e coleta das moscas capturadas. Ao todo foram capturados 5438 dípteros. Destes 95,66 por cento (5202) pertenciam as famílias Calliphoridae, Muscidae e Sarcophagidae e 4,34 por cento (236) não foram identificados. O gênero Chrysomya foi o mais prevalente durante todo o ano de estudo, apresentando picos em junho, agosto e outubro de 1997, com o maior pico ocorrendo em março de 1998, com 904 espécimes capturados. No período de maio a dezembro de 1997 as moscas do gênero Chrysomya foram mais atraídas pela armadilha com isca de peixe e de janeiro a abril 1998 pela armadilha com isca de banana. Os meses de menor freqüência foram maio e novembro de 1997 e abril de 1998.