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.

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

Detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum by quantitative PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in Belgian dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To describe Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a series of clinical cases over a 12-month period, report the use of quantitative PCR on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and investigate the -possibility of previously undiagnosed angiostrongylosis in a retrospective cohort of coughing and healthy dogs. METHODS: Pulmonary angiostrongylosis was diagnosed based on compatible clinical signs and positive quantitative PCR on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and/or positive Baermann examination. Quantitative PCR was also performed retrospectively on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid from 65 dogs (55 coughing and 10 healthy dogs), examined between 2008 and 2014; results of Baermann examination were also available in 33 dogs. RESULTS: Seven young adult dogs from Southeastern Belgium with respiratory clinical signs were diagnosed with angiostrongylosis between March 2013 and April 2014. Positive broncho-alveolar lavage fluid quantitative PCR results and positive Baermann examination were obtained in 5/5 and 2/5 dogs, respectively. In the remaining two dogs, only Baermann analysis was performed. Among the retrospective cohorts, only one broncho-alveolar lavage fluid from a coughing dog was quantitative PCR-positive whereas all faecal samples were negative. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Until recently, canine angiostrongylosis was not reported in Belgium. It should now be included in the differential diagnosis of coughing Belgian dogs. Identification of affected dogs may be aided by quantitative PCR on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid.

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.

A retrospective serological survey on human babesiosis in Belgium.

In Europe, most clinical babesiosis cases in humans have been attributed to Babesia divergens and Babesia sp. EU1. Babesia microti infection of humans occurs mainly in the United States; although a case of autochthonous B. microti infection and serological evidence of infection have been reported in Europe. The Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test was used to screen sera from 199 anonymous Belgian patients with history of tick bite and clinical symptoms compatible with a tick-borne disease. The serological screen detected positive reactivity in 9% (n = 18), 33.2% (n = 66), and 39.7% (n = 79) of the samples against B. microti, B. divergens, and Babesia sp. EU1, respectively. Thus, evidence of contact among three potentially zoonotic species of Babesia and humans has been confirmed in Belgium. Preventive action and development of better diagnostic tools should help in prevention of clinical cases and to clarify the true burden of such infection for individuals and public health.

Thelazia callipaeda ocular infection in two dogs in Belgium.

Nematode worms were retrieved from the left eyes of two dogs presented for unilateral ocular discharge in Belgium. Morphological and molecular identification were performed and the parasites were identified as Thelazia callipaeda. The history suggested that the infection had been acquired in south-western France and southern Italy where the disease has been observed regularly for the last 6 and 12 years, respectively. In these two regions, the disease is considered endemic and spreading. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of canine thelaziosis in Belgium.

Three cases of Parafilaria bovicola infection in Belgium, and a few recent epidemiological observations on this emergent disease.

Parafilariosis is a vectorborne parasitic disease caused by the development of the nematode Parafilaria bovicola in the subcutaneous and intermuscular connective tissues of cattle. On February 28, 2012, the so-called bleeding spots were observed in two heifers and one bull in a cattle herd close to Namur (Belgium). The animals had been treated in December with an injectable ivermectin/closantel solution (Closamectin pour-on, Norbrook Lab) at the recommended dosage. Samples of serohaemorrhagic exudate and blood, as well as skin biopsies, were collected. Embryonated eggs of P bovicola in the serohaemorrhagic exudate and high levels of creatine phosphokinase were detected. Clinically affected animals were treated with injectable ivermectin (Ivomec, Merial) at 200 µg/kg. Two epidemiological phone surveys were carried out in the south of Belgium (Wallonia) in order to estimate the geographical distribution of this condition since it was first described and published in 2009. A standardised questionnaire was used and the results were analysed. Most outbreaks were recorded in the provinces of Liege and Luxembourg. The initial source of infection is still unknown, but this parasitic infection is clearly spreading from the initial Belgian outbreak site.

Detection of Schmallenberg virus in different Culicoides spp. by real-time RT-PCR.

To identify possible vectors of Schmallenberg virus (SBV), we tested pools containing heads of biting midges (Culicoides) that were caught during the summer and early autumn of 2011 at several places in Belgium by real-time RT-PCR. Pools of heads originating from following species: C. obsoletus complex, C. dewulfi and C. chiopterus were found positive, strongly indicating that these species are relevant vectors for SBV.

Rotenoid content and in vitro acaricidal activity of Tephrosia vogelii leaf extract on the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus.

This study aimed to determine the rotenoid content of leaf extracts of the white (TVW) and purple (TVP) varieties of Tephrosia vogelii, both collected in North-Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo and to evaluate their in vitro acaricidal efficacy on the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. The high performance liquid chromatography analysis of rotenoid compounds from those extracts revealed that the contents of rotenone and deguelin were respectively higher in the leaves of TVW (0.044% and 1.13%) than in TVP (0.014% and 0.66%). Batches of 20 live adult ticks were immersed for 15 min in six different doses of each plant extract (0.625; 1.25; 2.5; 5; 10 and 20mg/mL of distilled water) and in the solution of Milbitraz(®) (12.5%m/v emulsifiable concentrate of amitraz) as a positive control. Additionally 9.5% ethanol and distilled water control groups were included. Tick mortalities were recorded every 24h for 5 days. The results indicated that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the acaricidal effect of Milbitraz(®) and the plant material used at a dose of at least 2.5 or 5mg/mL for TVW and TVP respectively. However, the dose response relationship determined at the fifth day after treatment showed a similar acaricidal effect for the two plant varieties with similar lethal dose 50 (LD(50)) of 0.83 and 0.81 mg/mL for TVW and TVP respectively. It is concluded that T. vogelii leaves may be used for the control of R. appendiculatus in areas where synthetic acaricides are either not available or affordable. However, T. vogelii extract should be sprayed in order to limit the potential risks of ecotoxicity linked to rotenoid compounds.

Molecular and serological prevalence of Anaplasma marginale in cattle of North Central Morocco.

A cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological distribution of Anaplasma marginale in North Central Morocco. Blood samples from five provinces of Morocco were collected from apparently healthy cattle (n=668) and simultaneously analyzed by a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) assay and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The overall prevalence of A. marginale was 21.9% by nPCR and 16.5% by cELISA. The Kappa coefficient between nPCR and cELISA indicated a modest level of agreement (0.54). The prevalence of A. marginale varied significantly according to the province and the month of sampling. However age, gender and breed did not have a significant effect on the prevalence of this pathogen. The highest prevalence of A. marginale was found in the Gharb, a sub-humid area while the lowest was reported in the Saiss, a semi-arid area. These results indicate that an A. marginale infection are widespread in the country and suggests that either or both techniques are excellent tools for epidemiological studies and control programs.

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.