Helminths in dogs belonging to people in a resource-limited urban community in Gauteng, South Africa

One hundred and sixty-four faecal samples, 148 adhesive tape swabs and 132 blood samples were collected from dogs in Boksburg, Gauteng, to assess the prevalence of helminth parasites in the area. Sixty-nine of these dogs were also necropsied and helminths recovered from the gastro-intestinal tracts. Ancylostoma caninum was the most common helminth and was present in 88% of the dogs, followed by Dipylidium caninum in 39% of dogs, Toxocara canis in 36%, Ancylostoma braziliense in 20%, Spirocerca lupi in 14%, Toxascaris leonina in 9%, Trichuris vulpis in 6%, Joyeuxiella pascualei in 6% and Taenia spp. in 4%. Microfilariae of Dipetalonema reconditum were found in 2% of the blood samples. The results of this study extend the geographic distribution of T. vulpis. With the exception of Spirocerca and Dipetalonema, all these helminths are potentially zoonotic, and may pose a threat to community health.     

Risk factors associated with taeniosis-cysticercosis in rural farming communities in Gauteng Province,South Africa

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The aim of this study was to determine which of the livestock management and human practices known to be risk factors associated with taeniosis-cysticercosis...     

Ixodid ticks on domestic dogs in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa and in Namibia

The objective of this study was to determine the species composition of ixodid ticks infesting domestic dogs in the northwestern region of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa and in Namibia. Ticks were collected from February 2008 to January 2009 from dogs presented for a variety of reasons at a veterinary clinic in the Northern Cape Province and at 3 clinics in Namibia. The ticks collected at each place were pooled separately for each month at each locality. Eleven ixodid tick species were collected from dogs in the Northern Cape Province and new locality records for Haemaphysalis colesbergensis and Ixodes rubicundus, new locality and host records for Hyalomma glabrum, and a new host record for Rhipicephalus neumanni are reported. Six tick species were collected from dogs at the 3 clinics in Namibia. The most numerous species on dogs in both countries was R. sanguineus. The present results increase the total number of ixodid tick species collected from dogs in South Africa from 25 to 28.     

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths and anthelmintic resistance on small-scale farms in Gauteng Province,South Africa

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal helminths, to detect the presence of anthelmintic resistance...     

Gastro-intestinal helminths of domestic dogs in the Republic of South Africa

Of the gastro-intestinal helminths found in 1 063 dogs from different parts of the country, Dipylidium caninum, the most prevalent cestode, occurred in 19,7% of the animals. Echinococcus granulosus was present in 10 dogs, 8 of which were from urban areas, and Taenia hydatigena in 69 dogs. Taemia multiceps was recovered from dogs only in the Cape Province and the Orange Free State. Toxocara canis was present in 81 of the necropsies carried out on 253 dogs from the Pretoria municipal area, while Ancylostoma spp. were present in 175 dogs. In the Pretoria area Ancylostoma caninum (11,9%) was more prevalent than Ancylostoma braziliense (6,2%).     

Veterinary needs of dogs in two resource-limited communities in the Gauteng and North West provinces of South Africa

Information on the socioeconomic aspects and the health status of dogs in 2 resource-limited communities in the North West and Gauteng provinces of South Africa was gathered using semi-structured interviews and a standardised questionnaire. The dogs were examined clinically to determine their health status, and their body condition and age were scored. Most of the dogs (93 % in Jericho and 90 % in Zuurbekom) were infected with hookworm, which poses a threat to animal and human health in the 2 study areas. Many dogs were also being given a protein-deficient diet, which together with hookworm parasites would impact considerably on the dog's health. Dogs were mainly kept for security reasons. The need indicated tobe most important by the residents of the 2 communities was a lack of available and affordable veterinary services.     

Confirmation of occurrence of Babesia canis vogeli in domestic dogs in South Africa

The prevalence of Babesia infections in domestic dogs in South Africa was studied using reverse line blot hybridization and 18S sequence analysis. Babesia canis vogeli was confirmed for the first time in domestic dogs in South Africa. Out of a total of 297 blood samples collected from domestic dogs in Bloemfontein, East London, Johannesburg, Durban and from the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, 31 were positive for Babesia canis rossi, whereas B. c. vogeli was detected in 13 dogs. None of the dogs carried both parasites. The detection of B. c. vogeli has implications with regard to prevalence and varied clinical manifestation of canine babesiosis in South Africa.     

Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. XLIII. Ixodid ticks of domestic dogs and cats in the Western Cape Province

Ticks were collected at monthly intervals for 16 consecutive months from individual dogs by their owners in or close to the town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province. They were also collected for 27 consecutive months from dogs presented for a variety of reasons at three veterinary clinics in Stellenbosch, and from dogs upon admission to an animal welfare shelter. At one of the veterinary clinics ticks were also collected from cats. Dog owners collected six ixodid species from their pets and the most numerous of these were Haemaphysalis leachi and Rhipicephalus gertrudae. Twelve ixodid tick species and the argasid tick, Otobius megnini were collected from dogs at veterinary clinics and the animal shelter, and H. leachi, R. gertrudae and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were the most numerous. A total of nine dogs were infested with the Karoo paralysis tick, Ixodes rubicundus. No clear pattern of seasonality was evident for H. leachi, which was present throughout the year. The largest numbers of adult R. gertrudae were generally present from August to October, while adult R. sanguineus were collected during October 2000, February and March 2001, from January to April 2002 and during October 2002. Five ixodid tick species, of which H. leachi was the most numerous and prevalent, were collected from cats.     

A study of some infectious causes of reproductive disorders in cattle owned by resource-poor farmers in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Two hundred and thirty-nine cattle from Gauteng Province in South Africa were tested for various pathogens causing reproductive diseases includingbovine viral diarrhoea/mucosal disease (BVD/MD) virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IBR/IPV) virus, Neospora caninum and Brucella abortus usingvarious tests. For BVD/MD virus, 49.37% tested positive, 74.47% for IBR/IPV virus, 8.96% for Neospora caninum and 3.8% for Brucella abortus. The result for Brucella abortus is higher than the national average, possibly due to the small sample size. A high seroprevalence of antibodies to both BVD/MD virus and IBR/IPV virus was evident. These 2 viruses should be considered, in addition to Brucella abortus, when trying to establish causes of abortion in cattle. The clinical significance of Neospora caninum as a cause of abortion in Gauteng needs further investigation. One hundred and forty-three bulls were tested for Campylobacter fetus and Trichomonas fetus, and a low prevalence of 1.4% and 2.1% respectively was found in this study. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Helminths in dogs from a peri-urban resource-limited community in Free State Province,South Africa

This study focused on the helminth parasites of dogs in the Bloemfontein area of the Free State Province of South Africa. Samples were collected from 63 stray dogs destined for euthanasia. Complete sets of samples, consisting of blood, faeces, adhesive tape swabs and organs (heart, lungs and complete gastro-intestinal tract) from each dog were examined for helminth parasites. Dipylidium caninum was the most common helminth, and was recovered from 44% of dogs, followed by Taenia spp. (33%), Toxascaris leonina (32%), Ancylostoma caninum (27%), Toxocara canis (21%), Ancylostoma braziliense (19%), Spirocerca lupi (13%) and Joyeuxiella sp. (5%). Although human infection with S. lupi and Joyeuxiella sp. are unlikely, all the other helminths reported in this study are zoonotic, and therefore pose a threat to community health in Bloemfontein.     

Ectoparasites of dogs belonging to people in resource-poor communities in North West Province, South Africa

A total of 344 dogs belonging to people in resource-poor communities in North West Province, South Africa, was examined for ectoparasites, and all visible arthropods were collected from the left side of each dog. By doubling these numbers it was estimated that the dogs harboured 14,724 ixodid ticks, belonging to 6 species, 1,028 fleas, belonging to 2 species, and 26 lice. Haemaphysalis leachi accounted for 420 and Rhipicephalus sanguineus for 14,226 of the ticks. Pure infestations of H. leachi were present on 14 dogs and of R. sanguineus on 172 dogs. Small numbers of Amblyomma hebraeum, R. appendiciulatus, R. evertsi evertsi and R. simus were also collected. The predominance of R. sanguitneus accounts for the high prevalence of canine ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis) within the survey region, compared to canine babesiosis (Babesia canis), which is transmitted by H. leachi, and is a much rarer disease.     

Ixodid ticks on dogs in the eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The objective of this study was to determine the species composition and geographic distribution of ixodid ticks infesting domestic dogs in the eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province. Seventy-two communal cattle dip-tanks within this region were randomly selected as survey localities and their geographic coordinates recorded. In addition to ticks that were collected from five cattle and five goats at each of the dip-tanks, ticks were also collected from five dogs whenever possible. No dogs were available at 19 dip-tanks and no ticks were collected from dogs at 13 dip-tanks, while ticks were collected from 132 of 200 dogs at 40 dip-tanks. Eight ixodid tick species were collected from these dogs, and Haemaphysalis leachi followed by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus simus were present on dogs at the largest number of dip-tanks. Seven dogs were simultaneously infested with three tick species and one with four species. The geographic distributions of Amblyomma hebraeum, H. leachi, R. appendiculatus and R. simus recovered from the dogs lay within the ranges previously reported for these ticks.     

Boomslang envenomation in 2 dogs in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Although snakebites are frequently seen in small animal practice in South Africa, boomslang (Dispholidus typus) bites are infrequent due to their shy habits. Boomslang venom is a potent procoagulent, causing a consumption coagulopathy and profuse haemorrhage. Boomslang monovalent antivenom is the most effective treatment. This case report describes and discusses 2 small dogs that were presented to a private practice after being bitten by the same boomslang. Boomslang monovalent antivenom administration to both resulted in cessation of bleeding within 45 minutes. One of the dogs developed severe adverse reactions to the antivenom, including vomiting, dyspnoea and nystagmus, which responded well to intravenous cortisone and symptomatic treatment.     

Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. XXII. Ixodid ticks on domestic dogs and on wild carnivores

Ixodid ticks were collected from 4 dogs on smallholdings near Grahamstown, eastern Cape Province, on 1 or more occasions each week for periods ranging from 9-36 months. Fourteen tick species were recovered and the seasonal abundance of adult Haemaphysalis leachi and adult Rhipicephalus simus was determined. Complete collections of ticks were made from 50 caracals (Felis caracal) in the Cradock, Graaff-Reinet and Southwell regions in the eastern Cape Province. The animals from Cradock and Graaff-Reinet harboured 13 ixodid tick species. The caracals from Southwell were infested with 11 tick species and the seasonal abundance of Ixodes pilosus on these animals was determined. A small-spotted genet (Genetta genetta), 1 bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis), 1 aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) and 6 black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) from various localities in the eastern Cape Province were examined for ticks and 9 species were collected. Complete tick collections were made from a side-striped jackal (Canis adustus), 2 wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), a spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), a several (Felis serval), 2 African civets (Civettictis civetta), 2 leopards (Panthera pardus) and a lion (Panthera leo) in the Kruger National Park in the north-eastern Transvaal. Twelve ixodid tick specis were recovered from these animals.     

Helminths of guineafowls in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Between July 2005 and November 2006 the gastro-intestinal helminths of 15 Helmeted guineafowls and a single Crested guineafowl from Musina, Limpopo Province were examined, and in July and August 2005 helminths were collected from five Helmeted guineafowls from Mokopane in the same province. The acanthocephalan Mediorhynchus gallinarum, the cestodes Abuladzugnia gutterae, Davainea nana, Hymenolepis cantaniana, Numidella numida, Octopetalum numida, Ortleppolepis multiuncinata, Porogynia paronai, Raillietina angusta, Raillietina pintneri, Raillietina steinhardti and Raillietina sp. and the nematodes Ascaridia numidae, Cyrnea parroti, Gongylonema congolense, Hadjelia truncata, Sicarius caudatus, Subulura dentigera, Subulura suctoria, Subulura sp., Tetrameres numida and an unidentified subulurid were recovered. A single trematode species, Dicrocoelium macrostomum, was present in the liver. Mediorhynchus gallinarum, A. gutterae, O. multiuncinata, H. truncata and S. caudatus are recorded for the first time from Helmeted guineafowls, as well as from South Africa. South Africa is a new geographic record for D. macrostomum, G. congolense and D. nana. Subulura suctoria, G. congolense and H. truncata from the Crested guineafowl constitute new host-parasite associations.     

Little anthelmintic drenching required for lambs finished over winter and spring on annually re-established irrigated pasture on the Highveld of Gauteng Province,South Africa

As part of a trial to test the profitability of finishing weaner lambs over winter and spring on the Highveld of Gauteng province, an investigation was carried out over 4 consecutive years as to whether or not worm control was necessary while the lambs were on irrigated, improved pastures. Pastures that had not been grazed by sheep or other livestock for at least 5 years were planted to annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflora) that was ploughed under and replanted annually. Weaner lambs were randomly divided into either 2 (A and B) or 3 (A, B and C) groups and finished from April/May to November/December on a separate pasture per group. While Group A lambs were dewormed before being placed on pasture, those in Groups B and C were not. Faecal egg counts were performed at irregular intervals, and when the lambs were sold at the conclusion of each year's trial, the gastrointestinal tracts of 4-5 lambs per trial group were processed for worm recovery. Haemonchus contortus was the dominant worm species, while Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Ostertagia circumcincta and Trichuris spp. were encountered sporadically. From the results obtained it seems unlikely that there is appreciable 'carry-over' of the various worm species from year to year on pastures that are ploughed and replanted annually; thus it is improbable that there will be a build-up of anthelmintic-resistant worms. While on pasture, no drenching was required for the Group A lambs (dewormed before placing on the pasture), nor in 2 of the 4 years in Groups B or B+C that were not drenched and were lightly infected at the start. In the remaining 2 years Groups B or B+C were drenched once only during the course of each trial. Thus, under the conditions as in this study, little worm control is necessary, provided faecal worm egg counts are done to gauge the levels of infection before the lambs are placed on pasture, and to guard against the possibility of an increase in worm burdens thereafter in some years. Also, because of the apparent lack of carry-over between years, anthelmintic treatment at the time of introduction of the lambs or during the period of finishing should be safe as regards progressive selection for anthelmintic resistance. It is also likely to be cost-effective, considering the low cost of anthelmintics in relation to the price of lambs, to counter the possibility of a loss in production if lambs were to harbour relatively heavy worm burdens when introduced.     

Production of irrigated Trifolium repens L. under a cutting regime in the subtropical region of Gauteng,South Africa

Abstract

The productivity of Trifolium repens L. cv. Ladino, under irrigation in the subtropical region of Gauteng, South Africa, is unknown. The performance of T. repens was determined over five years (1981/1982 to 1985/1986), at two defoliation frequencies, four levels of nitrogen (0, 400, 800 and 1 600 kg N ha^?1 ‐ total applied over five years), and either the removal or recycling of harvested material. Frequent, compared to infrequent defoliation, resulted in higher dry matter (DM) yields from the second year onwards. Dry matter yields were positively affected by the recycling of material, compared to no recycling. A mean DM yield of 191 ha^?1 in the first year and 12 t ha^?1 in the final year, was obtained. The highest DM yields occurred during October for all years and lowest DM yields from January to March. The first and final year showed similar peaks (late October) and troughs (March till April). Crude protein (CP) content of the herbage was influenced more by frequency of defoliation than recycling of material, where the highest CP content in any year was obtained from frequent defoliation. Nitrogen fertiliser applied up to a total of 1 600 kg N ha^?1 over five years had no effect on either DM yield or crude protein content. This study has shown that T. repens could be a productive pasture for at least five years in the subtropical region of Gauteng, South Africa. Productivity and quality of T. repens were enhanced by a defoliation interval of less than five weeks and when soil high fertility was maintained by recycled plant material.     

Detection of a Theileria species in dogs in South Africa

A Theileria species was detected by PCR in blood samples collected from dogs in the Pietermaritzburg area and was also found in dogs presented at the Outpatients Clinic of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH), in the Pretoria area, South Africa. In the Pietermaritzburg area, 79 of the 192 samples were positive, while 3 out of 1137 of the Onderstepoort samples were positive. Three positive samples from Pietermaritzburg were co-infected with Ehrlichia canis. PCR positive samples were further analysed by the Reverse Line Blot (RLB) and sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA full-length gene sequences of one sample (VT12) from Pietermaritzburg and two samples from OVAH (BC281 and BC295) revealed a close relationship with sequences of Theileria species (sable). Clinical signs of the dogs that were examined at Pietermaritzburg and OVAH included an immune-mediated condition with severe thrombocytopenia. These findings identify a Theileria sp. in dogs for the first time in South Africa and add yet another microorganism to the growing list of haemoprotozoan parasites infecting dogs worldwide. The clinical significance of this infection in dogs is poorly resolved.