The Relative host status of rock elephant shrews Elephantulus myurus and Namaqua rock mice Aethomys namaquensis for economically important ticks

Several tick species of medical and veterinary importance occur in the southern Orange Free State. The purpose of the present study was to determine the host status of rock elephant shrews ( Elephantulus myurus) and Namaqua rock mice ( Aethomys namaquensis) for these ticks. Infestation levels were used as a criterion. The seasonal abundances of the ticks as well as the effects of landscape topography and sex of the host on infestation levels were also investigated. Incidental observations were made on the pouched mouse (Saccostomys campestris). No adult ticks were recovered from any of these small mammals. Seven tick species were found on the elephant shrews of which only Ixodes rubicundus and Rhipicephalus punctatus occurred in high numbers on a large proportion of the animals. Both these ticks cause paralysis in domestic stock. The Namaqua rock mice harboured eight tick species. Only Haemaphysalis leachi/spinulosa and R. punctatus had a relative abundance exceeding 15%. Three of the 10 pouched mice examined were infested with small numbers of ticks. The 132 rock elephant shrews examined harboured a mean total burden of 121 immature ticks compared to four on each of the 321 Namaqua rock mice. The larvae and nymphs of I. rubicundus occurred mainly in the colder months (April to September), while those of H. leachi/spinulosa preferred the warmer months (October to March). Large numbers of larvae of R. punctatus were present from December to July and nymphs from August to October. Infestation levels of I. rubicundus were consistently higher on animals trapped on southern slopes than on those trapped on northern slopes. The sex of the hosts seemed to have little effect on infestation levels.     

Effect of host resistance on the feeding and reproductive performance of Haemaphysalis punctata and Ixodes ricinus ticks

A study was made to assess the influence of host response on Haemaphysalis punctata and Ixodes ricinus biology by comparing the effects of feeding ticks on previously uninfested hosts with those fed on previously sensitised hosts. Adult H punctata were fed on sheep; larvae and nymphs of H punctata and I ricinus were fed on rabbits. The engorgement weights of all instars studied that fed on sensitised hosts fell very gradually with successive infestations. These weight reductions were greater at high than at low levels of infestation. In previously sensitised hosts, the engorgement period of all instars was prolonged: the percentage of instars which completed engorgement and engorgement weights were reduced. The host's clinical and immune response markedly affected the fecundity of adult female ticks and the viability and hatchability of the laid eggs. Eighty per cent of female H punctata successfully laid eggs following the first infestation and the hatchability of eggs was 85 per cent. The numbers successfully laying eggs decreased to 60 per cent during the fifth and sixth infestations and was less than 20 per cent following the seventh infestation; the hatchability decreased similarly. There was no marked effect on the development of immature instars when fed on sensitised rabbits.     

Anti-chemokine activities of ixodid ticks depend on tick species,developmental stage,and duration of feeding

Ixodid ticks require comparatively large bloodmeals for their development and survival. Blood-feeding elicits signaling events in the host leading to wound healing responses (hemostasis, inflammation, and tissue repair) and immunity. Bioactive molecules present in tick saliva sabotage these host responses at several levels. One of them is neutralization of cellular communication by binding of specific saliva molecules to cytokines that have important roles in innate and adaptive immunity. Chemokines are a subset of cytokines having chemotactic activities. We show anti-chemokine activities in salivary gland extracts (SGE) of adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks against human chemokines CXCL8, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, and CCL11. At comparable protein concentrations, male Ixodes ricinus SGE showed activity against all the chemokines; SGE of female I. ricinus had comparatively lower levels of activity against all the chemokines but no detectable activity against CCL5 and CCL11. However, when the equivalent of a single pair of salivary glands was tested, male I. ricinus showed little or no activity against CCL3 and CCL5. No fundamental differences in activity were observed against mouse compared with human chemokines. A comparison with previously published data for Dermacentor reticulatus and Amblyomma variegatum indicates that the level of anti-cytokine activity depends on the species, developmental stage (adult or nymph), and amount of SGE used, as well as on the number of days the tick has been feeding.     

甘南夏河高寒草甸高原鼢鼠和高原鼠兔秋季栖息地特征

2010年至2014年连续5年对甘南夏河高寒草甸高原鼢鼠(Eospalax bailyei)和高原鼠兔(Ochotona curzoniae)的分布与其地形、植被因子等进行了调查,分析两小型哺乳动物秋季越冬前的栖息地利用特征。结果表明,其秋季栖息地利用与地形和植被特征显著相关。高原鼠兔易选择坡地、半阳坡和坡中位的地形,而高原鼢鼠易选择平地、阳坡和坡底位的地形;植被盖度是影响高原鼠兔分布的重要因子。地上生物量非中等的平地是两小哺乳动物共存的主要分布地,两小型哺乳动物的种群动态与植被盖度和生物量均显著相关(P0.05);鹅绒委陵菜(Potentilla anserina)、花苜蓿(Melissilus ruthenicus)、柴胡(Radix bupleuri)和美丽风毛菊(Saussurea pulchra)4种植物多度与两小型哺乳动物的分布显著相关。     

Paralysis of laboratory rabbits by nymphae of Ixodes rubicundus, Neumann 1904 (Acarina: Ixodidae) and some effects on the life-cycle following feeding under different temperature conditions

Feeding under constant cold conditions resulted in a marginal shortening of feeding period and a major shortening of the subsequent developmental phase of all stages of Ixodes rubicundus Neumann 1904, the Karoo paralysis tick. Paralysis occurred in laboratory rabbits when nymphae were fed on them under constant warm, constant cold and fluctuating ambient winter conditions. This paralysis was found to be dependent on infestation rate and feeding conditions. Under constant cold conditions paralysis resulted from lower levels of infestation than under warm or under fluctuating winter conditions. Neurological parameters used in assessing the progression of the paresis are discussed.     

Efficacy of a single application of a 12.5% pyriprole topical solution against laboratory infestations with ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) on dogs

In three separate studies, the efficacy of a single treatment with a 12.5% pyriprole spot-on solution was investigated against induced infestation with Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus on dogs (both sexes; Beagles in Studies 1 and 2, mixed-breed in Study 3). For each tick species, one group of 8 dogs left untreated (Studies 1 and 2) or treated with a placebo solution (Study 3) was compared with another group treated once with the spot-on solution at a dose rate of at least 12.5mg/kg. The dogs were infested with 50 unfed adult ticks of the respective species at various time-points before and after treatment and the surviving attached and unattached ticks were recorded 48 h after re-infestation. For each tick species, efficacy was assessed for each time-point and cumulatively for the whole evaluation period. The dogs were submitted to general health observations and clinical assessments during the study. Efficacy against I. ricinus and R. sanguineus was 100% during the whole evaluation period of 30 days. For D. reticulatus cumulative efficacy for the 30 days after treatment was 98.9%. The product was well tolerated by all the animals.     

Notes on two brief surveys of the small mammal fauna on the Rooiberg,Ladismith, southern Cape Province

Two brief(3½ days each) trapping surveys of the small mammal fauna in fynbos vegetation on the Rooiberg mountains were conducted at the beginning and end of the rodent breeding season in 1978. Four study areas were selected at different altitudes and in different vegetation types. A total of six rodent, three shrew and one small carnivore species were captured. Estimates of density and biomass are given and were found to be relatively high for fynbos communities at the end of the breeding season (March). Differences were found between the fauna inhabiting north-facing and south-facing slopes.     

Ixodid ticks on ruminants, with on-host initiated moulting (apolysis) of Ixodes, Haemaphysalis and Dermacentor larvae

To screen the host-dependent abundance of hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) developmental stages on ruminants in South Hungary, red and roe deer, as well as goats and sheep were examined in a season, when larvae and nymphs are active. Altogether 2271 ticks were collected. In the relevant period the prevalence of tick-infestation was significantly higher among goats, than among sheep kept in the very same area, most likely in association with the browsing habit of the former. Roe deer and goats were found to be important hosts for Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna larvae, in contrast to the view that this stage does not usually feed on medium-sized mammals. Interestingly, one third of I. ricinus larvae and one larva of H. concinna and of Dermacentor reticulatus collected from goats in the same herd in August have started the moulting process (showed apolysis) on their host, despite being three-host ticks. This is the first survey involving four species of domestic and wild ruminants in Europe to compare the host-preference of ixodid ticks in the same region.     

A review of the Namaqua gecko,Pachydactylus namaquensis (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from southern Africa,with the description of two new species

An analysis of morphological and allozyme variation in the Namaqua gecko, Pachydactylus namaquensis from southern Africa is presented. Three separately evolving lineages, well defined by morphology and allozyme variation, are identified. The isolated southern population, occurring on the southern escarpment and Cape Fold Mountains surrounding the western Little Karoo, is named P. kladamderma sp. nov., and is characterized by a slit-like ear opening, low number of granules bordering the mental (3-6) and mental and adjacent infralabials (513), the frequent (79%) occurence of the supralabial entering the nostril, and its drab brown base colouration. A northern population, occurring in southern Namibia and the Richtersveld is named P. haackei sp. nov., and is characterized by its more rounded or squared ear opening; high number of granules bordering the mental and adjacent infralabials (11-19), the general exclusion of the supralabial from the nostril (only 3.7% entry), and brighter, lighter colouration. It is further differentiated from P. kladaroderma on the basis of fixed differences at 11 allozyme loci. Both new species differ from P. namaquensis, which is mainly restricted to Little Namaqua- land, but is sympatric with P. haackei in the Lower Orange River region, by their more heterogenous dorsal scalation, smaller cloacal spurs, lack of spine-like tubercles on the lateral surfaces of the tail, and more fragile skin. The type locality of P. namaquensis is restricted to ‘the vicinity of Springbok, Little Namaqualand, Northern Cape Province, South Africa’.     

Two new species of ticks from southern Africa whose adults parasitize the feet of ungulates: Rhipicephalus lounsburyi n. sp. and Rhipicephalus neumanni n. sp. (Ixodoidea, Ixodidae)

Theiler & Robinson (1953) described, as Rhipicephalus follis D?nitz, 1910, a tick species originating from Dordrecht, Eastern Cape Province. A comparison of this tick with the syntypes of R. follis has now shown, though, that these 2 entities are different and it is therefore redescribed below as Rhipicephalus lounsburyi n. sp. Its adults parasitize sheep and various wild ungulates, attaching primarily on their feet. The hosts of the immature stages are still unknown. It has now been recorded from several places in the Eastern Cape; once in Natal, at Impendle, and in the Western Cape near Swellendam and between Clanwilliam and Graafwater. A second species, which has in the past been confused with the dassie parasite, Rhipicephalus distinctus Bedford, 1932, is described as Rhipicephalus neumanni n. sp. Its adults also attach on the feet of sheep and goats. The hosts of the immature stages are unknown. It has been widely recorded in the Bethanien and Keetmanshoop Districts of Namibia and, in South Africa, from scattered localities in the Karoo.     

The incidence of ticks ofBoophilus species on cattle,sheep and goats in Nigeria

Summary A survey of infestation ofBoophilus species on cattle, sheep and goats was undertaken in Nigeria between January and December 1973. Three species were encountered on cattle and of these,B. decoloratus (Koch, 1844) was predominant. The others wereB. geigyi [(Aeschlimann and Morel, 1965)] andB. annulatus [(Say, 1821)=B. congolensis (Minning, 1934)].B. decoloratus andB. annulatus were found in varying numbers in all vegetational zones of Nigeria andB. geigyi was absent in the arid Sudan zone but was the predominant species in the forest zone. While theB. annulatus was almost equally represented during the dry and rainy seasons, theB. decoloratus andB. geigyi were most numerous during the dry season. Very few boophilids were found on sheep and goats. All wereB. decoloratus.

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Resumen Desde Enero hasta Diciembre de 1973, se hizo un reconocimiento en Nigeria sobre la infestación de varias especies deBoophilus en bovinos, ovinos y caprinos. Se encontraron tres en bovinos, con predominio delB. decolaratus (Koch, 1844) La segunda y tercera en su orden fueron elB. geigyi (Aeschlimann y Morel, 1965) y elB. annulatus. [(Say, 1821)=B. congolensis (Mining, 1934)]. ElB. decoloratus y elB. annulatus se encontraron en cantidades variables en todas las zonas con vegetación en Nigeria. ElB. geigyi no se encontró en la zona árida de Sudan, pero fue la especie predominante en la zona forestal. ElB. annulatus estuvo presente durante la sequía y la estación lluviosa. ElB. decoloratus y elB. geigyi fueron más abundantes durante la estación seca. Se encontraron pocosBoophilus en ovejas y cabras. Todos fueronB. decoloratus.

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Résumé Une étude sur l'infestation parBoophilus spp. des bovins, des moutons et des chèvres a été entreprise au Nigéria entre janvier et décembre 1973. Trois espèces ont été recontrées chez les bovins, parmi lesquellesB. decoloratus (Koch, 1844) étrait la plus courante. Les autres étaientB. geigyi (Aeschlimann et Morel, 1965) etB. annulatus [(Say, 1821)=B. congolensis (Mining, 1934)].B. coloratus etB. annulatus ont été trouvées en quantités variables dans toutes les zones de végétation etB. geigyi était absent dans la zone aride du Soudan mais était l'espèce prédominante dans la zone forestière. Tandis queB. annulatus était presque également représenté pendant la saison sèche et la saison des pluies,B. decoloratus etB. geigyi étaient plus nombreux pendant la saison sèche. Très peu deBoophilidae ont été trouvés sur des moutons et les chèvres. Tous étaient desB. decoloratus.

     

Histopathology of attachment sites of Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus on zebu cattle of varying resistance to ticks.

Mature, unimproved East African Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) naturally exposed to ticks from birth were ranked for resistance to ticks by repeated whole-body counts of infesting ticks. Four cattle of high resistance, four of low resistance and two of intermediate resistance were artificially infested with nymphs of Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Two Friesian cattle (Bos taurus) with less exposure to ticks were similarly infested. Biopsies of tick attachment sites were examined histologically. All attachment sites showed acute inflammatory lesions, and sites of both tick species on high resistance cattle showed delayed hypersensitive reactions with intra-epidermal pustulation and significant increases in the numbers of granulocytes. The predominant cells infiltrating attachment sites on high resistance cattle were eosinophils with A. variegatum and neutrophils with R. appendiculatus. Such differences need to be taken into account in developing immunological tests for selecting cattle for resistance but there are sufficient common features of reactions to the two infesting tick species to justify dermal hypersensitivity tests.     

Biomedical evaluation of two sympatric lemur species (Propithecus verreauxi deckeni and Eulemur fulvus rufus) in Tsiombokibo Classified Forest, Madagascar.

Complete medical examinations were performed on 20 wild Decken's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi deckeni) and 20 wild red-fronted brown lemurs (Eulemurfulvus rufus) from western Madagascar. Each animal received a complete physical examination, and weight, body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded and ectoparasites collected. Blood samples were collected for complete blood cell count, differential white blood cell count, hemoparasite examination, serum biochemical profile, fat-soluble vitamin analysis, trace mineral analysis, and toxoplasmosis and viral serology. Fecal samples were collected for bacterial culture and endoparasite examination. Significant differences exist between the species for serum chemistry values for creatine phosphokinase, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorus, potassium, and chloride; for fat-soluble vitamins 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, retinol, retinyl palmitate, gamma-tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol, and lutein + zeaxanthin; and serum copper. Parasites detected include Lemurostrongylus spp., Lemuricola spp., Trichurus spp., and ectoparasites Haemaphysalis lemuris, Psoroptes, and mites identified to the family Laelapidae. Enteric bacterial flora included Escherichia coli, Citrobacter ssp., Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella ozaenae, Acinetobacter lwofii, and Enterobacter amnigenus.     

Future directions in training of veterinarians for small exotic mammal medicine: expectations, potential, opportunities, and mandates

Small exotic mammals have been companions to people for almost as long as dogs and cats have been. The challenge for veterinary medicine today is to decipher the tea leaves and determine whether small mammals are fad or transient pets or whether they will still be popular in 20 years. This article focuses on pet small-mammal medicine, as the concerns of the laboratory animal are better known and may differ profoundly from those of a pet. Dozens of species of small exotic mammals are kept as pets. These pet small-mammal species have historically served human purposes other than companionship: for hunting, for their pelts, or for meat. Now, they are common pets. At present, most veterinary schools lack courses in the medical care of these animals. Veterinary students need at least one required class to introduce them to these pets. Currently, there are no small-mammal-only residency programs. This does not correspond with current needs. The only way to judge current needs is by assessing what employers are looking for. In a recent JAVMA classified section, almost 30% of small-animal practices in suburban/urban areas were hiring veterinarians with knowledge of exotic pets. All veterinarians must recognize that pet exotic small mammals have changed the landscape of small-animal medicine. It is a reality that, today, many small-animal practices see pet exotic small mammals on a daily basis.     

Efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene for treatment and control of induced infestations of brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) on dogs

Four laboratory studies were conducted to demonstrate that a single topical dose of a novel spot-on combination containing fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene (CERTIFECT?, Merial Limited, GA, USA) is efficacious against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In each study, 6-8 male and 6-8 female purpose-bred, laboratory mongrels, terrier cross or Beagles were randomly assigned to one of two study groups (treated and untreated), based on pre-treatment parasite counts. Starting on the day before treatment, each dog was infested weekly with 50 ticks. Ticks were thumb counted at various time points after treatment and weekly infestations starting as early as 6h and continued at 12, 18 and 24h depending on the study. Ticks were removed and counted at 48 h after treatment and weekly infestations. CERTIFECT provided rapid and excellent control of pre-existing and newly acquired infestations of R. sanguineus with efficacy as high as 93% within the first 12h after a single topical treatment. Excellent control (>96%) of R. sanguineus as early as 18 h, following post treatment infestations was maintained for at least 35 days.     

Boophilus microplus: passage of bovine immunoglobulins and albumin across the gut of cattle ticks feeding on normal or vaccinated cattle

Cattle were vaccinated with antigens from adult female Boophilus microplus and haemolymph was collected from female ticks which had engorged on these animals and on matched control cattle. Radio-immunoassay for bovine plasma proteins in haemolymph from ticks fed on control cattle showed low concentrations of IgG1 and albumin. There was a significant increase in bovine plasma proteins passing across the gut in ticks fed on vaccinated cattle, with an average of 150 times more albumin and four to five times more IgG1 in the haemolymph. Ticks with obviously damaged gut had the highest concentrations of bovine plasma proteins but apparently undamaged ticks from vaccinated cattle also had elevated protein concentrations.     

Discussion of a biometrical model for the evaluation of feeding, age, and animal effects on transport properties of small intestinal mucosa

This paper is concerned with the question in which ways study results can depend on the choice of the statistical model and factors included in this model. This is shown using example data of a study dealing with the effects of an Enterococcus faecium as probiotic in the diet of pigs. We focused on the effects on transport properties of pig jejunum. The experimental design was the following: the sows and piglets were randomly assigned to two different feeding groups. The control group was fed a conventional diet and the experimental group was additionally supplemented with a probiotic preparation of Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415. The animals were divided into four age groups. Two samples of five animals of each feeding and age group were taken and mounted into conventional Ussing chambers. Glucose transport rates were measured by changes in short-circuit current (Isc) of the pig jejunum epithelium. The appropriate reference base for evaluation of effects of feeding or age on Isc is the variation between animals which are submitted to identical conditions relating to these factors. To refer explicitly to this variation a random animal effect has to be included in the statistical model of variance analysis. Otherwise the variation between animals could be underestimated. With the example data set conclusions for the factor "feeding" would be different depending on whether a random animal effect is included in the model or not.     

Shark and skate egg-cases cast up on two South African beaches and their rates of hatching success,or causes of death

Collections of chondrichthyan egg-cases cast ashore at two sites along the South African coastline were identified and examined for cause of mortality. A total of 574 egg-cases collected from False Bay could be attributed to five species of scyliorhinid shark, two skates and the elephantfish or chimaera, while the 538 egg-cases collected from Port Alfred belonged to four scyliorhinid sharks and two skate species. At both sites eggs of shy-sharks of the genus Haploblepharus made up more than 70% of the samples, followed by skates (5% in False Bay and 19% in Port Alfred) and then catsharks of the genus Poroderma (1 and 7% respectively). Haploblepharus egg-cases generally displayed relatively high rates of hatching success of over 60% and predation rates of 18-30%. Haploblepharus fuscus was the exception with a low hatching success of 37% and a predation rate of 40%. Poroderma egg-cases suffered predation losses of 43%, and had a hatching success of 47%. Skate egg-cases displayed non-predator induced egg mortalities of up to 35%, but predation rates of less than 14%. Hatching success was moderate at 57%. The holes found in egg-cases could be categorised into five types, of which four were clearly predator boreholes. The most abundant of these was shown to be caused by whelks of the genus Bumupena.