scholarly journals Baseline studies on the health of marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) populations from Argentina: laying the grounds for an improved interpretation of mortality episodes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Marcela Orozco ◽  
Hernán D. Argibay ◽  
Leonardo Minatel ◽  
Eliana C. Guillemi ◽  
Yanina Berra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Multiple Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Trypanosoma Evansi ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Amblyomma Triste ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Blastocerus Dichotomus ◽  
Health Parameters

Abstract Background: The comprehensive approach to diseases in broad ecological contexts appears as a new challenge for global health and draws on baseline studies to detect changes in the occurrence of pathogens over time. Marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) mortality episodes were described in Argentina and several pathogens associated with environmental and eco-epidemiological factors were indicated as risk factors. To date, the lack of basic health information on these populations has hampered interpretation of findings. This study aimed to provide baseline data on health parameters in marsh deer populations from Argentina. Results: Between May 2014 and December 2016 we determined health parameters in 44 marsh deer with different body condition scores, and studied the pathological lesions in dead animals. Marsh deer with poor body condition had a high burden of the ticks Amblyomma triste and Rhipicephalus microplus. Vector borne agents (VBAs), such as Theileria cervi. Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma evansi, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma odocoilei, Anaplasma marginale, and Candidatus Anaplasma boolense were also found. Haemonchus spp, Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp. showed the highest infection prevalence. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis suggested a possible association of i) lower body score condition with high tick loads and infection with VBAs and, ii) the impoverished body score with high loads of nemathelminths and well-known harmful gastrointestinal parasites. Conclusions: Our results contribute with knowledge on the life history and health aspects of marsh deer in the study areas. We provide data on the prevalent infectious and parasitic agents in their populations. A range of haematology and serum chemistryvalues, and the occurrence of Fasciola hepatica and Leptospira interrogans serovar pyrogenes were reported for the first time in wild marsh deer from Argentina. The histopathological findings in succumbed animals allowed us to recognize injuries associated or not with their body condition. Our results are the first step in the creation of a baseline on marsh deer health in Argentina. In the future, these data added to new contributions could help improve the interpretation of the findings during mortality events.

scholarly journals A participatory surveillance of marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) morbidity and mortality in Argentina: first results.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Marcela Orozco ◽  
Hernán D. Argibay ◽  
Leonardo Minatel ◽  
Eliana C. Guillemi ◽  
Yanina Berra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Winter Mortality ◽  
Wildlife Diseases ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Passive Surveillance System ◽  
Participatory Surveillance ◽  
Blastocerus Dichotomus

Abstract Background: In an era of unprecedented socio-ecological changes, managing wildlife health demands high-quality data collection and the engagement of local communities. Blastocerus dichotomus, the largest South American deer, is Vulnerable to extinction mainly due to habitat loss. Diseases have been recognised as a potential threat, and winter mortality has been historically described in marsh deer populations from Argentina. Field difficulties have, however, prevented in-depth studies of their health status.Results: Between May 2014 and April 2017, we investigated marsh deer morbidity and mortality in the two largest populations in Argentina. We collected data by means of a passive surveillance system that involved a network of researchers, field partners (veterinarians, park rangers, and local community), and decision makers. We sampled dead deer during as well as outside mortality events. A total of 44 marsh deer with different body condition scores were evaluated. We obtained haematology and biochemistry values from animals with good body condition score. Marsh deer with poor body condition had a high burden of the ticks Amblyomma triste and Rhipicephalus microplus. Vector-borne agents such as Theileria cervi, Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma evansi, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma odocoilei, Anaplasma marginale, and Candidatus Anaplasma boleense were also found. Haemonchus spp., Ostertagia spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. were the most frequent gastrointestinal parasites in deer with poor body condition. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis reinforced a possible association of winter period with lower body score condition, high tick loads, infection with E. chaffeensis, and presence of harmful gastrointestinal parasites. Conclusions: Our approach allowed the establishment of a participatory surveillance network of marsh deer morbidity and mortality in Argentina. We report and analyse the first data obtained opportunistically within the framework of this network, providing information on the infectious and parasitic agents in marsh deer populations. The occurrence of Fasciola hepatica and Leptospira interrogans serovar pyrogenes is reported for the first time in wild marsh deer from Argentina. Our data will be useful to improve the interpretation of future mortality events. The field implementation of a surveillance network is key to a holistic approach to wildlife diseases.

scholarly journals A participatory approach to marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) morbidity and mortality passive surveillance in Argentina: first results.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Marcela Orozco ◽  
Hernán D. Argibay ◽  
Leonardo Minatel ◽  
Eliana C. Guillemi ◽  
Yanina Berra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Winter Mortality ◽  
Passive Surveillance ◽  
Wildlife Diseases ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Blastocerus Dichotomus

Abstract Background: The comprehensive approach to diseases in broad ecological contexts appears as a new challenge for global health. Winter mortality of marsh deer ( Blastocerus dichotomus ) was historically described in Argentina even though field difficulties prevented their in-depth study. Results: Between May 2014 and April 2017, we investigated marsh deer morbidity and mortality through passive surveillance in the two largest populations in Argentina using a participatory approach. The latter spanned a network of researchers, field partners (veterinarians, park rangers, and local community), and decision makers. We sampled dead deer during as well as outside mortality events. A total of 44 marsh deer with different body condition scores were evaluated. We obtained reference haematology and biochemistry values from animals with good body condition score. Marsh deer with poor body condition had a high burden of the ticks Amblyomma triste and Rhipicephalus microplus . Vector-borne agents (VBAs), such as Theileria cervi , Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma evansi, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma odocoilei, Anaplasma marginale , and Candidatus Anaplasma boolense were also found. Haemonchus spp., Ostertagia spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. were the most frequent gastrointestinal parasites in deer with poor body condition. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis reinforced a possible association of winter period with lower body score condition, high tick loads, infection with E. chaffeensis , and presence of harmful gastrointestinal parasites. Conclusions: Our approach allowed the establishment of a participatory surveillance network of marsh deer morbidity and mortality in Argentina. We report and analyse the first data obtained opportunistically within the framework of this network, providing information on the infectious and parasitic agents in marsh deer populations. The occurrence of Fasciola hepatica and Leptospira interrogans serovar pyrogenes is reported for the first time in wild marsh deer from Argentina. The histopathological findings in succumbed animals allowed us to distinguish lesions associated with their body condition from those that were unrelated. Our data will be useful to improve the interpretation of future mortality events. The field implementation of a surveillance network is key to a holistic approach to wildlife diseases.

Wolbachia and Cytoplasmic Incompatibility in the CaliforniaCulex pipiensMosquito Species Complex: Parameter Estimates and Infection Dynamics in Natural Populations

Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 165 (4) ◽  
pp. 2029-2038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason L Rasgon ◽  
Thomas W Scott
Keyword(s):  
Species Complex ◽  
Cytoplasmic Incompatibility ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Wolbachia Infection ◽  
Field Conditions ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Infection Frequency ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Vector Borne

AbstractBefore maternally inherited bacterial symbionts like Wolbachia, which cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI; reduced hatch rate) when infected males mate with uninfected females, can be used in a program to control vector-borne diseases it is essential to understand their dynamics of infection in natural arthropod vector populations. Our study had four goals: (1) quantify the number of Wolbachia strains circulating in the California Culex pipiens species complex, (2) investigate Wolbachia infection frequencies and distribution in natural California populations, (3) estimate the parameters that govern Wolbachia spread among Cx. pipiens under laboratory and field conditions, and (4) use these values to estimate equilibrium levels and compare predicted infection prevalence levels to those observed in nature. Strain-specific PCR, wsp gene sequencing, and crossing experiments indicated that a single Wolbachia strain infects Californian Cx. pipiens. Infection frequency was near or at fixation in all populations sampled for 2 years along a >1000-km north-south transect. The combined statewide infection frequency was 99.4%. Incompatible crosses were 100% sterile under laboratory and field conditions. Sterility decreased negligibly with male age in the laboratory. Infection had no significant effect on female fecundity under laboratory or field conditions. Vertical transmission was >99% in the laboratory and ∼98.6% in the field. Using field data, models predicted that Wolbachia will spread to fixation if infection exceeds an unstable equilibrium point above 1.4%. Our estimates accurately predicted infection frequencies in natural populations. If certain technical hurdles can be overcome, our data indicate that Wolbachia can invade vector populations as part of an applied transgenic strategy for vector-borne disease reduction.

scholarly journals Natural infection of Lymnaea truncatula by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica in the Porma Basin, León, NW Spain

1991 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Manga-Gonzalez ◽  
C. Gonzalez-Lanza ◽  
C. B. Otero-Merino
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fluke ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Average Intensity ◽  
Nw Spain ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Monthly Average ◽  
Lymnaea Truncatula ◽  
Chi Square Test

ABSTRACTFor two years fortnightly malacological samplings were carried out to collect Lymnaea truncatula (Mollusca; Basommatophora) at five points in the upper and middle Porma river basin, León, Spain. The highest numbers of snails were collected in September, May and November. Of the 5486 molluscs examined, 11·41% harboured F. hepatica (Trematoda; Digenea) with an average intensity of 20·14. In general, the values of both infection prevalence and intensity increased with the size of the snails. It was in October when the highest figures for each parameter mentioned above were detected (18·73% and 28·48, respectively). The chi-square test showed statistically significant differences in relation to the infection prevalence among the groups of molluscs established according to: their length; the months in which they were collected; the sampling localities; monthly average ambient temperature; precipitation during the collection. Similarly, statistically significant differences were detected in the intensity of the infection among the groups of molluscs previously established, except for that based on the values of precipitation. Generally, parasites were found in the same snail at different stages of development. It seems that most mollusc infections occur in February–March and at the end of summer–beginning of autumn periods. The highest rate of rediae with mature cercariae ready to be shed were detected between September and December. Metacercariae in the grass samples were also observed at the end of autumn. For this reason, this period could be considered as the most suitable for infection of the definitive hosts to take place.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Intensity of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Donkeys in Selected Abattoirs in Kenya

Scientifica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Mulwa ◽  
Samuel Githigia ◽  
Davis Karanja ◽  
Cecilia Mbae ◽  
Eberhard Zeyhle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Parascaris Equorum ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
Strongylus Vulgaris ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Pregnancy Status ◽  
Setaria Equina

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys slaughtered in Kinamba, Mogotio, and Lodwar slaughterhouses and their association with several host factors. A survey was done between July and September 2017 in three slaughterhouses. Faecal samples were collected per rectum from all the study donkeys for faecal egg counts (EPG) and morphological identification of the eggs. At slaughter, the gastrointestinal tracts were opened and examined visually, and all helminth parasites collected were subjected to morphological identification. Prevalence and intensity were calculated based on the helminth identified and EPG. A total of 282 donkeys were sampled. A majority of the donkeys (89%) were in poor body condition. Ten helminth parasite species were identified in 85.5% donkeys. They were Strongylus vulgaris (52.8%), Parascaris equorum (20.2%), Strongylus edentatus (12.1%), Anaplocephala perfoliata (10.3%), Setaria equina (3.5%) Anaplocephala magna (2.5%), Cylicocyclus auriculatus (2.1%), Cyathostomum species (1.8%), Strongylus equinus (0.4%), and Triodontophorus serratus (0.4%). A significant percentage (55.3%) had no eggs in their feces, 39% had low infection, 5% had medium, and only 0.7% were heavily infected. Prevalence rates via use of the EPG showed Strongyles (44.7%), Parascaris equorum (5.3%), Oxyuris equi (11%), Triodontophorus tenuicolis (0.7%), Habronema species (0.7%), and cestodes eggs (0.4%). No significant differences were observed between fecal Strongylus egg count and age, sex, and pregnancy status. However, donkeys with poor body condition shed more Strongylus eggs in feces. Helminth infections are prevalent in donkeys in Kenya; however, this is not reflected in coprological analyses. These helminth parasites may contribute to poor body condition, ill health, and poor productivity of donkeys.

Gastrointestinal parasites as a possible threat to an endangered autochthonous Portuguese sheep breed

2019 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z.M. Ruano ◽  
A. Cortinhas ◽  
N. Carolino ◽  
J. Gomes ◽  
M. Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Sheep Breed ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Feed Management ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Protozoan Infections ◽  
Mcmaster Method

Abstract Helminth and protozoan infections are responsible for important diseases in grazing sheep, which can be especially threatening in an autochthonous breed at risk of extinction like the Churra Galega Mirandesa Portuguese sheep breed. The aim of the present study was to determine the diversity, prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in these sheep and to assess the effects of deworming practices, cohabiting animals on the farm and feed management. Coprological qualitative and quantitative analysis (flotation, natural sedimentation and McMaster method) were used to identify and quantify gastrointestinal parasites and a questionnaire was designed and applied. A total of 512 faecal samples were collected from 49 flocks, and 49 replies to the questionnaire were received. Parasites were identified in 100% of the flocks, and in 97% of the samples. The genera or species that have been morphologically identified were: strongyle-type, Nematodirus spp., Skrjabinema spp., Moniezia expansa, Moniezia benedeni, Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Eimeria spp., Dicrocoelium spp. and Fasciola hepatica. This is the first report in Portugal of Skrjabinema spp. The burden of parasites’ oocysts and eggs per gram in faecal samples ranged, respectively, from 50 to 17,550 for Eimeria spp., and from 50 to 6250 for strongyle-type eggs. Factors affecting parasitic infections were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression. Grazing time and a lack of anthelmintic treatment were positively associated with Nematodirus spp. infection. This study showed that there is a high prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in the Churra Galega Mirandesa sheep breed.

Negative covariance between parasite load and body condition in a population of feral horses

Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 143 (8) ◽  
pp. 983-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUCIE DEBEFFE ◽  
PHILIP D. MCLOUGHLIN ◽  
SARAH A. MEDILL ◽  
KATHRINE STEWART ◽  
DANIEL ANDRES ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Local Density ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Reproductive Status ◽  
Feral Horses ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Fecal Egg Count ◽  
Lactating Females ◽  
Field Season

SUMMARYIn wild and domestic animals, gastrointestinal parasites can have significant impacts on host development, condition, health, reproduction and longevity. Improving our understanding of the causes and consequences of individual-level variation in parasite load is therefore of prime interest. Here we investigated the relationship between strongyle fecal egg count (FEC) and body condition in a unique, naturalized population of horses that has never been exposed to anthelmintic drugs (Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada). We first quantified variation in FEC and condition for 447 individuals according to intrinsic (sex, age, reproductive status, social status) and extrinsic (group size, location, local density) variables. We then quantified the repeatability of measurements obtained over a field season and tested for covariance between FEC and condition. FECs were high relative to other horse populations (mean eggs per gram ± SD = 1543·28 ± 209·94). FECs generally decreased with age, were higher in lactatingvsnon-lactating females, and unexpectedly lower in males in some part of the island. FECs and condition were both spatially structured, with patterns depending on age, sex and reproductive status. FECs and condition were both repeatable. Most notably, FECs and condition were negatively correlated, especially in adult females.

scholarly journals Preliminary study on the prevalence of endoparasite infections and vector-borne diseases in outdoor dogs in Bulgaria

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. T. Iliev ◽  
Z. T. Kirkova ◽  
A. S. Tonev
Keyword(s):  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Single Infection ◽  
Linguatula Serrata ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Trichuris Vulpis ◽  
Toxascaris Leonina

SummaryThe present work was designed to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and some vector-borne pathogens in dogs in Bulgaria. A total of 172 owned dogs, keeping outside, were included in the study. Fecal samples were examined using standard flotation and sedimentation methods. Blood samples were processed by Knott’s technique, SNAP™ 4Dx Plus Test (IDEXX) and Angio Detect™ Test (IDEXX). The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 64.5%. Eggs of hookworms (Ancylostoma sp. and Uncinaria sp.) were the most frequently detected (54.1%), followed by Trichuris vulpis (15.1%), Capillaria sp. (11.0%), Toxocara canis (6.4%), Cystoisospora sp. (4.1%), Sarcocystis sp. (2.3%), Toxascaris leonina (1.7%), Taenia sp. (1.2%) and Linguatula serrata (0.6%). In addition, hookworms were the most commonly involved in the cases of single infection (20.3%). Combinations between Capillaria sp./hookworms and T. vulpis/hookworms were the most common co-infections (4.1% and 2.9%, respectively). Blood samples revealed the presence of antibodies against Ehrlichia sp. (13.4%), Anaplasma sp. (13.4%) and Borrelia burgdorferi (1.7%). Antigens of Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum were detected in 10.5% and 0.6% of the samples tested, respectively. Microfilariae of Dirofilaria repens were found in 5.8% of the blood samples. Additionally, the prevalence of D. immitis and Ehrlichia sp. was significantly higher in adult than in young dogs (p<0.05). In contrast, the gender was not considered as a risk factor contributing to the occurrence of infections.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites on Beef Cattle in Jombang District

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Melda Mufidatul Ifqiyyah ◽  
Boedi Setiawan ◽  
Agus Wijaya
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Toxocara Vitulorum ◽  
Cattle Feces ◽  
Feces Sample ◽  
Eimeria Spp ◽  
Blastocystis Spp ◽  
Protozoan Infections

The disease that is quite detrimental to cattle is gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Gastrointestinal parasites infect the cattle by taking host nutrients that would caused emaciation, lethargy, and decreased productivity. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Jombang District. This research was conducted in July to August 2019 with 100 samples of cattle feces. Sample examinations were carried out in the laboratory of the Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Universitas Airlangga using the sedimentation and floating methods. Detection of parasites in all samples using microscope with magnification of 100x and 400x. On examination, several types of parasites were found included Strongyloides papillosus, Toxocara vitulorum, Oesophagostomum spp., Moniezia expansa, Blastocystis spp. and Eimeria spp. The results of this study were found the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites on beef cattle in Jombang district was 35% with a worm infection prevalence of 15% and protozoan infections of 20%.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document