The first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from South Thailand

Background and Aim: Bartonellosis is an emerging worldwide zoonosis caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Bartonella. Several studies have been conducted on the prevalence of Bartonella infections from animals and humans, including reports from wild and domestic ruminants. However, there has been only one report of Bartonella infection in water buffaloes from the northeastern part of Thailand. Moreover, the seroprevalence of Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes still remains unknown. This study was conducted to explore the prevalence of Bartonella spp. among water buffaloes from South Thailand using molecular and serological techniques. Materials and Methods: A total of 312 samples (156 blood and 156 sera) of 156 water buffaloes from 29 farms in Phatthalung Province, South Thailand, were collected from January to March 2021. All samples were screened for Bartonella spp. using polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results: The seroprevalence of antibodies against three Bartonella spp. was 16.03% (25/156, 95% confidence interval: 10.65-22.74%), and among 25 water buffaloes with seroprevalence, 56%, 20%, and 24% were positive for antibodies against Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and Bartonella tamiae, respectively. No significant difference was detected among seroprevalence, gender, age, and ectoparasite infestation. Conclusion: This is the first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against B. henselae, B. vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and B. tamiae in water buffaloes from South Thailand. Further studies are required on the epidemiology of Bartonella infection among water buffaloes, related personnel, and ectoparasites.

Epidemiology of Ectoparasites (Ticks, Lice, and Mites) in the Livestock of Pakistan: A Review

Ectoparasites, including lice, ticks, and mites, inhabit the host skin and depend on their host for sustenance, maturation, and multiplication. Among these, ticks are more prevalent in various regions of Pakistan because of favorable climatic conditions, lack of awareness of livestock keepers' regarding ectoparasite infestation rate, insufficient veterinary services, and inadequate control measures. Ectoparasitic infestation is a primary threat to cost-effective livestock production by damaging skin and transmitting multiple diseases between animals. This review aimed to determine the infestation rates of various ectoparasites in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, camels, equids and to ascertain the prevalence and epidemiology of ectoparasites in different regions of Pakistan. This review could be useful in devising prevention and control strategies and identifying the risk factors associated with ectoparasites to enhance animal productivity. It provides directions for veterinary schools, researchers, and organizations aiming to collaborate with neighboring countries to eradicate these parasites. Future studies could support working veterinarians and administrators and contribute to human well-being.

The correlation between ectoparasite infestation and total Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Super Intensive Ponds

This study aimed to determine the type, intensity, degree of ectoparasite infestation and its correlation to the total V. parahaemolyticus bacteria in super-intensive pacific white shrimp culture. In this study, sampling was carried out in 3 super-intensive pacific white shrimp pond areas spread out in East Java, namely Bangil, Tuban, and Lamongan with 50 shrimps (PL30-PL 40). The obtained data underwent regression and correlation analysis. Based on the results, there were three types of ectoparasites, namely Zoothamnium sp., Epistylis sp. and Vorticella sp. High ectoparasite intensity was found in pacific white shrimp from Lamongan and Tuban ponds, namely 76 and 55 individuals/shrimp, respectively, showing the heavy infestation. High total V. parahaemolyticus bacteria was found in Tuban (1.16 × 105 CFU/gr) and Lamongan (1.16 × 105 CFU / gr) ponds. Based on the results, the coefficient value was R = 0.807 showing positive correlation of V. parahaemolyticus with the increasing parasite intensity and low oxygen levels.

Ectoparasite Infestation on Beef Cattle (Bos Indicus) in Kendit Sub-District, Situbondo District

The purpose of this study was to determine the type and percentage of ectoparasites attacking the cattle cow in the Kendit Sub-District, Situbondo District. The research was conducted from July to September 2020 with 100 samples of cow taken. The identification of ectoparasites was carried out at The Laboratory of the Animal Health Center of Situbondo Regency. This study was survey with a cross-sectional design. This study found several ectoparasites of the type of flies that infested the cattle cow: Musca domestica 29.20%, Haematobia irritans 58.96%, Stomoxys calcitrans 2.82%, Tabanus rubidus 0.42%, Tabanus megalops 0.56%, Hippobosca maculata 0.14%. In addition, this study also found ectoparasites of fleas that attacked the cattle cow, among others Bovicola bovis 2.12%, and Haematopinus eurysternus 5.78%. In this study, the dominant type of fly ectoparasite was Haematobia irritans 58.96% and the dominant ectoparasite from flea was Haematopinus eurysternus 5.78%. The suggestions for this research were this research should be continued with a longer time, the fishing method must be more varied because the more fishing methods used, the higher diversity results and it is advisable to maintain cage sanitation, improve maintenance management, and the cleanliness of cattle sheds surroundings to maintain cattle condition.