Ectoparasites infecting Mugil curema (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae) in Amapá state estuary, in the northern Brazilian coast region

In fish, one of the most important interactions is that occur between parasite species and environment. Wild fish interactions with parasites of different taxa can result in diseases for fish and consequently damages to the fishing industry. This study investigated the ectoparasite fauna in Mugil curema in Amapá state estuary, in Brazilian coast region. The parasite prevalence was 51.4%, and a total of 282 parasites were collected among Ligophorus brasiliensis (Dactylogyridae), Excorallana longicornis (Corallanidae), larvae of Gnathia sp. (Gnathiidae) and Ergasilus atafonensis (Ergasilidae), but the dominance was of L. brasiliensis. The parasites presented highly aggregated dispersion, except for Gnathia sp. that had a random dispersion. There was a predominance of hosts parasitized by zero and one species. The relative condition factor did not differ between parasitized and non-parasitized fish. The body size of hosts did not influence the parasite abundance. The community of ectoparasites consisted of low species richness with low infection levels. This is the first study on parasites of fish from the coast of the State of Amapá and is the first report of Gnathia sp. for M. curema.

Ectoparasites infesting animals living in close contact with human beings: a real trouble for One Health perspective?

ABSTRACT The number of domestic animals living with human beings is rapidly increasing in parallel with an enhanced risk of transmission of their parasites and the pathogens they might carry. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of hematophagous arthropods infesting domestic animals from Northeastern Brazil and to remark the implications of their occurrence on the epidemiology and control of selected veterinary and human diseases. From January 2017 to April 2019, ectoparasites infesting domestic cats, dogs and horses were collected for their respective hosts and identified. Overall, ectoparasites were sampled from 86 domestic animals, living in different anthropic settings. A total of 401 specimens (344 ticks and 57 fleas) were collected from different hosts [i.e., 10 (2.49%), 96 (23.94%) and 295 (73.57%) from cats, dogs and horses, respectively]. Two flea (i.e., Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis) and 5 tick species (i.e., Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma sculptum, Dermacentor nitens, Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) were identified. This study provides data on the ectoparasite fauna infesting domestic animals from Northeastern Brazil. The diagnosis and treatment of these parasites should not be underestimated, considering the role that hematophagous arthropods display as vectors of pathogens of medical and veterinary concern.

Ectoparasites of Didelphis virginiana From Yucatan, Mexico

A faunal study is presented to determine the species of ectoparasites found in the opossum Didelphis virginiana (Kerr) (Marsupialia: Didelphidae). For this, Tomahawk traps were placed in the peridomiciles of a rural town in Yucatán, to capture individuals of this marsupial and proceed to the collection of their ectoparasites. A total of 3,023 arthropods were collected from 145 opossums. The most frequent ectoparasites were the acarines Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) nr. talaje (64.8%) (Argasidae); Ornithonyssus wernecki Fonseca (53.8%) (Macronyssidae) and Didelphilicus serrifer Fain (25.5%) (Atopomelidae); the ticks Amblyomma parvum Aragão (8.3%) and A. mixtum Koch (10.3%) (Ixodidae); and the fleas Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) (20.7%) and Pulex simulans Baker (8.3%) (Pulicidae). It is concluded that the ectoparasite fauna of this marsupial is mainly composed of euryxenous organisms, which have been documented as vectors of diseases caused by rickettsial bacteria. Since D. virginiana is widely adapted to the peridomiciliary environment in the region, this study allows recognizing those that represent a potential risk for the transmission of vector-borne zoonotic diseases.

ECTOPARASITE SPECIES COMPOSITION AND SEASONAL DYNAMICS IN DOMESTIC FOWL IN THE KRASNODAR KRAI

One of the topical veterinary problems is infestation of domesticated chickens with ectoparasites. Permanent and temporary ectoparasites are vectors and reservoirs of more than 100 poultry infectious disease agents; they cause outbreaks of contagious diseases, thus decreasing performance and increasing economic losses. The results of ectoparasite fauna study in domesticated chickens in private backyards of the Krasnodar Krai are given. The research was carried out in 2017–2018 in 600 chickens of different breeds and ages in four settlements: Gorkhutor (250 chickens), Industrialny (150), Yuzhny (100) and Svyazist (100). The results of the analysis demonstrated that chickens were infested with the following ectoparasite species: shaft louse Menopon gallinae with the highest invasion extensity of 100% and average invasion intensity of 18.6 parasites; poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (55.7%) with average invasion intensity of 12.5 parasites; two species of scaly leg mites – Knemidocoptes mutans (17.7%) with average invasion intensity of 39.4 parasites; and Knemidocoptes gallinae (17.7%) with average invasion intensity of 35 parasites. Seasonal dynamics of fowl infestation with ectoparasites showed that shaft louse Menopon gallinae was found in spring, summer and autumn on all farms. Mites Dermanyssus gallinae were found more often in spring with maximum invasion extensity of 74.4%. The prevalence of scaly leg mites Knemidocoptes mutans and Knemidocoptes gallinae was as high as 76%. The results of the tests indicate that infestation of domesticated chickens with different species of ectoparasitres can be linked with bad hygiene practice and free access system, creating favourable and stable environment for them. That is why it is necessary to use scientifcally justifed control measures, involving modern insecticides and tools.

Ectoparasites of the black-chinned siskin Spinus barbatus (Passeriformes: Fringillidae) in Chile

Despite being a bird with a broad and extensive distribution in Chile, the black-chinned siskin, Spinus barbatus Molina, 1782 is not well studied in relation to its parasites. This paper aims to describe the ectoparasite fauna of S. barbatus in central and southern Chile. A total of 125 individuals caught with mist nets were examined alive; a total of 22 parasites were found dead and were exposed to parasit autopsy. The extracted parasites were preserved in 70% alcohol for subsequent mounting and identification. Ectoparasites were found in 56 black-chinned siskins (38%); 48 of them (33%) had 870 mites – 680 feather mites (Astigmata: Analgoidea) were identified as Proctophyllodes spini, 167 as Knemidokoptes jamaicensis, 19 as Strelkoviacarus critesi, and one as Analges passerinus. Moreover, three mites were chiggers belonging to the tribe Schoengastiini (Prostigmata: Trombiculidae). In 21 birds (14%), 54 lice were found, 21 of which were identified as Philopterus roehreri, 18 as Myrsidea serini, and 15 as Ricinus carolynae. Endoparasites were not found in the necropsied individuals. All of the parasites that were found represent new records for Chile, and they also serve as new records of host–parasite associations for S. barbatus.