Relative virulence, host finding ability, and reproductive capacity of entomopathogenic nematodes for control of the goat biting louse Bovicola caprae (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae).
Sehrish Gulzar, Thomas Terrill, Aftab Siddique, Joan Burke, David Shapiro-Ilan
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Abstract
Bovicola caprae, the goat biting louse, is a permanent, obligate ectoparasite of goats. It causes dermatitis, irritation, hypersensitivity and lower productivity in goats. Problems associated with chemical insecticide use such as insecticide resistance and environmental concerns indicate that alternative methods (e.g., biological control) are needed. The objective of this study was to investigate the relative potential of different entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species to control B. caprae. Five EPN species, Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. riobrave, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and H. indica were tested in the laboratory. We measured relative EPN host attraction, virulence and reproductive capacity. A series of application rates were used to measure EPN virulence. Infective juvenile (IJ) reproduction was assessed in lice cadavers. Results indicated that all the EPNs tested were attracted, infected and killed adult lice; however, louse survival was dependent on EPN species, rate and exposure time. After 48 h, the lowest B. caprae survival was observed in S. riobrave and S. carpocapsae at 200 IJs/insect, with H. bacteriophora and H. indica exhibiting intermediate levels of virulence. In the reproduction assay, greater numbers of IJs were produced in the S. riobrave treatment followed by S. carpocapsae, H. bacteriophora and H. indica. No IJs were found in S. feltiae treated lice. In conclusion, EPNs can invade and kill B. caprae, with S. riobrave and S. carpocapsae exhibiting the most promise for biocontrol efficacy. Future studies will explore the use of EPNs against B. caprae in live animal applications.
期刊介绍：
The journal Veterinary Parasitology has an open access mirror journal,Veterinary Parasitology: X, sharing the same aims and scope, editorial team, submission system and rigorous peer review.
This journal is concerned with those aspects of helminthology, protozoology and entomology which are of interest to animal health investigators, veterinary practitioners and others with a special interest in parasitology. Papers of the highest quality dealing with all aspects of disease prevention, pathology, treatment, epidemiology, and control of parasites in all domesticated animals, fall within the scope of the journal. Papers of geographically limited (local) interest which are not of interest to an international audience will not be accepted. Authors who submit papers based on local data will need to indicate why their paper is relevant to a broader readership.
Parasitological studies on laboratory animals fall within the scope of the journal only if they provide a reasonably close model of a disease of domestic animals. Additionally the journal will consider papers relating to wildlife species where they may act as disease reservoirs to domestic animals, or as a zoonotic reservoir. Case studies considered to be unique or of specific interest to the journal, will also be considered on occasions at the Editors'' discretion. Papers dealing exclusively with the taxonomy of parasites do not fall within the scope of the journal.
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