Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports最新文献

{"title":"A longitudinal study of factors associated with positivity for Theileria orientalis ikeda genotype in suspected cattle, Virginia, USA","authors":"Jan A. Russek,&nbsp;Stephanie Michelle Todd,&nbsp;Amanda Carbonello,&nbsp;Kevin K. Lahmers,&nbsp;Cristobal Verdugo","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101595","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101595","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Theileria orientalis ikeda</em> genotype (<em>T. orientalis ikeda</em>) is a tickborne hemoparasite that causes anemia in cattle. Its primary competent vector is <em>Haemaphysalis longicornis</em>. <em>T. orientalis ikeda</em> was first described in the USA in the state of Virginia in 2017. Given its recent emergence, the epidemiology and factors associated with its detection in Virginia remain incompletely understood. Therefore, an analysis of longitudinal diagnostic data (2019–2025) was performed, to identify factors associated with <em>T. orientalis ikeda</em> positivity in cattle. Blood samples, from veterinarian-screened suspected cattle were submitted to the Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services (ViTALS) at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) for qPCR diagnosis. Submission information was used to create predictor variables: breed, sampling year, season, county, veterinary-clinic, age, risk area (low, medium, high), and sex. A generalized linear model was used to identify associated factors.</div><div>A total of 1824 samples, with complete data (out of 2186), were analyzed. 74.0% (95% CI, 71.9% - 76.0%) of suspected cattle were <em>T. orientalis ikeda</em> positive. Age, sampling year, risk area and season, were associated with positive results. Animals &gt;1 year old had 3.1 times higher odds of being positive than younger animals. The collection year had an OR of 1.6 per year. Animals sampled from high- and medium-risk counties had an OR of 3.7 and 2.3, respectively (reference: low-risk counties). Spring (OR = 0.5) and winter (OR = 0.5) were negatively associated compared to fall.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101595"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149154454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Probabilistic estimation of national economic losses due to cystic echinococcosis in sheep and goats in Türkiye","authors":"Muhammed Ahmed Selcuk,&nbsp;Tuba Bayir,&nbsp;Burcak Aslan-Celik,&nbsp;Sami Simsek","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic echinococcosis (CE) causes substantial direct economic losses in livestock, mainly through condemnation of infected edible offal such as liver and lungs. In this study, we estimated national-level condemnation losses attributable to CE in slaughtered sheep and goats in Türkiye using a probabilistic model informed by a one-year (2023), previously published abattoir surveillance dataset from Siirt Province. In the source dataset, 5119 sheep and 2860 goats were examined, and CE was detected in 569/5119 sheep (11.12%) and 66/2860 goats (2.31%). Organ involvement proportions were derived from reported localization patterns. Prevalence uncertainty was modeled using beta distributions, whereas organ weights and unit prices were represented by triangular distributions. Parameter uncertainty was propagated through Monte Carlo simulation (10,000 iterations), and results were expressed as means and 95% uncertainty intervals (UI). The mean total condemnation loss for the abattoir sample was USD 8060 and was largely driven by sheep liver losses. At the national level, the mean annual loss was estimated at USD 38.41 million (95% UI: 33.97–43.27 million), with sheep contributing USD 37.63 million (95% UI: 33.23–42.45 million) and goats USD 0.78 million (95% UI: 0.68–0.87 million). Scenario analysis suggested that 10%, 25%, and 50% reductions in prevalence would reduce the mean annual loss to USD 34.57 million, USD 28.80 million, and USD 19.20 million, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the national loss estimate was driven primarily by sheep liver weight (<em>r</em> = 0.760) and liver unit price (<em>r</em> = 0.574). Overall, CE imposes a substantial direct economic burden on Türkiye's small ruminant sector through liver and lung condemnation, with losses concentrated overwhelmingly in sheep. Probabilistic modeling based on abattoir-derived inputs provides decision-relevant national estimates and identifies the parameters that contribute most strongly to uncertainty.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101609"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149200092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gastrointestinal parasites in household dogs and cats from Costa Rica: prevalence, predictors, and diagnostic performance of flotation and sedimentation techniques","authors":"Kristel Astorga-García,&nbsp;Irene Alvarado-Hidalgo,&nbsp;Tiffani Estrada-Pull,&nbsp;Ana María Bolaños-Chaves,&nbsp;Javier Coen-Alfaro,&nbsp;Alicia Rojas,&nbsp;Alberto Solano-Barquero","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in companion animals is essential for animal health, welfare, and zoonotic risk mitigation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 1164 fecal samples collected between January and June 2023 (1044 from household dogs and 120 from household cats) were examined using zinc sulfate flotation and Ritchie's sedimentation techniques. Prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (Wilson) were calculated overall and by covariates. Paired detection results between techniques were compared using McNemar's exact test. Species-stratified multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess predictors of composite outcomes (helminths; intestinal protozoans) and selected species-specific outcomes, with clinic-clustered robust standard errors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 32.4% (377/1164) of samples were positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite. Hookworms were the most prevalent (19.7%, 229/1164), followed by <em>Giardia</em> spp. (10.1%, 118/1164), <em>Cystoisospora</em> spp. (4.2%, 49/1164), and <em>Toxocara</em> spp. (2.7%, 32/1164). Flotation detected <em>Giardia</em> spp. more frequently than sedimentation (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001), whereas sedimentation detected <em>Toxocara</em> spp. more frequently (<em>p</em> = 0.01) and enabled the identification of low-prevalence helminths not observed by flotation alone. Across models, young age (puppies/kittens) was the most consistent predictor.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Gastrointestinal parasites remain frequent among household dogs and cats in Costa Rica. Combining flotation and sedimentation improves diagnostic yield, and juvenile animals represent a key risk group for targeted control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101600"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149154526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae) associated with cutaneous myiasis in sheep from Uruguay: Molecular evidence supporting a potential primary role","authors":"Facundo Arrighetti,&nbsp;Florencia Méndez-González,&nbsp;Ana Pérez,&nbsp;Ignacio Lluberas,&nbsp;Ernesto González-Tonelli,&nbsp;Catherine Ferré,&nbsp;Ernestina Olhagaray-Torres,&nbsp;María Teresa Armúa-Fernández","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cutaneous myiasis is a major parasitic condition affecting sheep production worldwide. In Uruguay, it has traditionally been attributed to <em>Cochliomyia hominivorax</em> as the obligate primary agent, whereas <em>Chrysomya albiceps</em> has been regarded as a secondary species. The aim of this study was to report two cases of cutaneous myiasis associated with <em>Chrysomya albiceps</em> in sheep in Uruguay, supported by morphological identification and representing the first molecular confirmation of this species in ovine myiasis in the country, and to discuss its potential role as a primary agent. Larvae were collected from lesions in two affected sheep from different locations and identified as <em>C. albiceps</em> using morphological keys. Molecular confirmation was obtained by amplification and sequencing of a 658 bp fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene, followed by BLASTn and phylogenetic analysis. BLASTn comparisons showed &gt;99% identity with the reference sequences of <em>C. albiceps</em>. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the Uruguayan sequences together with sequences of <em>C. albiceps</em> from other regions, with high bootstrap support. Monospecific infestations and concordant morphological and molecular evidence support the potential role of <em>C. albiceps</em> as a primary agent of cutaneous myiasis in sheep in Uruguay. These findings highlight the need for further surveillance to clarify the epidemiology and impact of this species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101606"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149154530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sand flies of Maranhão State, Brazil: checklist, distribution updates, and reported Leishmania associations","authors":"Danielly Mota Neves,&nbsp;Thiago Vasconcelos dos Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phlebotomine sand flies are the vectors of <em>Leishmania</em> parasites, comprising an important component of disease ecology. In the Brazilian state of Maranhão (MA), environmental heterogeneity associated with the transition between Amazonian, Cerrado, and coastal biomes favors high species diversity, yet available information remains fragmented. This study provides an updated checklist of sand fly species recorded in MA, synthesizing published records, refining geographic distributions at the municipal level, and compiling reported <em>Leishmania</em> associations. A literature survey was conducted using scientific databases and reference lists of relevant publications, followed by taxonomic standardization according to current classification frameworks. Additionally, publicly available <em>cytochrome c oxidase subunit I</em> (COI) sequences were surveyed to evaluate genetic data availability as part of an integrative taxonomic perspective. The updated checklist documents 109 species and confirms MA as one of the most species-rich states for phlebotomine sand flies in Brazil, revealing marked spatial heterogeneity in sampling effort among municipalities. Medically important species, including <em>Lutzomyia longipalpis</em> and <em>Nyssomyia whitmani</em>, are widely distributed, supporting the persistence of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission cycles. Reported detections of <em>Leishmania</em> highlight the epidemiological relevance of a limited subset of <em>taxa</em>, whereas most species lack parasite evidence. The survey of COI records revealed uneven genetic representation, with several <em>taxa</em> lacking barcode data entirely. By integrating taxonomic, geographic, epidemiological, and molecular information, this checklist provides a standardized baseline for future ecological, systematic, and surveillance studies of sand flies in Maranhão.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 101604"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149200090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular discovery of a unique Litomosoides lineage in the Gulf coast tick Amblyomma maculatum: First evidence of potential tick infection in North America","authors":"Oluwaseun D. Ajileye ,&nbsp;Carlo Gonzalez-Soto ,&nbsp;Holden J. Carey ,&nbsp;Lisa D. Auckland ,&nbsp;Sarah A. Hamer ,&nbsp;Jessica E. Light","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick-transmitted filarioids are increasingly recognized globally, yet their diversity and transmission dynamics in North American ticks remain poorly characterized. We investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of filarioids in <em>Amblyomma maculatum</em> (Gulf Coast tick), a vector of multiple pathogens in the United States. We screened 383 samples comprising 471 individual ticks collected from small mammals and vegetation between 2012 and 2016 from across Texas, using PCR assays targeting filarioid mitochondrial 12S rDNA and <em>cox1</em> genes. The overall prevalence of filarioid DNA detection was 6.0%, with <em>Litomosoides</em> sp. the only filarioid worm detected. Host-associated ticks showed significantly higher detection rates than questing ticks (12.6% vs. 0.9%). Most positive samples were detected in ticks collected from <em>Sigmodon hispidus</em> (82.6%), a known natural vertebrate host for <em>Litomosoides</em> species in North America. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of both genes revealed that all tick-derived <em>Litomosoides</em> sequences formed a strongly supported monophyletic clade sister to all known <em>Litomosoides</em> species, with 3.70–5.32% genetic divergence from the closest relative, <em>L. sigmodontis</em>, suggesting a previously uncharacterized lineage. Our study represents the first molecular detection of <em>Litomosoides</em> sp. in North American ixodid ticks, expanding the known diversity of tick-borne filarioids. Experimental studies are needed to establish whether <em>A. maculatum</em> supports complete parasite development and transmission of this unique <em>Litomosoides</em> lineage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 101516"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148168415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular characterization of Lamproglena monodi infesting Oreochromis niloticus in Egypt based on 18S and 28S rDNA markers","authors":"Magdy I. Hanna ,&nbsp;Aya T. EL Sayed ,&nbsp;Ola Hassan ,&nbsp;Marwa A. Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Reda M.S. Korany ,&nbsp;Marwa M. Attia","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the molecular, morphological, and pathological characteristics of the parasitic copepod <em>Lamproglena monodi</em> infesting <em>Oreochromis niloticus</em> in Egyptian aquaculture. A total of 273 tilapia were examined from three governorates, with infestation frequencies of 25% in Kafr El-Sheikh, 20% in Giza, and 21.7% in Al-Sharqia. Seasonal frequencies ranged from 13% in summer to 34.3% in autumn. Molecular amplification produced fragments of 1405 bp (18S rDNA) and 737 bp (28S rDNA), and BLAST analysis confirmed their identity as <em>L. monodi</em> with ≥98% similarity to reference sequences. Phylogenetic reconstruction placed the isolates within the established <em>Lamproglena</em> clade. Histopathological examination of infected gills revealed lamellar destruction, telangiectasia, epithelial hyperplasia, and vascular congestion, consistent with the observed respiratory distress in affected fish. These findings provide the first integrated molecular and pathological confirmation of <em>L. monodi</em> in Egyptian tilapia and highlight its potential to impair gill function and reduce productivity under intensive aquaculture conditions. Enhanced surveillance and targeted parasite management strategies are recommended to mitigate the impact of this ectoparasite on tilapia health and farm sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101442"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and molecular detection of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in sheep and cattle in Maiduguri, Nigeria","authors":"Chahari A. Midala ,&nbsp;Falmata Kyari ,&nbsp;ThankGod E. Onyiche","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101441","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101441","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> species is an obligate intracellular gastrointestinal zoonotic protozoan parasite that widely exists in nature and is associated with cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in humans. There is paucity of reports on the comprehensive study of the epidemiology of the disease in ruminants in the study area. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence, risk factors and molecular identification of <em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em> species in sheep and cattle in Maiduguri, Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study, fecal samples were collected from a total of 764 animals comprising of 383 from cattle and 381 from sheep in Maiduguri, and analyzed microscopically using formalin-ethylacetate sedimentation method followed by modified Kinyoun's acid-fast staining technique. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to confirm the identity of <em>C. parvum</em> using conventional PCR and sequencing. An overall prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> infection was 16.2% (124/764), with cattle having a higher prevalence of 20.4% (78/383) than sheep 12.1% (46/381) using microscopy. Cattle were statistically significantly more infected with <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species than sheep (<em>p</em> = 0.0026). Multiple regression analysis identified important risk factors for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> specie infection in the sheep to include sex, age, body condition score and fecal consistency while only sex and age were identified as risk factors in the cattle. <em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em> was detected by PCR amplification of <em>18S rRNA</em> gene in (8/25) from cattle and (5/25) from sheep. This is the first report on the molecular identification of <em>C. parvum</em> from Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria highlighting the need for improved hygiene and biosecurity to reduce the transmission of Cryptosporidiosis in farmed animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101441"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Percent positivity and risk analysis of zoonotic intestinal parasites (helminths) in dogs population- a participatory epidemiological study","authors":"Pooja Rajpoot ,&nbsp;Mamta Singh ,&nbsp;Mukesh Shakya ,&nbsp;Anil Kumar Sharma ,&nbsp;Gajendra N. Bhangale ,&nbsp;Arun Mourya ,&nbsp;G.P. Jatav ,&nbsp;Nidhi Singh Choudhary","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101443","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101443","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zoonotic intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern, particularly in developing nations where the interface between humans and domestic animals is close and often unhygienic. Dogs as one of the most popular pets are known to serve as reservoirs for several zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites being transmitted to humans directly or indirectly. The present study was conducted in Indore district covering Malharganj, Kanadiya, Hatod, Mhow, Bicholihapsi, Sawer, Depalpur, Khudel, and Indore city with the aims to determine the prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminths in dogs, correlation with owner awareness, their management and other associated risk factors. Among 120 faecal samples of dogs, 35% (42) samples were confirmed to be positive for parasitic infections through Sheather's sugar floatation method while only 33% (38) samples were diagnosed positive via zinc sulphate floatation method. Positivity percentage was comparatively higher in dogs having very soft (41.9%) and soft (38.9%) stools. The highest positivity rate was detected for <em>Ancylostoma</em> spp. showing 42.8% (18/42) followed by <em>Taenia</em> spp. and <em>Diphylidium caninum</em> in 19.0% (8/42). Age-based infection data showed the highest positivity for <em>Ancylostoma</em> spp. (28.6%) and <em>D. caninum</em> (16.7%) in the dogs above 12 months of age while puppies (0–6 months) had comparatively higher positivity 7.1% for both <em>T. canis</em> and mixed infections than other age group dogs. Chi-squared analyses indicated significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) association of zoonotic parasite infections with breed and age of dogs, feed type, deworming status, frequency and brand of anthelmintic drugs, faecal disposal and respondents' knowledge. Univariate logistic regression analysis (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) proved the significant association of numerous important risk factors, including regular deworming, breed, feeding type, faecal disposal procedures, and owner awareness with zoonotic intestinal parasite infections in dogs. Multivariate logistic regression supported regular deworming of dogs (<em>p</em> = 0.0379) to avoid intestinal parasitic infections in dogs but also owner awareness is important risk factor. Thus, the prevalence rate of zoonotic intestinal parasites in the dogs, their correlation with owners awareness, their management and the other risk factors were discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101443"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infestation rate of bovid short nose lice (Haematopinus tuberculatus) among different breeds of buffaloes and associated risk factors in rural farming of Pakistan","authors":"Muhammad Haris Yousaf ,&nbsp;Quratulain Haider ,&nbsp;Muhammad Javed ,&nbsp;Muhammad Afzal","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101446","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101446","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A short-nosed louse, <em>Haematopinus tuberculatus,</em> infestation among different breeds of buffaloes in rural farming systems poses a potential threat to animals' health and milk production. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the infestation rate of <em>H. tuberculatus</em> across different breeds of buffaloes and to identify potential associated risk factors by examining 1200 animals during surveys of 150 rural farms in Sialkot, Pakistan. Among 1200 sampled animals, a high overall infestation rate of 78.8% was observed. The Kundhi breed exhibited the highest infestation rate (∼85%), followed by the mixed breed (∼80%) and other indigenous breeds, including Nili-Ravi and Azakheli, ranging from 77 to 80%. Kernel density analysis revealed that lice burden followed a right-skewed distribution across all breeds, except Nili-Ravi, which showed broader and heavier lice distribution per 10 cm²/buffalo. Seasonal variation significantly affected infestation dynamics; winter had the highest prevalence (86.6%) and summer the lowest (67.4%).</div><div>Risk factor analysis revealed that poor bedding, unhygienic practices, and contact with other lice-infested herds or domestic pets significantly increased the risk of <em>H. tuberculatus</em> infestation. Buffaloes with poor hygiene and bedding conditions showed &gt;85% infestation rates, whereas animals with excellent bedding and hygienic practices showed 31.6% infestation prevalence. In buffaloes aged 0–2 years and 8–12 years, as well as in animals with poor body condition scores (BCS1: 89.35%), compared to healthier animals (BCS5: 58.21%). A strong positive correlation (<em>r</em> = 0.97) was observed between lice counts and egg production across all breeds, confirming lice density as a reliable proxy for reproductive outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified contact with other herds (<em>OR = 2.697, p &lt; 0.001</em>), poor bedding (<em>OR = 3.120, p &lt; 0.001</em>), poor hygiene (<em>OR = 1.856, p &lt; 0.001</em>), and contact with pets (<em>OR = 2.064, p &lt; 0.001</em>) as the most significant predictors of <em>H. tuberculatus</em> infestation risk. In contrast, breed was not a significant predictor in the adjusted regression model (<em>p</em> = 0.449), indicating that observed crude breed-specific differences were primarily attributable to variations in management practices and environmental factors rather than inherent breed susceptibility. Conversely, better body and bedding conditions, as well as hygiene practices, and the summer season provided protective effects.</div><div>In conclusion, the overall results underscore the importance of improving animal husbandry, housing hygiene, and minimizing inter-herd contact to reduce ectoparasite burdens. The non-significant breed effect in multivariate analysis suggests that targeted interventions focusing on management practices would be more effective than breed-control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101446"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}