{"title":"Cattle tick control in India: Current strategies and future directions","authors":"Nirbhay K. Singh , Jyoti , Manisha , Harkirat Singh , Srikanta Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) are among the most economically significant constraints to a sustainable cattle and buffalo production in India. Despite decades of chemical-based control strategies, indiscriminate and poorly regulated acaricide use has contributed to widespread resistance across multiple tick species and acaricide classes. This review discusses the development in respect of tick control practices, documents the prevalence and mechanisms of acaricide resistance and evaluates the integrated tick control strategies including host genetics, biological control and phyto-acaricides in India. It underscores the urgent need for a national tick surveillance and resistance management program supported by policy reforms, veterinary training and sustained investment to curb the menace of TTBDs in livestock sector. With a One Health perspective, this review advocates for a shift from the reactive drug-heavy interventions to a proactive and ecologically grounded tick management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101445"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174739","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}
Antoinette Aluoch Miyunga , Benedict Eboya Karani , Regina Njeru , Gertrude Nangekhe , Elizabeth Anne Jessie Cook , Barend Mark de Clare Bronsvoort , David Wragg , James Prendergast , Philip Toye
{"title":"Genotyping of an intensively monitored cohort of Bos indicus cattle in western Kenya for the FAF1B allele associated with resistance to East Coast fever (Theileria parva infection) with a real-time PCR assay","authors":"Antoinette Aluoch Miyunga , Benedict Eboya Karani , Regina Njeru , Gertrude Nangekhe , Elizabeth Anne Jessie Cook , Barend Mark de Clare Bronsvoort , David Wragg , James Prendergast , Philip Toye","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on bovine chromosome 15 has been shown previously to be highly associated with resistance to disease caused by <em>Theileria parva</em>. The SNP comprises a CT mutation in a paralogue of the <em>FAF1</em> gene. Disease caused by <em>T. parva</em> is of major economic importance in eastern to southern Africa and better control methods are urgently required. Genotyping cattle for this SNP will aid epidemiological studies to understand the origins and dissemination of resistance to <em>T. parva</em> and will facilitate marker-assisted breeding for resistant cattle. The current study reports the development of a simple and economic genotyping assay based on real-time, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based PCR. The assay was optimized to ensure reliable, automatic calling of the three genotypes and was validated by comparing the assay results to sequencing analyses on different sample types including extracted DNA, whole blood without extracting DNA and serum. The assay was used to genotype East African Shorthorn Zebu (EASZ) cattle from an intensively studied calf cohort from western Kenya. The results confirmed the protective effect associated with the T allele, and showed that it had no deleterious effect on the growth rate of this calf population. The assay was also used to determine variation in the frequency of the T allele in Boran cattle populations from different regions of eastern Africa. The assay will make a useful breeding selection tool especially in studies involving prevalence and evolution of the protective haplotype in different cattle populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101439"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174740","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}
Juan Felipe de Jesús Torres-Acosta , María Gabriela Mancilla-Montelongo , Maria Christine Rizzon Cintra , Cristina Santos Sotomaior
{"title":"Preserving levamisole efficacy with targeted selective treatment: Long-term field evidence from small ruminant farms","authors":"Juan Felipe de Jesús Torres-Acosta , María Gabriela Mancilla-Montelongo , Maria Christine Rizzon Cintra , Cristina Santos Sotomaior","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101440","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101440","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To demonstrate how targeted selective treatment (TST) can preserve anthelmintic (AH) effectiveness against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), this report describes the resistance status of levamisole (LEV) on three farms in Mexico and Brazil. We compiled historical results from Faecal Egg Count Reduction Tests (FECRT) on two university farms (UADY and PUCPR) and one commercial smallholder farm where LEV has been used in a TST scheme for over a decade. The results reveal a remarkable stability in the anthelmintic's efficacy over many years. On the UADY farm, where LEV has been the sole anthelmintic used since 2001, the faecal egg count reduction (%FECR) remained above 80% in all evaluations until dropping to 74% (95% CI: 49–91) in 2024, when a combination of LEV+benzimidazole proved to be 100% effective. Data from the PUCPR farm showed that LEV efficacy was sustained at a high level (97%) from 2014 to 2020 but decreased to 64% (95% CI: 3–87) in 2022. In 2023, combinations of LEV+moxidectin and LEV+closantel showed over 98% efficacy. Meanwhile, the commercial sheep farm demonstrated the greatest stability, sustaining an efficacy between 91% and 99% throughout the entire ten-year evaluation period (2015–2024). The historic data from the three farms suggest that TST schemes helps to maintain constant AH efficacy profiles over long periods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101440"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146081732","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 spatial distribution of trypanosomosis among dogs presented for haemoparasite screening at a tertiary veterinary hospital in south western Nigeria","authors":"Nkeiruka Fortunate Ogbonna , Bamidele Nyemike Ogunro , Boluwatife Favour Olawuyi , Taiwo Kemi Adebiyi , Obokparo Godspower Ohore","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101448","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101448","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine trypanosomosis poses a significant health risk to dogs in Nigeria, with potentially fatal outcomes. The geographical distribution of Glossina fly which serve as the primary vector for canine trypanosonosis is heterogenous. The spatial pattern of trypanosomosis incidence among dogs presented for haemoparasite screening a tertiary veterinary hospital located in south western Nigeria was investigated using 2354 archival laboratory case records spanning a twenty-year period (2004–2023). Each case was classified as either positive or negative for trypanosomosis based on presence or absence of trypanosome in blood specimens examined with light microscopy, respectively. Residential addresses from the laboratory forms were geocoded using Google Earth pro software, Kuldorff scan for spatial clusters of positive cases was accomplished using SatScan v9.7 assuming a binomial distribution, and mapping was done on QGIS version 3.24.1–Tisler. An overall prevalence of 1.87% for canine trypanosomosis was obtained, with a significant (primary) spatial cluster (Relative risk = 11.22; <em>p</em>-value = 0.000022) of 6.2 km radius situated in a densely vegetated residential region 5.9 km away from a major cattle market. Two statistically insignificant (secondary) clusters were also detected. The cluster locations suggest that environmental conditions favoring tsetse fly abundance contributed to the increased incidence of trypanosomosis among the dogs. Canine trypanosomosis control activities should be concentrated within the detected clusters. Prompt diagnosis and treatment should be administered for canine cases exhibiting clinical symptoms of trypanosomosis in these high-risk areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101448"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174746","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}
Fabricio Gómez , Agustina Valenzuela , Jorge Barneche , Darío Balcazar , Sergio R. Martorelli , José Villavicencio , Martin M. Montes
{"title":"Habitat expansion of the invasive Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidea), supported by integrative taxonomy, with implications for management in ornamental fish culture","authors":"Fabricio Gómez , Agustina Valenzuela , Jorge Barneche , Darío Balcazar , Sergio R. Martorelli , José Villavicencio , Martin M. Montes","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Schyzocotyle acheilognathi</em> is an invasive cestode and among the most successful metazoan parasites worldwide. This study investigated the presence of this species in fish from a natural environment and in ornamental fish from a local aquaculture facility. The identification of species was determined through examination of the scolex and proglottids, complemented by molecular confirmation via PCR targeting the rDNA 28S, rDNA 18S, and cytochrome oxidase I COI gene. The resulting sequences were aligned, subjected to Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, and compared with GenBank records. The Argentine rDNA 28S sequence has been found to be genetically similar to isolates from Japan, Ethiopia, the United States, and France. The rDNA 18S gene indicated a high of similarity with European isolates. The COI sequences were identical to each other and showed 100 % identity with <em>Sc. acheilognathi</em> isolates (p-distance = 0.000), confirming the species assignment <em>Sc. acheilognathi</em>. This is the first report of the cestode in two locations in Argentina, expanding its known geographic range. Four native fish species (<em>Australoheros facetus</em>, <em>Cnesterodon decemmaculatus</em>, <em>Jenynsia lineata</em>, <em>Oligosarcus jenynsii</em>) and two ornamental cichlids (Flowerhorn and <em>Symphysodon aequifasciatus</em>) are reported as new hosts in the country. Additionally, we documented a clinical case of intestinal prolapse associated with a high parasite burden in a Flowerhorn cichlid, which was successfully treated with praziquantel and antibiotics. The ongoing spread of this parasite poses a significant threat to native freshwater fish fauna in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101414"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145886188","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":"DNA barcoding identifies hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) species infesting domesticated animals in Tamil Nadu, South India","authors":"Krishnamoorthy Nallan , Veerapathiran Ayyavu , Elango Ayyanar , Balaji Thiruppathi , Ramkumar Ramalingam , Manju Rahi , Paramasivan Rajaiah","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101425","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101425","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The diverse and vast ecological landscapes of India support a rich diversity of ticks, many of which are known vectors of a wide range of pathogens. Accurate identification of tick species is critical for incriminating specific vectors involved in pathogen transmission. The present study aims to generate DNA barcodes using molecular markers for the identification of tick fauna from Tamil Nadu, southern India, where molecular taxonomic studies remain limited. A total of 57 specimens representing 12 different species were subjected to DNA barcoding using cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit I (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the COI gene were successful in 7 species from four genera: <em>Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus</em>, and <em>Amblyomma</em>. Similarly, 6 species from two genera, <em>Rhipicephalus</em> and <em>Haemaphysalis</em>, were successfully amplified using the ITS2 gene marker. Further analysis of inter-species diversity based on COI markers across eight species revealed better resolution compared to ITS2 markers. Inter-species distances of 16%, 15%, 14%, and 13% were recorded among four <em>Rhipicephalus</em> species using both markers, with the highest genetic divergence (16%) observed between <em>R. microplus</em> and <em>R. sanguineus</em>. The lowest inter-species divergence was 6% (COI) and 1% (ITS2), observed between <em>R. microplus</em> and <em>R. annulatus</em>. To our knowledge, this study provides the first DNA barcode records based on COI for <em>Hyalomma anatolicum</em> and <em>Amblyomma integrum</em>, and based on ITS2 for <em>Rhipicephalus annulatus</em> and <em>Haemaphysalis intermedia</em> from India. In conclusion, for four <em>Rhipicephalus</em> and two <em>Haemaphysalis</em> species, the dual-marker barcoding approach effectively complements conventional identification methods by resolving ambiguities arising from morphological similarities among tick species in this region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101425"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979092","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}
David Martínez-Durán, Maider Mujika, Mariano Morales, Juan Antonio Castillo, Bernardino Moreno, Sarah Delacour-Estrella, Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo, María Paz Peris
{"title":"Vector-borne pathogens in Spanish greyhounds from Central Spain: Prevalence and hematobiochemical findings","authors":"David Martínez-Durán, Maider Mujika, Mariano Morales, Juan Antonio Castillo, Bernardino Moreno, Sarah Delacour-Estrella, Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo, María Paz Peris","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vector-borne diseases are receiving increasing attention in public health, veterinary medicine, and epidemiological research. In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of four major canine vector-borne pathogens in Spanish greyhounds, a breed reported to possess distinctive hematological and biochemical profiles. Serum samples from 160 dogs, originating from central Spain, were evaluated for antibodies against <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em>, <em>Ehrlichia canis</em>, and <em>Leishmania infantum</em> using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and for circulating <em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> antigens using ELISA. Comprehensive hematological and serum biochemical analyses were also performed. The overall seroprevalence rates were 10% for <em>A. phagocytophilum</em>, 3.1% for <em>E. canis</em>, 13.1% for <em>L</em>. <em>infantum</em> and 0% for <em>D. immitis</em>. A statistically significant association was identified between age and <em>E. canis</em> seropositivity, with higher rates observed in juvenile dogs, whereas <em>L. infantum</em> demonstrated a non-significant trend toward higher prevalence in adults. Seropositive dogs showed notable alterations in hematological and biochemical parameter, including thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis/lymphopenia, anemia, and variations in platelet indices. These findings highlight the epidemiological relevance of serological screening and detailed clinical monitoring particularly given the breed's frequent involvement in hunting and prolonged exposure to outdoor environments conducive to vector transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101437"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023707","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}
V. Pinarello Kleiber , E. Waniwa , D.A. Wilkinson , M. Mutseekwa , V. Grosbois , T. Nemaungwe , E. Kupahwana , T. Chikaka , M. Bourgarel , D.M. Pfukenyi , P.V. Makaya , T. Hove , L. Guerrini , H. De Nys
{"title":"Molecular characterization of Theileria species and Theileria parva genetic diversity associated with bovine theileriosis outbreaks in Zimbabwe","authors":"V. Pinarello Kleiber , E. Waniwa , D.A. Wilkinson , M. Mutseekwa , V. Grosbois , T. Nemaungwe , E. Kupahwana , T. Chikaka , M. Bourgarel , D.M. Pfukenyi , P.V. Makaya , T. Hove , L. Guerrini , H. De Nys","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101422","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101422","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Several <em>Theileria</em> species infect cattle and wildlife in eastern and southern Africa. Among them, <em>Theileria</em> (<em>T</em>.) <em>parva</em> is the most economically important, causing severe disease and substantial livestock losses in Zimbabwe. Recent shifts in spatio-temporal patterns of theileriosis outbreaks highlight the need for updated information on circulating <em>Theileria</em> species and strains to better understand the infection process and to guide control strategies. Between November 2020 and May 2021, 147 whole blood, 145 dried blood spots, 87 fecal, and 22 organ samples were collected from 158 cattle in Bindura and Makoni districts. Samples were analyzed using pan-<em>Theileria</em> 18S rRNA and <em>T. parva</em>-specific PCRs, followed by Sanger sequencing. Overall, <em>Theileria</em> DNA was detected in 83.3% of the cases. Species distribution was as follows: <em>T. parva</em> 63.1%, <em>T. velifera</em> 23.9%, <em>T. taurotragi</em> (2.3%), <em>T. mutans</em> (2.3%), with mixed infections (3.1%) detected mainly in organ samples. Partial sequences of the sporozoite surface antigen p67 and schizont antigen Tp2 were amplified from 44 and 23 <em>T. parva</em>-positive samples, respectively<em>.</em> Phylogenetic analyses showed clustering with the Kenyan Muguga isolate, a component of the widely used <em>T. parva</em> vaccine cocktail, rather than with Zimbabwe's Boleni strain, suggesting potential divergence from the local vaccine strain. In addition, dried blood spots (<em>n</em> = 145) and feces (<em>n</em> = 87) were screened by 18S rRNA PCR for <em>Theileria</em>. PCR detection from DBS showed 59.3% relative sensitivity, 64.0% relative specificity, and 60.1% overall relative accuracy compared to WB, while fecal PCR showed 12.7% relative sensitivity, 85.7% relative specificity, and 18.6% relative overall accuracy. Despite reduced sensitivity, non-invasive fecal sampling, an innovative method, remains useful for population-level surveillance in wildlife or areas where blood collection is impractical. Although not the primary focus of this study, WB were also screened for other tick-borne pathogens (<em>E. ruminantium</em>, <em>A. marginale</em>, <em>B. bovis</em>, and <em>B. bigemina</em>) to broaden the <em>Theileria</em> results. This study provides updated insight into <em>Theileria</em> species diversity and <em>T. parva</em> strain composition in outbreak-prone districts of Zimbabwe. The findings underscore the importance of integrating molecular surveillance into routine monitoring programs and considering circulating strain diversity when evaluating and adopting effective vaccination strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101422"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979153","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}
Mikel Alexander González , Teresa Letra Mateus , Filipa Teixeira Rodrigues , Filipa Martins , Néstor Martínez-Calabuig , Ana Saldaña , Rosario Panadero , Josep Estruch , Daniel Bravo-Barriga , Laura Carrera-Faja
{"title":"New records of Lipoptena andaluciensis (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in the Iberian Peninsula with a pictorial key of the genus","authors":"Mikel Alexander González , Teresa Letra Mateus , Filipa Teixeira Rodrigues , Filipa Martins , Néstor Martínez-Calabuig , Ana Saldaña , Rosario Panadero , Josep Estruch , Daniel Bravo-Barriga , Laura Carrera-Faja","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since its first description in southern Spain, <em>Lipoptena andaluciensis</em> (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) has drawn increasing attention due to its uncertain origin and distribution. In this study, we report new records of <em>L</em>. <em>andaluciensis</em> from geographically distant regions, including the Castelo Branco district in Portugal and three different northern Spanish provinces (Lérida, Tarragona, and Aragón). A total of 26 specimens, identified as unwinged <em>L</em>. <em>andaluciensis</em> based on morphological traits and COI barcoding, were collected between 2022 and 2024 during several field surveys on red deer (<em>Cervus elaphus</em>) and roe deer (<em>Capreolus capreolus</em>). Additionally, <em>Lipoptena cervi</em> and <em>Hippobosca equina</em> were also collected on hosts. These recent records, indicate that the species may have been previously overlooked or misidentified, underscores the need for enhanced taxonomic resolution and expanded surveillance. To facilitate accurate identification, we provide a pictorial key to distinguish among the six European <em>Lipoptena</em> species, with special emphasis on <em>Lipoptena fortisetosa</em>, <em>L</em>. <em>cervi</em>, and <em>L</em>. <em>andaluciensis.</em> We also highlight the importance of combining detailed morphological and molecular analyses of both recent and historical specimens to prevent misidentifications and to better understand the biogeography of this emerging species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101428"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023696","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}
Milan Rajković , Vladan Rajković , Danica Bogunović
{"title":"Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens co-infection in a microfilaremic dog from Negotin, Eastern Serbia: Unusual localization of adult Dirofilaia repens in an abdominal hernia sac","authors":"Milan Rajković , Vladan Rajković , Danica Bogunović","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, caused by the nematodes <em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> and <em>Dirofilaria repens</em>, are vector-borne diseases of growing concern in both veterinary and human medicine. While typically found in predilection sites, atypical localizations have been documented for both species. The first case of adult <em>D. repens</em> found in a dog's abdominal hernia sac in Eastern Serbia is reported in this study. A 7-year-old dog was brought to a veterinary clinic in Negotin, Serbia with lateral abdominal swelling. During hernia repair surgery, three filiform nematodes were discovered on the peritoneal serosa of the hernial sac, later identified as <em>D. repens</em>. Modified Knott's test reveals the presence of both <em>D. immitis</em>/<em>D. repens</em> microfilariae. After surgical procedure and recovery, the dog was treated with monthly combination of imidacloprid and moxidectin (Advocate, Bayer AG), along with one-month course of doxycycline. This case highlights the need for awareness of zoonotic <em>D. repens</em> atypical presentations in endemic regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101435"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078742","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}