Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports最新文献

{"title":"What's worming Egyptian chickens: Morphological and molecular identification of Raillietina echinobothrida and Ascaridia galli in domestic chickens in Egypt","authors":"Ayman N. Elsayed ,&nbsp;Wafaa Fayez Abd El-Hamed ,&nbsp;Abd Elsattar M. Metwally ,&nbsp;Nahed S. Amer ,&nbsp;Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset ,&nbsp;Mohamed Abdo Rizk ,&nbsp;Adel Abdelkhalek ,&nbsp;Refaat Ras","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101372","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101372","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal helminths remain a major constraint to poultry production worldwide, causing significant economic losses and threatening food security. In Egypt, the molecular and phylogenetic data on <em>Raillietina echinobothrida</em> and <em>Ascaridia galli</em> are limited in domestic chickens. This study investigated the prevalence, morphology, and genetic characterization of these helminths infecting domestic chickens (<em>Gallus gallus domesticus</em>) in Gharbia province, Egypt. Between April 2018 and March 2019, 150 intestinal tracts were collected from slaughterhouses and poultry processing facilities. Helminths were isolated, morphologically identified, and subjected to molecular characterization using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to determine evolutionary relationships. Helminth infections were detected in 30 % (45/150) samples, with no mixed infections observed. The infection rate of <em>R. echinobothrida</em> and <em>A. galli</em> was 6 % (<em>n</em> = 9), and 24 % (<em>n</em> = 36), respectively. Phylogenetic trees revealed that both species clustered with conspecific reference sequences, confirming accurate identification and demonstrating the specificity of the ITS marker. This study presents the first molecular characterization of <em>R. echinobothrida</em> and <em>A. galli</em> in domestic chickens in the Gharbia province, Egypt. The high prevalence of <em>A. galli</em> highlights the widespread nature of this nematode and underscores the need for further studies in the Nile Delta to precisely assess the burden of intestinal helminths on poultry production. Our data is vital for enhancing future epidemiological surveillance and control programs targeting helminth infections in this region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101372"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145526627","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":"Study on ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their seasonal activities in northwest of Iran","authors":"Adel Jafari,&nbsp;Farnaz Malekifard,&nbsp;Mousa Tavassoli","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101389","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101389","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are significant ectoparasites that cause economic losses in animal husbandry both in Iran and worldwide. This study aimed to determine the frequency and species diversity of hard ticks in camels in the suburb of Marand, Northwest Iran, throughout the four seasons from January to December 2023. A total of 138 camels (59 males and 79 females) were randomly selected from 25 villages and examined for tick infestation using a systematic body search starting from the head and neck, progressing through the chest, axillary, and groin regions, and ending at the tail. Ticks were manually removed with forceps, preserved in 70 % ethanol, and identified morphologically under a stereomicroscope based on standard keys. Among these camels, 63 were younger than 3 years old, while 75 were older than 3 years. Out of all the camels examined, 54 (39.13 %) were infested with a total of 386 ixodid ticks, resulting in a tick index of 7.14 ticks per animal. There was a significant difference in tick prevalence between the various age groups, with the highest prevalence found in camels younger than 3 years. However, no significant differences in infestation rates were observed based on the sex of the animals. Among the 386 ticks examined, two genera were identified: <em>Hyalomma</em> spp. and <em>Rhipicephalus</em> spp. This included four species: <em>Hyalomma dromedarii</em> (58.80 %), <em>Hyalomma anatolicum</em> (21.76 %), <em>H. marginatum</em> (5.95 %), and <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> (13.47 %). Ixodid tick infestations occurred throughout the year, with the highest prevalence noted in the spring. The results indicated that both species diversity and ixodid tick infestations are prevalent in camels in the region, underscoring the need for further studies to investigate the potential tick vectors involved in the transmission of hemoparasites in these animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101389"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623607","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":"Improved estimation of the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and the diagnostic test characteristics in the absence of a reference standard using Bayesian Latent Class models, the example of Jimma and Ambo abattoirs, Ethiopia","authors":"Edilu Jorga ,&nbsp;Inge Van Damme ,&nbsp;Bizunesh Mideksa ,&nbsp;Demeke Zewde ,&nbsp;Sarah Gabriël","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine cysticercosis, an infection in cattle caused by the zoonotic tapeworm <em>Taenia saginata</em>, leads to considerable global economic losses. The reported prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in Ethiopia has, until now, been underestimated due to the low sensitivity of meat inspection. This study aimed to estimate the true prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in two Ethiopian abattoirs, and evaluate the diagnostic performance of routine meat inspection, predilection-site dissection and Antigen-ELISA. A cross-sectional study was conducted and a Bayesian Latent Class Model was used to estimate the true prevalence and the diagnostic performance of the tests. The apparent prevalence of bovine cysticercosis was 2 %, 15 % and 14 % using meat inspection, predilection site dissection and Ag-ELISA, respectively. The estimated true prevalence was 39.0 % (95 %CI: 16.3, 93.7 %) in Jimma, and 31.7 % (95 %CI, 12.1, 77.9 %) in Ambo abattoirs. Predilection site dissection had moderate sensitivity (50.4 %, CI, 19.7, 96.4 %) and while Ag-ELISA had a lower sensitivity (17.3 %, CI, 5.0, 37.3 %). The sensitivity of Ag-ELISA for the detection of viable cysticerci only was 46.7 % (CI, 4.1, 91.1 %). Meat inspection had a much lower sensitivity (3.0 %, 95 %CI, 0.3–10.0 % in Jimma and 7.8 %, 95 %CI, 0.90, 21.8 % in Ambo abattoirs). Predilection site dissection has high specificity (98.9 %, CI, 96.3, 100.0), and Ag-ELISA has moderate specificity (86.9 %, CI, 77.6, 100). In this study, imperfect diagnostic tests were combined within a Bayesian framework to estimate true prevalence without relying on a perfect reference test. The findings highlight that the true prevalence of bovine cysticercosis is substantially higher than the apparent prevalence of the separate methods and that the sensitivity of current meat inspection practices is low. Therefore, adopting more sensitive diagnostics, routine incisions of the tongue and heart, and strengthened surveillance and training are suggested to improve detection and protect public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101365"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145468175","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":"Cysticercus bovis and hydatid cysts in cattle slaughtered in the Northeastern region of Brazil and associated risk factors","authors":"Zullay Barros Carvalho de Souza ,&nbsp;Eduardo Henrique Amorim Silva ,&nbsp;Ananda Teixeira Neves Torres ,&nbsp;Lucas Azevedo dos Santos ,&nbsp;Ivaldo Victor Mota de Siqueira ,&nbsp;Ananda Maria Freitas Freire Leão ,&nbsp;Tatiene Rossana Motá Silva ,&nbsp;Lucia Oliveira de Macedo ,&nbsp;Márcia Bersane Araújo de Medeiros Torres ,&nbsp;Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos ,&nbsp;Gílcia Aparecida Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101374","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101374","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Taenia saginata</em> and <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em> sensu lato negatively impact cattle production due to the parasitism of their larval forms, known as <em>Cysticercus bovis</em> and hydatid cysts, respectively. In this study, we determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with <em>C. bovis</em> and hydatid cyst infections in cattle slaughtered in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 2035 post-mortem inspections were conducted in five different slaughterhouses. We collected tissue and organ fragments with structures morphologically resembling <em>C. bovis</em> and hydatid cysts, and processed histologically using the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) technique. Farmers responded to an epidemiological questionnaire about animal management to identify risk factors associated with <em>C. bovis</em> and hydatid cysts. Risk factors were assessed through logistic regression and determination of Odds Ratio (OR) values. A total of 44 animals presented vesicular lesions morphologically resembling parasitic structures. Nine carcasses (0.44 %; IC 95 %: 0.23–0.84 %) presented <em>C. bovis,</em> and 20 (0.98 %; IC 95 %: 0.64–1.51 %) hydatid cysts. No coinfection was detected, and parasite structures were found in the liver and masseter muscles. The remaining 15 samples presented suggestive lesions of bacterial infection. Animals over 36 months old (OR = 3.13; <em>p</em> = 0.243), extensive farming (OR = 2.32; <em>p</em> = 0.202), human waste disposal (OR = 1.57; <em>p</em> = 0.442), male animals (OR = 1.21; <em>p</em> = 0.578), beef cattle (OR = 1.16; <em>p</em> = 0.563), and poor sanitation (OR = 1.01; <em>p</em> = 0.637) were risk factors associated with the presence of <em>C. bovis</em>. For hydatid cysts, risk factors were animals over 36 months old (OR = 5.67; <em>p</em> = 0.0013), human waste disposal (OR = 2.81; <em>p</em> = 0.065), poor sanitation (OR = 2.29; <em>p</em> = 0.097), lack of basic sanitation (OR = 1.46; <em>p</em> = 0.335), mixed-purpose farming (meat/milk) (OR = 1.25; <em>p</em> = 0.394), and male animals (OR = 1.04; <em>p</em> = 0.584). Despite the wide distribution of these parasites, to our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of hydatid cysts in cattle slaughtered in Northeastern Brazil. It is pivotal to improve the sanitary rearing management of the herds in this region to reduce the risk of animal infection, mitigating economic losses and the negative impact on public health. Additionally, further studies focusing on the molecular characterization of parasites are needed to an identification at species level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101374"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577081","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":"Reports of Microthoracius mazzai (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) infestations in alpaca (Vicugna pacos) herds from Austria and Germany","authors":"David Ebmer ,&nbsp;Johanna Czerny ,&nbsp;Maria Sophia Unterköfler ,&nbsp;Merlin Karbe ,&nbsp;Robert Gruber ,&nbsp;Ivan Stimac ,&nbsp;Hans-Peter Fuehrer ,&nbsp;Anja Joachim ,&nbsp;Jutta Pikalo","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) constitute obligate and permanent insect ectoparasites of mammals and exhibit a hematophagous lifestyle. In South American camelids, three species of the genus <em>Microthoracius</em> have been described, however, reports outside South America are scarce. Here we describe infestations with <em>Microthoracius mazzai</em> in three alpaca (<em>Vicugna pacos</em>) herds from Austria (Styria and Salzburg), and Germany (Bavaria). Overall, lice infestations were detected in eight animals. Four of them exhibited a massive generalized infestation. Lice specimens were identified as <em>M. mazzai</em> using morphological keys. First molecular characterization of <em>M. mazzai</em>, including DNA barcodes based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene, is provided. Although rarely reported outside South America, lice of the genus <em>Microthoracius</em> should be considered as the cause for pruritus and dermatitis in South American camelids worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145468315","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":"Resistance to acaricides in the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) from dairy farms in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil","authors":"Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Luis Fernando Santana ,&nbsp;Maria Clara Oliveira Sousa ,&nbsp;Sabrina França de Castro ,&nbsp;Pedro Henrique Ferreira ,&nbsp;Guilherme Augusto Ferreira ,&nbsp;Thiago Achcar Contarin ,&nbsp;Rodrigo da Costa Maia ,&nbsp;Guilherme Marcondes Klafke ,&nbsp;Matias Pablo Juan Szabó","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101366","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101366","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> is a major ectoparasite of cattle in tropical and subtropical regions and poses a serious threat to animal welfare and productivity. Chemical acaricides remain the main method of control in Brazil. Nevertheless, resistance to these compounds has become increasingly widespread. Minas Gerais is the leading milk-producing state in Brazil, yet data on acaricide resistance in one of its key dairy-producing region, the Triângulo Mineiro, remain scarce. This study evaluated the resistance of <em>R. microplus</em> populations from 15 dairy farms from nine municipalities in the Triângulo Mineiro using the larval packet test (LPT) against five commonly used acaricide compounds: cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, ivermectin, and amitraz. All tick populations showed high resistance to cypermethrin. High resistance to chlorpyrifos and fipronil was observed in 80 % and 67 % of farms, respectively. Resistance to ivermectin and amitraz was more variable but still present in most populations. Resistance to at least two compounds was detected on all farms. The most frequently used products on surveyed farms were based on pyrethroids and organophosphates, including unapproved or off-label compounds. These findings indicate a critical need for strategic, evidence-based tick control programs in the region and regular resistance monitoring to guide the selection of effective acaricides. These results provide an updated overview of acaricide resistance an important dairy region of Brazil and highlight the importance of coordinated efforts to slow down resistance development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101366"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145370997","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":"Detection and molecular characterization of Ursicoptes americanus in Georgia, USA black bears (Ursus americanus): Clinical presentations, prevalence, and phylogenetic analysis","authors":"Jillian R. Broadhurst ,&nbsp;Raquel Francisco ,&nbsp;Jomari Rivera Reyes ,&nbsp;Xuan Hui Teo ,&nbsp;Aidan O'Reilly ,&nbsp;Melanie R. Kunkel ,&nbsp;Benjamin Carr ,&nbsp;Adam Hammond ,&nbsp;Victoria A. Andreasen ,&nbsp;Nicole M. Nemeth ,&nbsp;Haley-Marie Jones ,&nbsp;Alex Coombs ,&nbsp;Jennifer R. Ballard ,&nbsp;Robert J. Edwards ,&nbsp;Michel T. Kohl ,&nbsp;Michael J. Chamberlain ,&nbsp;Michael J. Yabsley","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Ursicoptes americanus</em> is a follicular mite that can cause ursicoptic mange in bear species; however, its biology, epidemiology, and clinical significance remain poorly understood. First described in the 1970s from a captive American black bear (<em>Ursus americanus</em>) in Kansas, USA, this mite has since been reported sporadically in both captive and free-ranging black bears, predominately in the western United States. This study aimed to detect and characterize <em>U. americanus</em> in Georgia black bears, assess clinical presentations, estimate prevalence across distinct subpopulations, and analyze phylogenetic relationships with related mites.</div><div>In August 2022, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) submitted the carcass of a black bear from Pickens County to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS), and a skin scrape revealed the first confirmed detection of <em>U. americanus</em> in Georgia. Following this discovery, three additional cases were identified, prompting an expanded surveillance effort across Georgia's three geographically distinct black bear subpopulations (north, central, and south).</div><div>Skin scrapings from 56 bears collected between 2022 and 2024 were examined for mites and subjected to molecular analysis. <em>U. americanus</em> was detected in bears with a diversity of clinical presentations, ranging from apparently healthy to mild and moderate dermatologic lesions. These efforts uncovered an overall apparent prevalence of 10.7 % (6/56) in Georgia black bears, challenging the assumption that <em>U. americanus</em> is associated solely with debilitating mange. Instead, these results suggest a broader clinical spectrum and a more widespread distribution than previously thought. Molecular characterization of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA, nuclear 28S rDNA and cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit I (<em>COI</em>) genes revealed close associations to other avian and mammalian mite species in the Parvorder Psoroptidia, as well as relatively low genetic diversity of mites between different sampled bear populations. Collectively, these clinical, epidemiologic, and molecular data represent one of the most comprehensive assessments of <em>U. americanus</em> to date. Moving forward, <em>U. americanus</em> should be included in differential diagnoses when alopecia or crusted lesions are observed in bears, even in mild cases. Ongoing surveillance is critical as sarcoptic mange, caused by the mite <em>Sarcoptes scabiei</em>, continues to impact black bear populations across eastern North America.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101370"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145526626","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":"Comparative phenotypic characterization of acaricidal resistance in Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum field populations from Marathwada region of Maharashtra state in India","authors":"Somnath T. Kadam ,&nbsp;Gajanan M. Chigure ,&nbsp;Anil Kumar Sharma ,&nbsp;Shrikant Kalwaghe ,&nbsp;Mahima Narawade ,&nbsp;Sandip Khating ,&nbsp;Nitin D. Jadhav ,&nbsp;Sachin Kumar ,&nbsp;Anand Srivastava ,&nbsp;Vijay Macha","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101376","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101376","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Marathwada region, comprising eight districts of Maharashtra state in India, was surveyed to explore the current phenotypic resistance picture of <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> and <em>Hyalomma anatolicum</em> ticks against commonly applied synthetic acaricides (deltamethrin and cypermethrin) and organophosphate (coumaphos). The phenotypic resistance was identified in the larvae of ticks through larval packet test (LPT). The increasing resistance prevalence against synthetic pyrethroid chemicals in tick populations provides a major challenge to the livestock sector. Results indicate a high resistance level to deltamethrin in <em>R. microplus</em>, with resistance factors ranging from level II to IV across various isolates. In contrast, <em>H. anatolicum</em> exhibited type I resistance in select districts. In case of <em>R. microplus</em>, deltamethrin exhibited the highest LC₅₀ value in the Jalna isolate (2254.27 ppm) and the lowest in Hingoli (206.34 ppm) isolate persisting six isolates under level IV resistance. Cypermethrin showed comparatively lower level resistance levels, with LC₅₀ values from 488.12 to 1010.62 ppm. All the isolates were found susceptible to coumaphos at the baseline concentration against both tick species. It is important that the resistance profiles determined in the laboratory study are indicative and should be validated with further field-based studies. Biochemical assays revealed elevated α- and β-esterase activity in Dharashiv and Parbhani isolates of <em>R. microplus</em>, whereas GST activity was variable in different populations. However, there was no significant correlation between enzyme activities and resistance ratios (RR₅₀ and RR₉₅) in the two tick species, advocating the presence of alternative resistance mechanisms. These results highlight the passive role in tick management and require immediate action on the development of alternative strategies in the Marathwada region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101376"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145526628","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":"Parasitic infections control practices and antiparasitic drug usage by veterinarians in the Azores archipelago, Portugal","authors":"Romana Teixeira ,&nbsp;Isilda Flor ,&nbsp;Carlos Pinto ,&nbsp;Maria Constança Pomba ,&nbsp;Luís Madeira de Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101390","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the Azores archipelago, data regarding the current parasite control strategies adopted in domestic animals within the local veterinary community is inexistent till the moment. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, approaches, and practices of local veterinarians of Azores islands, regarding parasitic infections control and antiparasitic drugs usage in veterinary practice. The research was conducted between June 2024 and April 2025 with 107 veterinarians from eight different islands of the Azores archipelago. The study surveyed a diverse group of veterinarians working in various fields of veterinary medicine, including academia, pet clinic, livestock clinic, public health and the industry sector. The results of the current study revealed that while veterinarians in Azores islands generally have a good understanding of parasitic infections and antiparasitic drugs, there are still gaps in their practice, mainly regarding testing anthelmintic resistance, using parasitic diagnostic methods and attending conferences, symposia, and workshops on this matter. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the current state of parasitic infections and anthelmintic resistance management in veterinary medicine of the Azores archipelago. We believe that the findings of our study will help to inform the need of development of more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of parasitic infections in those animals and contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve animal health and welfare in the region. Our results are also expected to raise awareness about anthelminthic efficacy/resistance, parasite infections among veterinarians in this insular territory and the role of zoonotic parasitic diseases introduced in island ecosystems</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101390"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690451","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":"Seroprevalence of selected vector-borne agents in pet cats using the SNAP® 4Dx® PLUS, United States, 2022–2025","authors":"Rachel C. Smith ,&nbsp;Daniel F. Barrantes Murillo ,&nbsp;Jessica Mitchell ,&nbsp;Janine Seetahal ,&nbsp;Rolan Davis ,&nbsp;Brian H. Herrin ,&nbsp;Chengming Wang ,&nbsp;Theresa Wood ,&nbsp;Kathryn Duncan ,&nbsp;Wade Burton ,&nbsp;Lindsay A. Starkey","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick-borne diseases predominate among vector-borne diseases of human and veterinary importance in the United States (US). Many of the most important tick-borne agents in people, including <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em>, <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. are zoonoses capable of infecting domestic pets. These infections can impact animal health with widely varying severity, ranging from subclinical to life-threatening disease. Serological testing is essential for screening and diagnosis of these infections in pets, as well as for epidemiological investigations. While vast amounts of data are available on the seroprevalence of antibodies to <em>B. burgdorferi</em>, <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. in domestic dogs, comparatively little data is available in domestic cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to <em>B. burgdorferi</em>, <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp., as well as antigen of <em>D. immitis</em>, the causative agent of heartworm disease, in a population of apparently healthy pet cats from across the US using the point-of-care (POC) SNAP® 4Dx® PLUS test. This POC test does not visually distinguish between antibodies within the <em>Anaplasma</em> genus and antibodies within the <em>Ehrlichia</em> genus. To address this, additional specific peptide testing was conducted at IDEXX Laboratories for <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. seropositive samples. In total, <em>n</em> = 1572 feline serum samples were tested using the SNAP® 4Dx® PLUS. All US states were represented by at least 3 samples, and 2.6 % of cats demonstrated evidence of exposure to ≥1 vector-borne pathogen. Cats in the present study were most commonly exposed to <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. (1.40 %), which contrasts previous seroprevalence reports in cats, in which <em>B. burgdorferi</em> predominates. Seroprevalence of <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. was followed by <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (1.15 %), <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. (0.38 %), and lastly <em>D. immitis</em> antigen detection (0.13 %). Feline exposure to tick-borne agents observed in the present study was compared with canine seroprevalence reported by the Companion Animal Parasite Council over the same time period. We found that feline exposure was 14–28 % of the exposure prevalence reported in dogs. Although less common than canine infection, continued investigation into feline infection with <em>B. burgdorferi</em>, <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. is warranted. Feline susceptibility to these agents, transmission dynamics, pathogenicity, and immunologic response remain poorly described.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101369"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145419547","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}