Veterinary parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Rural dogs (Canis familiaris) as sentinels to ectoparasites and tick borne pathogens around six Atlantic Forest conservation units in Brazil","authors":"Pedro Henrique Cotrin Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Nelson Henrique de Almeida Curi ,&nbsp;Elizabete Pereira Barbosa ,&nbsp;Guilherme Ramos Demétrio ,&nbsp;Ana Maria Oliveira Paschoal ,&nbsp;Rodrigo Lima Massara ,&nbsp;Adriano Garcia Chiarello ,&nbsp;Marcelo Passamani ,&nbsp;Camila Stefanie Fonseca de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Daniel Sobreira Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Júlia Angélica Gonçalves Silveira","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sentinel hosts are species that are readily observable and more likely than others to be exposed to vector and vector borne pathogens. Surveys of domestic dogs are often utilized to assess tick distribution and tick-borne diseases. Free-ranging habits and poor health management probably increase infectious diseases in rural dogs. The Atlantic Forest biome occurs in some South American countries and is a major center of endemism, highly threatened by deforestation. This study describes the prevalence for ectoparasites and tick-borne pathogens in 323 dogs living at 144 households around six Atlantic Forest conservation units. There were found ticks of the genus <em>Rhipicephalus</em> (11.5 %) and <em>Amblyomma</em> (23.5 %), fleas of the genus <em>Ctenocephalides</em> (44.3 %), <em>Xenopsylla</em> (1.24 %), and <em>Tunga</em> (0.3 %), and lice <em>Trichodectes canis</em> (0,9 %). Blood smear analysis revealed a prevalence of 34.6 % of at least one of the following parasite taxa: <em>Hepatozoon</em> (22.3 %), <em>Babesia vogeli</em> (4.9 %), <em>Ehrlichia canis</em> (3.1 %), and <em>Anaplasma platys</em> (2.8 %). In seven dogs (2.2 %), coinfections were detected microscopically. Serologic tests revealed seroreaction in 47 % of dogs, and the presence at considerable seroprevalence of <em>E. canis</em> (34.3 %), <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em> (23.8 %) and <em>B. vogeli</em> (10.5 %). Serological coinfections were detected in 19.5 % of dogs. The molecular analyses performed using samples from 157 ectoparasites that parasitized the dogs, showed a prevalence of 1.27 % positive for order Piroplasmida, 1.27 % for <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp., 3.82 % for <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and 22.93 % for <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. The findings highlight the importance of rural dogs as sentinels of diseases for wildlife and humans in Brazil, and the need for straightforward control actions such as treatment against ectoparasites with sufficient coverage, and responsible domestic animal ownership enforcement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110609"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of inflammasomes in the innate immune response triggered by Rhipicephalus microplus tick infestation in taurine and indicine bovine hosts","authors":"Gabrielle Oliveira Soares ,&nbsp;Ana Luiza Franco ,&nbsp;Leticia dos Santos Moreira ,&nbsp;Raquel Morais de Paiva Daibert ,&nbsp;Anaclara Romano Schmitz Loures ,&nbsp;Marco Antônio Machado ,&nbsp;Marta Fonseca Martins ,&nbsp;Marcia Cristina de Azevedo Prata ,&nbsp;Emanuelle Baldo Gaspar ,&nbsp;Robert Domingues ,&nbsp;Daniele Ribeiro de Lima Reis Faza ,&nbsp;Mariana Magalhães Campos ,&nbsp;Artur Kanadani Campos ,&nbsp;Wanessa Araújo Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cattle farming is a crucial sector of Brazilian agriculture, in which infestations by <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> ticks pose substantial challenges to livestock productivity. These infestations cause both direct and indirect economic losses for producers and the industry. The use of acaricides, a common control method, often leads to the development of resistance in ticks, reducing the effectiveness of this approach. Adaptive immune responses, particularly those mediated by T cell activation and the production of specific antibodies, are essential for protection against parasitic infections in various species, including cattle. However, the underlying mechanisms of this response, especially inflammasome activation, remain poorly understood with respect to breed differences. These variations may influence the adaptive immune response, as taurine breeds (<em>Bos taurus</em>) and indicine breeds (<em>Bos indicus</em>) exhibit distinct immune profiles and different susceptibilities to tick infestations. This study investigated inflammasome responses in Holstein (taurine) and Gyr (indicine) cattle before and after controlled tick infestations to elucidate how innate immune responses may modulate adaptive immunity and, consequently, influence tick resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110603"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145081754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative analysis of the viability of Fasciola hepatica eggs collected from fecal and gallbladder samples in experimentally infected sheep","authors":"S. Ortega-Vargas ,&nbsp;I. Cruz-Mendoza ,&nbsp;J.A. Figueroa-Castillo ,&nbsp;A.V. Balderas-Loaeza ,&nbsp;A. Villa-Mancera ,&nbsp;F. Utrera-Quintana ,&nbsp;H. Quiroz-Romero","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110631","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110631","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to determine and compare the viability of <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> eggs collected from fecal and gallbladder samples through the egg hatching test of experimentally infected sheep. The biological samples used come from a previously reported sheep vaccination trial. Twenty-five sheep free of fasciolosis and housed in pens with cement floors were used. The sheep were grouped into five groups (G1–5, n = 5 sheep per group). Groups G1(100 ug), G2 (200 ug), G3 (400 ug) were immunized with the chimeric protein (rFhLAP-CL1) and, groups G4 and G5 were the adjuvant and infection controls, respectively. All sheep were orally infected with 200 metacercariae. The experimental period was 24 weeks. <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> eggs were collected every 15 days from fecal samples from weeks 14–24 of the experiment, and from the gallbladder after euthanized. The viability of <em>F. hepatica</em> eggs was determined through an egg hatching assay (EHA). Eggs that had developed miracidium and hatched were considered viable eggs. The viability range of <em>F. hepatica</em> eggs from gallbladder was 22–59.6 % and of fecal samples was 67–88 %. The viability of <em>F. hepatica</em> eggs from fecal samples was higher (&gt;90 %) than that of eggs from the gallbladder (&lt;60 %). In the vaccination trial, the viability of <em>F. hepatica</em> eggs in the G3 group was significantly different compared to the control group, in fecal samples (p &lt; 0.001) and in the gallbladder (p &lt; 0.05). Higher viability of <em>F. hepatica</em> eggs was observed in fecal samples than in gallbladder samples. Fecal samples are suggested for determining the viability of trematode eggs in vaccination trials or evaluation of fasciolicides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110631"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145318618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of plant-based remedies for Varroa destructor control in honey bee colonies: A preliminary study","authors":"Ľubomír Korený,&nbsp;Michaela Korená Hillayová,&nbsp;Jaroslav Škvarenina","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110629","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110629","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Western honey bee (<em>Apis mellifera</em> L.) plays a crucial role in global ecosystems and agriculture, yet the ectoparasitic mite <em>Varroa destructor</em> remains a primary cause of severe varroosis and significant colony morbidity and mortality. Current reliance on synthetic acaricides often leads to the development of mite resistance and raises concerns regarding chemical residues in hive products. This has created an urgent need for innovative and effective veterinary strategies for parasite control. This study investigated the efficacy of traditional plant-based remedies as an alternative treatment for <em>V. destructor</em> infestations in honey bee colonies. Herbal decoctions from medicinal plants (e.g., nettle, clove, linden, peppermint, lavender, sage, dandelion), known for their anti-parasitic properties, were applied to bee colonies via aerosol. <em>V. destructor</em> infestation levels were monitored monthly using a non-destructive CO₂-induced narcosis method. Statistical analysis, specifically a Linear Mixed Model (LMM), revealed a significant decrease in mean <em>Varroa</em> infestation from 1.8 % in 2021–1.1 % in 2023 across the experimental colonies (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.000001 for year effect). Furthermore, the LMM confirmed significant differences in efficacy among the tested decoctions (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.000001 for Decoction label effect), with specific extracts (DIII and DV) demonstrating superior performance. These findings highlight a validated, ecologically derived phytotherapeutic approach for <em>Varroa</em> management, demonstrating its potential to significantly reduce mite populations over multiple years without adverse effects on honey bee health. This research provides valuable insights into natural alternatives for parasitic mite control in domesticated animals like honey bees.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110629"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145309398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Standardization of larval bioassays for determination of fluralaner susceptibility in Rhipicephalus microplus","authors":"Guilherme Klafke ,&nbsp;Jorgelina Torrents ,&nbsp;Priscila Teixeira Ferreira ,&nbsp;Macarena Sarli ,&nbsp;Ana Luiza Loch ,&nbsp;Barbara Rauta de Avelar ,&nbsp;Thais Ribeiro Correia Azevedo ,&nbsp;Fabio Barbour Scott ,&nbsp;Nicolás Morel ,&nbsp;Santiago Nava ,&nbsp;José Reck","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fluralaner is an isoxazoline acaricide with potent activity against <em>Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus</em>, a major tick species affecting cattle in South America. In this study, larval bioassays were performed to evaluate the baseline susceptibility of <em>R. microplus</em> populations from Brazil and Argentina to fluralaner. The larval packet test (LPT) was applied to Brazilian laboratory and field populations, while the larval immersion test (LIT) was used in Argentina. Both tests were carried with technical grade and a commercial formulation of fluralaner. LPT results showed consistent LC₅₀ values across two susceptible laboratory strains, with resistance ratios near unity in all field samples. Similar observations were obtained with the LIT, with resistance ratios also near 1 for all tested populations from Argentina. The LIT produced LC₅₀ values approximately 100 times lower than the LPT, a difference consistent with previous studies using systemic acaricides. Both technical and commercial formulations yielded comparable results in both tests. These findings confirm the high susceptibility of <em>R. microplus</em> to fluralaner and establish reliable bioassay parameters for future resistance monitoring. The choice between LPT and LIT and technical grade or commercial formulation of fluralaner should be guided by laboratory infrastructure and logistical needs, as both methods are valid for surveillance purposes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110600"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dung beetles, biological control agents against gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock: In vitro test","authors":"E. von Son-de Fernex ,&nbsp;R. Estrada-Robledo ,&nbsp;R. Ojeda-Flores","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110619","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110619","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) remains a major challenge in grazing cattle, due to the widespread of anthelmintic resistance and limited treatment alternatives. This study aimed to assess whether dung beetles could serve as biological control agents against GIN infective larvae (GIN-L₃). Four dung beetle species (<em>Digitonthophagus gazella</em>, <em>Onthophagus australis</em>, <em>Euoniticellus intermedius,</em> and <em>Copris incertus</em>) were collected from cattle paddocks. For each species, their effect on the vertical distribution of GIN-L₃ in soil was assessed using vertical terrariums containing sterilized soil and marked at 5 cm intervals from 0 to 25 cm. GIN-infected calf stool (635.3 ± 77.62 epg) was placed on top, and five couples of dung beetles were introduced. Three replicates were run for each treatment and control. Soil layers were individually recovered after 10-days, GIN-L₃ were retrieved, quantified, and identified. In the absence of dung beetles, and similar to <em>O</em>. <em>australis</em>, 84.9 ± 3.8 % of GIN-L₃ remained in the feces; while <em>C. incertus</em> and <em>D. gazella</em> concentrated 58 % and 49 % of GIN-L₃ between 10 and 25 cm depth, respectively (P &lt; 0.05). The GIN-L₃ density increased by 14.12 % for each brood mass present at ≥ 15 cm depth. <em>Cooperia punctata</em> L₃ artificial burial assay showed a 28 % decrease in its upward migration capacity (R²=0.92) per centimeter of depth; meaning deep tunnelers reproductive behavior hinders GIN-L₃ from reaching the surface and continuing its life cycle. These findings provide new insights into the role of dung beetles in modulating the vertical distribution of GIN-L₃ in soil, and thus, their potential to reduce pasture infectivity, supporting their inclusion in integrated strategies for GIN control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110619"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145213694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transhumance and eprinomectin resistance of Haemonchus contortus in dairy sheep flocks of the French Pyrenees","authors":"Sophie Jouffroy ,&nbsp;Clara Girard ,&nbsp;Elisa Giraud ,&nbsp;Camille Beaumelle ,&nbsp;Gilles Bourgoin ,&nbsp;Léa Bordes ,&nbsp;Christelle Grisez ,&nbsp;Anne Lespine ,&nbsp;Damien Achard ,&nbsp;Glenn Yannic ,&nbsp;Philippe Jacquiet","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The macrocyclic lactone eprinomectin has a null milk withdrawal period, and plays a key role in limiting infection by gastro-intestinal nematodes (GIN) in dairy sheep. Starting in 2019, a cluster of suspicions of lack of effectiveness of eprinomectin (EPN) was observed in the western area of the French Pyrenees. First, we conducted fecal egg count reduction tests in 47 dairy sheep farms of this area. They revealed that 29/47 (62 %) farms were facing resistance to eprinomectin. Post-treatment GIN species identification conducted in 21 of the 29 resistance cases showed <em>Haemonchus contortus</em> was the only resistant parasite to EPN treatment. A descriptive analyses of information on GIN and farm management was conducted, with regard to the spread of eprinomection resistance in these farms. We found that transhumance could be linked to the presence of eprinomectin resistance in GIN of the dairy sheep farms. Second, GIN monitoring was conducted during one year within 2 flocks grazing together during the summer transhumance. Ewes got infected with moderate levels of <em>H. contortus</em> in less than 2 months on pastures at 1400–1800 m of altitude. In addition, transfer of parasites between flocks seems to occur during summer grazing. It might contribute to change the type of helminthiosis farmers are used to face in their flocks, and to the transfer of resistant strains of parasites between flocks. Our study highlights that pre-transhumance anthelmintic treatment no longer guaranties low GIN levels during summer grazing, and that GIN infections have to be anticipated in the spring by means of integrated parasite management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110618"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145213719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemical composition, acaricidal activity, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of two chemotypes of Eugenia stictopetala essential oil against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus","authors":"Antônia Fernanda Lopes da Silva ,&nbsp;Júlia Karla de Albuquerque Melo Xavier ,&nbsp;Marcos Bispo Pinheiro Camara ,&nbsp;Cáritas de Jesus Silva Mendonça ,&nbsp;Livio Martins Costa-Júnior ,&nbsp;Wesley Douglas Ribeiro ,&nbsp;Caio Pavão Tavares ,&nbsp;Eloisa Helena de Aguiar Andrade ,&nbsp;José Guilherme Soares Maia ,&nbsp;Wallyson André dos Santos Bezerra ,&nbsp;Alexandra Martins Santos Soares ,&nbsp;Cláudia Quintino da Rocha","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110620","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110620","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus</em>, an ectoparasite affecting livestock in tropical and subtropical regions, causes significant economic losses worldwide. In this context, effective control alternatives based on natural products are essential. This study evaluated the chemical composition, acaricidal activity, acute toxicity, and acetylcholinesterase (AChe) inhibition of essential oils (EO) from two chemotypes of <em>Eugenia stictopetala</em> (EOEs-1 and EOEs-2). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that both chemotypes were rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons (64.6 %). EOEs-1 was characterized mainly by myrcene (60.4 %) and citral (neral: 11.0 %; geranial: 15.1 %), whereas EOEs-2 contained myrcene (59.3 %), geraniol (20.0 %), and linalool (14.1 %) as its major constituents. Acaricidal activity was assessed by Larval Immersion Test (LIT) against <em>R. microplus</em> larvae, including the isolade compounds citral, myrcene, geraniol, and linalool. EOEs-1 exhibited the strongest acaricidal activity (LC₅₀ of 1.798 mg/mL), with citral exhibiting similar potency (LC₅₀=1.639 mg/mL), while EOEs-2 showed an LC₅₀ of 2.376 mg/mL. Additionally, both essential oils were capable of inhibiting the native acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of <em>R. microplus</em>, with EOEs-1 showing the strongest activity and emerging as a promising candidate for the control of this ectoparasite.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110620"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of fluralaner against natural infestations of Haemaphysalis longicornis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus in dogs under field conditions in China","authors":"Jie Hu ,&nbsp;Yanyang Yuan ,&nbsp;Famiao Zeng ,&nbsp;Ming Yang ,&nbsp;Zhuo Chen ,&nbsp;Zhihui Hao","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110626","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110626","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick infestations compromise canine health and facilitate zoonotic pathogen transmission. This randomized, investigator-blinded, multicenter field study evaluated the efficacy and safety of fluralaner chewable tablets against natural tick infestations in dogs in China. Dogs naturally infested with ≥ 5 ticks were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to receive either a laboratory-developed fluralaner chewable tablet (experimental) or the reference product BRAVECTO® (control), with dosing according to body-weight bands. At baseline (Day 0), whole-body tick counts (≥10 min), lesion-severity scoring, and microscopic identification of a tick subsample were performed; follow-up assessments occurred on Days 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84, with the final visit on Day 56 for dogs infested with <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> and on Day 84 for those with other species, notably <em>Haemaphysalis longicornis</em>. A total of 120 dogs were enrolled, and two tick species were identified: <em>H. longicornis</em> and <em>R. sanguineus</em>. Relative to baseline, mean tick counts were reduced by 99.95 % (experimental) and 99.83 % (control); 98.33 % of dogs were tick-free on Day 7, and 100 % were tick-free from Day 14 through the final visit (Day 56/84). Skin lesions improved significantly, with complete resolution by Day 28 and no recurrence thereafter. No treatment-related adverse events were observed. These findings indicated that fluralaner chewable tablets provided effective control of natural tick infestations and achieved complete tick-free status for 12 weeks against <em>H. longicornis</em> and 8 weeks against <em>R. sanguineus</em> under field conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110626"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145318629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gastrointestinal nematode egg counts throughout the reproductive cycle of breeding ewes: Relation to body condition, FAMACHA© and dag scores","authors":"Marta González-Warleta,&nbsp;José Antonio Castro-Hermida,&nbsp;Mercedes Mezo","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110612","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110612","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sheep flocks in Galicia (NW Spain) have a high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), and effective control of these parasites is of primary concern. As young lambs in these flocks are generally marketed immediately after weaning, control strategies target the breeding ewes. The aims of this study, involving ewes from two commercial flocks, were as follows: 1) to investigate the dynamics of GIN infections, as determined by faecal egg count (FEC), throughout the reproductive cycle, and 2) to assess the reliability of body condition score (BCS), dag score (DS), and FAMACHA© score (FS) as indicators of infections with a high FEC (&gt;400 eggs per gram of faeces). Data were analyzed using generalized linear and mixed-effects logistic regression models. A periparturient rise (PPR) in FEC was observed across all lambing seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter), particularly in ewes with multiple lambs. In spring, summer and autumn, PPR began in the fifth month of gestation or the first month of lactation, while in winter, it began earlier, in the fourth month of gestation. Low BCS (&lt;2.5) and high FS (&gt;3) were associated with elevated FECs. The BCS-FEC association was consistent across both farms, with odds ratios (ORs) of 5.23 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 2.46–11.12) and 6.35 (95 % CI: 4.06–9.94) on Fa<strong>r</strong>m 1 and Farm 2, respectively. FS was strongly associated with FEC on Farm 1 (OR=10.46, 95 % CI: 3.37–32.46) and served as a specific indicator of haemonchosis: high FS values closely paralleled <em>Haemonchus</em> FECs during summer and decreased post treatment. High FS values were not observed on Farm 2, where <em>Haemonchus</em> was absent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110612"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}