Neste estudo utilizamos 18 (dezoito) cabeças de macacos prego (Cebus apella) cedidos pelo Departamento de Cirurgia da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, e provenientes do Zoológico da cidade de São Paulo, vindos a óbito naturalmente. O método incluiu técnica de mesoscopia de luz, sendo a rotina técnica: canulação da aorta no sentido cranial; perfusão com água morna (40°C); injeção do sistema arterial com solução de látex (Neoprene 450) corado (sulvinil corante), fixação e conservação em solução aquosa de formol a 10%. Foram dissecados trinta e seis antímeros. O músculo digástrico, composto por dois ventres (rostral e caudal) unidos por um tendão intermediário, inseriu-se na linha paramediana da mandíbula, indo da borda ventral incisiva à borda ventral molar (ventre rostral). O modo de origem, trajeto e a direção das fibras apresentou três arranjos: um com ventres planos e tendão fusiforme (55,5%); um com ventre plano, fibras ancoradas caudolateralmente na borda ventral mandibular e tendão fusiforme (38,9%); e um ventre fusiforme com tendão fusiforme. O ventre caudal relacionou-se com o ventre e o tendão do músculo estilo-hióideo: cruzando-o ventralmente (22,2%) ou dorsalmente (2,7%); cruzando o tendão intermediário: ventralmente (35,9%) ou dorsalmente (33,2%). O músculo digástrico (ventre rostral) é plano no Cebus apella (94,4%) tem ampla inserção óssea na borda ventral mandibular e o tendão intermediário apoia-se na fáscia cervical em expansão lateral até atingir o osso compondo um duplo ponto de apoio (38,9%). | In this study we used 18 heads of monkey Cebus apella supplied by the Surgery Department of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo. These heads were originally from the city of São Paulo Zoo of monkeys, who died naturally. The method included technique of light mesoscopy (40 magnifications), and the technical routine as follows: cannulation of the aorta toward the cranium; perfusion with water at 40 ºC; injection of the arterial system with stained latex solution (Neoprene 450 and Sulvinil stain), fixation and conservation in 10% formol aqueous solution. Thirty-six antimeres were dissected. The digastric muscle, composed of two bellies (rostral and caudal) joined by an intermediate tendon, was inserted in the paramedian line of the mandible, from the incisive ventral border to the molar ventral border (rostral belly). The mode of origin, course and direction of the fibers showed three arrangements: one with plane bellies and fusiform tendon (55.5%); one with plane belly, fibers inserted caudolaterally in the ventral mandibular border and fusiform tendon (38.9%); and one with fusiform belly and tendon. The caudal belly was related to the belly and tendon of the stylo-hyoid muscle, crossing it ventrally (22.2%) or dorsally (2.7%); crossing the intermediate tendon ventrally (35.9%) or dorsally (33.2%). The digastric muscle (rostral belly) is plane in Cebus apella (94.4%), has a wide bone insertion, in the ventral mandibular border and the intermediate tendon rests on the cervical fascia, in lateral expansion until it reaches the bone, thus making up a double supporting point (38.9%).

Neste estudo utilizamos 18 (dezoito) cabeças de macacos prego (Cebus apella) cedidos pelo Departamento de Cirurgia da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, e provenientes do Zoológico da cidade de São Paulo, vindos a óbito naturalmente. O método incluiu técnica de mesoscopia de luz, sendo a rotina técnica: canulação da aorta no sentido cranial; perfusão com água morna (40°C); injeção do sistema arterial com solução de látex (Neoprene 450) corado (sulvinil corante), fixação e conservação em solução aquosa de formol a 10%. Foram dissecados trinta e seis antímeros. O músculo digástrico, composto por dois ventres (rostral e caudal) unidos por um tendão intermediário, inseriu-se na linha paramediana da mandíbula, indo da borda ventral incisiva à borda ventral molar (ventre rostral). O modo de origem, trajeto e a direção das fibras apresentou três arranjos: um com ventres planos e tendão fusiforme (55,5%); um com ventre plano, fibras ancoradas caudolateralmente na borda ventral mandibular e tendão fusiforme (38,9%); e um ventre fusiforme com tendão fusiforme. O ventre caudal relacionou-se com o ventre e o tendão do músculo estilo-hióideo: cruzando-o ventralmente (22,2%) ou dorsalmente (2,7%); cruzando o tendão intermediário: ventralmente (35,9%) ou dorsalmente (33,2%). O músculo digástrico (ventre rostral) é plano no Cebus apella (94,4%) tem ampla inserção óssea na borda ventral mandibular e o tendão intermediário apoia-se na fáscia cervical em expansão lateral até atingir o osso compondo um duplo ponto de apoio (38,9%).

Foi analisada a estrutura da tuba uterina de cutias utilizando-se três fêmeas adultas, oriundas do Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Após anestesia, foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais, em seguida, obtidos fragmentos da tuba uterina correspondentes às regiões cranial, média e caudal. Cortes de 3 a 5m de espessura foram corados pela Hematoxilina/Eosina e analisados e fotografados ao microscópio de luz. Foi evidenciado que, a parede da tuba uterina da cutia apresenta três camadas histologicamente distintas: mucosa, muscular e serosa, caracterizando as regiões infundíbulo, ampola e istmo. A mucosa, revestida por tecido epitelial simples colunar apresentando células ciliadas e não ciliadas, e, com grande quantidade de pregas em diferentes níveis. No epitélio de revestimento da mucosa do istmo, foram observadas áreas com células variando de cúbicas a pavimentosas. A luz do órgão, nas porções cranial e média, mostra-se bem maior e mais irregular que na porção caudal. A lâmina própria, constituída de tecido conjuntivo frouxo, desprovida de glândulas, e na região da ampola, torna-se mais estreita e bastante celularizada. A camada muscular, formada por fibras musculares lisas dispostas em uma subcamada circular interna e outra longitudinal externa. A serosa mostra-se bastante vascularizada. As tubas uterinas da cutia guardam muita semelhança com as dos demais mamíferos quanto aos aspectos microscópicos. | It was analysed the uterine tube structure in Agouti. We have used three adult females, caming from Wild Animals Preservation and Study Nucleous of "Universidade Federal do Piauí". Soon after anaesthesia and euthanasia we got collected uterine tube fragments from cranial, medial and caudal regions. The cuts of 3 to 5m were stained with HE, and analysed and photographed with a light microscope. We could observed that the uterine tubes have three distincts stratums: mucous membrane, muscular and serous with histologicals differences that characterize the infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus regions. The uterine tube light is irregular, on cranial and medium portions. It is bigger and irregular than caudal portion. The mucous membrane is coat with simple columnar epithelium with ciliar and nonciliar cells. The own lamina, formed of slack conjunctive tissue, without glands, on ampulla region, become small and we can observe many cells. On isthmus mucous we observe ephithelial tissue with low cells. The muscular, constituted of smooth fibres, that is observed like a circular and longitudinal stratum, and the serous stratum full of vessels. Histologically, the uterine tube in Agouti is similar to the others domestic and wild animals.

Foi analisada a estrutura da tuba uterina de cutias utilizando-se três fêmeas adultas, oriundas do Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Após anestesia, foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais, em seguida, obtidos fragmentos da tuba uterina correspondentes às regiões cranial, média e caudal. Cortes de 3 a 5m de espessura foram corados pela Hematoxilina/Eosina e analisados e fotografados ao microscópio de luz. Foi evidenciado que, a parede da tuba uterina da cutia apresenta três camadas histologicamente distintas: mucosa, muscular e serosa, caracterizando as regiões infundíbulo, ampola e istmo. A mucosa, revestida por tecido epitelial simples colunar apresentando células ciliadas e não ciliadas, e, com grande quantidade de pregas em diferentes níveis. No epitélio de revestimento da mucosa do istmo, foram observadas áreas com células variando de cúbicas a pavimentosas. A luz do órgão, nas porções cranial e média, mostra-se bem maior e mais irregular que na porção caudal. A lâmina própria, constituída de tecido conjuntivo frouxo, desprovida de glândulas, e na região da ampola, torna-se mais estreita e bastante celularizada. A camada muscular, formada por fibras musculares lisas dispostas em uma subcamada circular interna e outra longitudinal externa. A serosa mostra-se bastante vascularizada. As tubas uterinas da cutia guardam muita semelhança com as dos demais mamíferos quanto aos aspectos microscópicos.

O Cebus apella, animal das matas do continente Sul-americano, distribui-se geograficamente por quase todo o Brasil. Apresenta satisfatória adaptação ao cativeiro, condição em que se reproduz com facilidade. Assim, focalizamos o Cebus apella, na origem de seu plexo braquial. Nosso objetivo é dar seqüência ao conhecimento de sua anatomia, visando também ao fornecimento de subsídios para interpretações anátomo-funcionais, comparativamente ao homem e aos animais domésticos. Foram utilizados 20 animais, sendo 10 machos e 10 fêmeas, adultos, pertencentes ao acervo de pesquisas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia - MG. Preparamos as peças anatômicas segundo a metodologia usual em estudos anatômicos. Dos espécimes dissecados, o plexo braquial do Cebus apella está constituído por raízes de C5 a T1 em 55,00 ±± 11,12%, de C5 a T2 em 25,00 ±± 9,68%, de C4 a T1 em 15,00 ±± 7,98% e de C4 a T2 em 5,00 ±± 4,87%. Observou-se a ocorrência de pré e de pós-fixação do plexo, bem como o seu deslocamento cranial e caudal. Em conclusão, o plexo braquial do Cebus apella está constituído por raízes de C5 a T1. | The monkey Cebus apella, native to South American forests, is geographically distributed through the Brazilian land and presents satisfactory adaptation to the captive life showing great capacity of reproduction. Thus, we have described the origin of the brachial plexus in the monkey Cebus apella. The aim of this study was to add information for morphofunctional and comparative studies focusing on Cebus apella, humans and domestic animals. Twenty adult animals, 10 males and 10 females, belonging to the collection of Anatomy Laboratory of the Federal University of Uberlândia were obtained and prepared through fixation and dissection. In the dissected specimens, the brachial plexus of Cebus apella was comprised of nerve roots from C5 to T1 (55,00 ±± 11,12%), from C5 to T2 (25,00 ±± 9,68%), from C4 to T1 (15,00 ±± 7,98%) and from C4 to T2 (5,00 ±± 4,87%). In addition, the occurrence of pre- and post- fixation of the plexus as well as its cranial and caudal extent have been discussed. In conclusion, the brachial plexus of Cebus apella is constituted by nerve roots from C5 to T1.

O Cebus apella, animal das matas do continente Sul-americano, distribui-se geograficamente por quase todo o Brasil. Apresenta satisfatória adaptação ao cativeiro, condição em que se reproduz com facilidade. Assim, focalizamos o Cebus apella, na origem de seu plexo braquial. Nosso objetivo é dar seqüência ao conhecimento de sua anatomia, visando também ao fornecimento de subsídios para interpretações anátomo-funcionais, comparativamente ao homem e aos animais domésticos. Foram utilizados 20 animais, sendo 10 machos e 10 fêmeas, adultos, pertencentes ao acervo de pesquisas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia - MG. Preparamos as peças anatômicas segundo a metodologia usual em estudos anatômicos. Dos espécimes dissecados, o plexo braquial do Cebus apella está constituído por raízes de C5 a T1 em 55,00 ±± 11,12%, de C5 a T2 em 25,00 ±± 9,68%, de C4 a T1 em 15,00 ±± 7,98% e de C4 a T2 em 5,00 ±± 4,87%. Observou-se a ocorrência de pré e de pós-fixação do plexo, bem como o seu deslocamento cranial e caudal. Em conclusão, o plexo braquial do Cebus apella está constituído por raízes de C5 a T1.

Estudamos em 40 suínos neonatos sem raça definida, 20 machos e 20 fêmeas, a formação, o trajeto e ramificações da artéria cerebral média. Os animais foram provenientes da Fazenda Santa Terezinha município de Uberlândia; 30 deles tiveram seus contingentes arteriais injetados com solução de Neoprene Látex "400", corada com pigmento específico, tendo sido fixados com solução de formol a 15% e dissecados; no restante injetou-se Acetato de Vinil corado, seguindo-se corrosão em ácido sulfúrico a 30%, então lavado em água corrente. Os resultados mostraram artérias cerebrais médias variando de 2 a 4 vasos, originando-se a partir do ramo rostral da artéria carótida do encéfalo. Dispõe-se lateralmente atingindo o sulco rinal lateral, distribuindo-se nas partes lateral, dorsolateral e rostrolateral do hemisfério cerebral correspondente. | Forty neonatal pigs both twenty male and twenty female were used to study medium cerebral artery formation, distribution and ramification. All the animals were from Santa Terezinha Farm sited in Uberlândia. Thirty of them had their arteries injected with Neoprene Latex "400" colored with a specific pigment and then fixed with 15% formaldehyde solution. After that, they were dissected. The 10 left were injected with colored vinyl acetate followed by corrosion with 30% sulfuric acid solution. The pieces were subsequently washed in flowing water. The results showed a variation in encephalon medium arteries from 2 up to 4 vases, which derived from rostral branches of the encephalon carotid artery. The artery goes through a lateral route until the rhino lateral seam, being divided on the lateral, dorsal lateral and rostral lateral parts of the match cerebral hemisphere.

Estudamos em 40 suínos neonatos sem raça definida, 20 machos e 20 fêmeas, a formação, o trajeto e ramificações da artéria cerebral média. Os animais foram provenientes da Fazenda Santa Terezinha município de Uberlândia; 30 deles tiveram seus contingentes arteriais injetados com solução de Neoprene Látex "400", corada com pigmento específico, tendo sido fixados com solução de formol a 15% e dissecados; no restante injetou-se Acetato de Vinil corado, seguindo-se corrosão em ácido sulfúrico a 30%, então lavado em água corrente. Os resultados mostraram artérias cerebrais médias variando de 2 a 4 vasos, originando-se a partir do ramo rostral da artéria carótida do encéfalo. Dispõe-se lateralmente atingindo o sulco rinal lateral, distribuindo-se nas partes lateral, dorsolateral e rostrolateral do hemisfério cerebral correspondente.

O serviço de acupuntura veterinária foi iniciado no ano de 2000 na Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Brasil. Durante os anos de 2001 e 2002, 119 pacientes veterinários foram tratados incluindo cães (112) e gatos (7), machos (64) e fêmeas (55) com idade média de 5,9 anos. Os tratamentos incluíram o uso de acupuntura, eletroacupuntura, moxibustão, implante de ouro, homeopatia, ervas chinesas e suas associações. A maioria dos animais era sem raça definida e de raças de pequeno porte como teckels, pinschers e poodles. Os casos foram encaminhados por colegas do Hospital Veterinário para tratamento de vários problemas, tais como neurológicos, musculoesqueléticos, dermatológicos, gastrointestinais, neoplasias, doenças hepáticas, renais, pulmonares, auditivas, oftalmológicas, sangüíneas e reprodutivas. Ao todo, os animais tiveram uma taxa de recuperação de 63% após 7,6 sessões semanais de acupuntura em média, 10% vieram a óbito por causas não relacionadas ao motivo do tratamento, 38% não continuaram com as sessões e 14% ainda estão sob tratamento. As doenças mais tratadas foram neurológicas (63%) e/ou musculoesqueléticas (7 e 10%, respectivamente). Nas doenças neurológicas, 65,8% dos animais tratados melhoraram, 15% ainda estão sob tratamento e 18% não continuaram. Nas doenças musculoesqueléticas, 75% dos animais melhoraram e 8,3% ainda estão sob tratamento. Estes dados nos mostram que as principais indicações para o uso da acupuntura em nossa rotina são doenças neurológicas e musculoesqueléticas; e que nós obtivemos uma taxa média de recuperação desses pacientes de 79,6%. | The veterinary acupuncture unit started in 2000 at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science - University of São Paulo State, Brazil. During 2001 and 2002, 119 veterinary patients were treated including dogs (112) and cats (7), males (64) and females (55) with a mean age of 5.9 years. The treatments included the use of acupuncture, eletroacupuncture, moxibustion, gold implant, homeopathy, Chinese herbs and its associations. The majority of animals were crossbred dogs and small breed dogs such as teckels, pinschers and poodles. Cases were referred from colleagues of the Veterinary Hospital with several diseases such as neurological, musculoskeletal, skin, gastrointestinal, neoplasias, liver, kidney, lung, ear, eye, blood and reproduction diseases. All animals had a recovery rate of 63% after a mean of 7.6 weekly acupuncture sessions per animal, 10% died of unrelated diseases during treatment, 38% did not go on with the acupuncture sessions and 14% are still under treatment. The main diseases treated were neurological (63%) and musculoskeletal related problems (10%) or its associations (7%). For the neurological diseases, 65.8% of the animals treated got better after treatment, 15% are still being treated and 18% did not go on with the treatment. From the animals treated for musculoskeletal problems, 75% got better with the treatment, 8.3% are still under treatment. These data show that routinely the principal indications for acupuncture are neurological and/or musculoskeletal related diseases and that we obtained a mean of 79.6% of recovery in these neurological and/or musculoskeletal patients.

O serviço de acupuntura veterinária foi iniciado no ano de 2000 na Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Brasil. Durante os anos de 2001 e 2002, 119 pacientes veterinários foram tratados incluindo cães (112) e gatos (7), machos (64) e fêmeas (55) com idade média de 5,9 anos. Os tratamentos incluíram o uso de acupuntura, eletroacupuntura, moxibustão, implante de ouro, homeopatia, ervas chinesas e suas associações. A maioria dos animais era sem raça definida e de raças de pequeno porte como teckels, pinschers e poodles. Os casos foram encaminhados por colegas do Hospital Veterinário para tratamento de vários problemas, tais como neurológicos, musculoesqueléticos, dermatológicos, gastrointestinais, neoplasias, doenças hepáticas, renais, pulmonares, auditivas, oftalmológicas, sangüíneas e reprodutivas. Ao todo, os animais tiveram uma taxa de recuperação de 63% após 7,6 sessões semanais de acupuntura em média, 10% vieram a óbito por causas não relacionadas ao motivo do tratamento, 38% não continuaram com as sessões e 14% ainda estão sob tratamento. As doenças mais tratadas foram neurológicas (63%) e/ou musculoesqueléticas (7 e 10%, respectivamente). Nas doenças neurológicas, 65,8% dos animais tratados melhoraram, 15% ainda estão sob tratamento e 18% não continuaram. Nas doenças musculoesqueléticas, 75% dos animais melhoraram e 8,3% ainda estão sob tratamento. Estes dados nos mostram que as principais indicações para o uso da acupuntura em nossa rotina são doenças neurológicas e musculoesqueléticas; e que nós obtivemos uma taxa média de recuperação desses pacientes de 79,6%.

Seasonal surveys were conducted at the Vaal Dam between April 2000 and January 2001. Twenty smallmouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus) and 20 largemouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis) were collected with the aid of gill nets. Surface water quality variables were included. The cestodes were identified as either Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 or "other cestode spp.". The majority (99.8 %) of the cestodes found in both yellowfish species were identified as B. acheilognathi (Asian tapeworm). The prevalence, mean intensity and abundance of B. acheilognathi in both yellowfish species were calculated. Ecological parameters including species specificity, seasonality, gender specificity and relationships between fish size and the Asian tapeworm prevalence were also included. In this study, B. acheilognathi preferred L. kimberleyensis over L. aeneus although a low intensity was observed in smallmouth yellowfish. Furthermore, the infection (in terms of prevalence, abundance and mean intensity) in largemouth yellowfish was markedly higher. Seasonal patterns observed in the Asian tapeworm's infection of smallmouth yellowfish are attributed to breeding and subsequent feeding patterns of this fish species with relatively high infections recorded in winter and spring. For L. kimberleyensis no explanation can be given regarding the seasonal patterns observed for the mean intensity and abundance of B. acheilognathi. The maximum and minimum mean intensity and abundance values in largemouth yellowfish were recorded in autumn and spring, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of B. acheilognathi was consistently high in all four seasons.

Seasonal surveys were conducted at the Vaal Dam between April 2000 and January 2001. Twenty smallmouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus) and 20 largemouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis) were collected with the aid of gill nets. Surface water quality variables were included. The cestodes were identified as either Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 or "other cestode spp.". The majority (99.8 %) of the cestodes found in both yellowfish species were identified as B. acheilognathi (Asian tapeworm). The prevalence, mean intensity and abundance of B. acheilognathi in both yellowfish species were calculated. Ecological parameters including species specificity, seasonality, gender specificity and relationships between fish size and the Asian tapeworm prevalence were also included. In this study, B. acheilognathi preferred L. kimberleyensis over L. aeneus although a low intensity was observed in smallmouth yellowfish. Furthermore, the infection (in terms of prevalence, abundance and mean intensity) in largemouth yellowfish was markedly higher. Seasonal patterns observed in the Asian tapeworm's infection of smallmouth yellowfish are attributed to breeding and subsequent feeding patterns of this fish species with relatively high infections recorded in winter and spring. For L. kimberleyensis no explanation can be given regarding the seasonal patterns observed for the mean intensity and abundance of B. acheilognathi. The maximum and minimum mean intensity and abundance values in largemouth yellowfish were recorded in autumn and spring, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of B. acheilognathi was consistently high in all four seasons.

Two hundred and seventy-three elephant shrews, consisting of 193 Elephantulus myurus, 67 Elephantulus edwardii and 13 animals belonging to other species, were examined for ixodid ticks at 18 localities in South Africa and Namibia. The immature stages of Ixodes rubicundus, Rhipicentor nuttalli, Rhipicephalus warburtoni and a Rhipicephalus pravus-like tick were the most numerous of the 18 tick species recovered. Substantial numbers of immature Rhipicephalus arnoldi, Rhipicephalus distinctus and Rhipicephalus exophthalmos were also collected from elephant shrews at particular localities. Larvae of I. rubicundus were most numerous on E. myurus in Free State Province from April to July and nymphs from June to October. Larvae of R. nuttalli were most numerous on these animals during April, May, August and September, and nymphs in February and from April to August. The immature stages of R. warburton were collected from E. myurus only in Free State Province, and larvae were generally most numerous from December to August and nymphs from April to October.

Two hundred and seventy-three elephant shrews, consisting of 193 Elephantulus myurus, 67 Elephantulus edwardii and 13 animals belonging to other species, were examined for ixodid ticks at 18 localities in South Africa and Namibia. The immature stages of Ixodes rubicundus, Rhipicentor nuttalli, Rhipicephalus warburtoni and a Rhipicephalus pravus-like tick were the most numerous of the 18 tick species recovered. Substantial numbers of immature Rhipicephalus arnoldi, Rhipicephalus distinctus and Rhipicephalus exophthalmos were also collected from elephant shrews at particular localities. Larvae of I. rubicundus were most numerous on E. myurus in Free State Province from April to July and nymphs from June to October. Larvae of R. nuttalli were most numerous on these animals during April, May, August and September, and nymphs in February and from April to August. The immature stages of R. warburton were collected from E. myurus only in Free State Province, and larvae were generally most numerous from December to August and nymphs from April to October.

This paper focuses on the geographical distribution and habitats of Bulinus forskalii, the snail intermediate host of the conical fluke of equids, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus as reflected by the 1 209 samples in the database of the National Freshwater Snail Collection of South Africa. The 362 different loci on record represent an extensive distribution in KwaZulu-Natal Province, the Limpopo Province, the coastal areas of the Eastern Cape Province and the south-eastern part of the North West Province. Although it was recorded from all types of water-body represented in the database, the highest percentages of samples were recovered from dams (30.4 %) and brooks (28.2 %). The majority of samples came from perennial habitats (59.1%), 60.7% from habitats with standing water, 54.0 % from habitats with clear water and 71.8 % from habitats of which the water was described as fresh. The majority of samples (39.5 %) were collected in habitats of which the substratum was recorded as muddy. The highest percentage of samples, by far (81.5 %), was collected in habitats that fell within the mean yearly temperature interval ranging from 15-20 C. An integrated decision tree constructed from the data in the database indicated that temperature and type of water-body played a decisive role in determining the presence of B. forskalii in a given area. The results of experimental exposure to miracidia of a local strain of both Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mattheei in the laboratory indicated that a local strain of B. forskalii was incompatible with both these strains of parasite. Research to clarify the role of B. forskalii in the transmission of both Calicophoron microbothrium and G. aegyptiacus in South Africa, is recommended.

This paper focuses on the geographical distribution and habitats of Bulinus forskalii, the snail intermediate host of the conical fluke of equids, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus as reflected by the 1 209 samples in the database of the National Freshwater Snail Collection of South Africa. The 362 different loci on record represent an extensive distribution in KwaZulu-Natal Province, the Limpopo Province, the coastal areas of the Eastern Cape Province and the south-eastern part of the North West Province. Although it was recorded from all types of water-body represented in the database, the highest percentages of samples were recovered from dams (30.4 %) and brooks (28.2 %). The majority of samples came from perennial habitats (59.1%), 60.7% from habitats with standing water, 54.0 % from habitats with clear water and 71.8 % from habitats of which the water was described as fresh. The majority of samples (39.5 %) were collected in habitats of which the substratum was recorded as muddy. The highest percentage of samples, by far (81.5 %), was collected in habitats that fell within the mean yearly temperature interval ranging from 15-20 °C. An integrated decision tree constructed from the data in the database indicated that temperature and type of water-body played a decisive role in determining the presence of B. forskalii in a given area. The results of experimental exposure to miracidia of a local strain of both Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mattheei in the laboratory indicated that a local strain of B. forskalii was incompatible with both these strains of parasite. Research to clarify the role of B. forskalii in the transmission of both Calicophoron microbothrium and G. aegyptiacus in South Africa, is recommended.

A wild strain of Eimeria tenella was isolated and utilized for immunization studies. Its optimal sporulation was attained at room temperature 24-25 C after 24-48 h. Two groups of chicks were immunized by dosing a graded dose of five oocysts/chick/day for 6 days followed by 50 oocysts/chick/day for 7 days. A third group was not immunized and served as a negative control. Immunized chicks gained mass at the same rate as unimmunized ones, but when challenged with 200 000 oocysts/chick, mass gains declined in the unimmunized group. The growth rate of immunized chicks was not affected by challenge (P 0.05). Upon challenge, unimmunized chicks produced significantly more oocysts than immunized chicks (P 0.005). Immunized chicks withstood a challenged with 200 000 oocysts/chick without developing any clinical signs whereas the unimmunized chicks developed typical clinical signs of coccidiosis. Unimmunized chicks had significantly more severe lesions in the caecum than any other group (P 0.005) and also produced significantly more oocysts than any other group (P 0.005).

A wild strain of Eimeria tenella was isolated and utilized for immunization studies. Its optimal sporulation was attained at room temperature 24-25 °C after 24-48 h. Two groups of chicks were immunized by dosing a graded dose of five oocysts/chick/day for 6 days followed by 50 oocysts/chick/day for 7 days. A third group was not immunized and served as a negative control. Immunized chicks gained mass at the same rate as unimmunized ones, but when challenged with 200 000 oocysts/chick, mass gains declined in the unimmunized group. The growth rate of immunized chicks was not affected by challenge (P > 0.05). Upon challenge, unimmunized chicks produced significantly more oocysts than immunized chicks (P < 0.005). Immunized chicks withstood a challenged with 200 000 oocysts/chick without developing any clinical signs whereas the unimmunized chicks developed typical clinical signs of coccidiosis. Unimmunized chicks had significantly more severe lesions in the caecum than any other group (P > 0.005) and also produced significantly more oocysts than any other group (P > 0.005).