A Burkholderia mallei é a bactéria causadora do mormo, doença de alta morbidade e letalidade para os eqüídeos, e também uma zoonose. Recentemente diagnosticada nos estados de Pernambuco e Alagoas, vem dizimando populações de eqüídeos na Região da Zona da Mata destes estados, causando grandes prejuízos à atividade canavieira que utiliza tais animais como tração. Objetivou-se com este trabalho investigar as alterações protéicas causadas pelo mormo. Foram estudados 90 muares adultos, de diferentes raças, destinados ao trabalho, provenientes da região canavieira, Zona da Mata, do Estado de Pernambuco. Estes foram divididos em três grupos: G1: composto por trinta animais sorologicamente negativos para o mormo; G2: composto por trinta animais sorologicamente positivos e sem sintomatologia clínica aparente e G3: composto por trinta animais sorologicamente positivos e com sintomatologia clínica aparente. Os resultados obtidos, referentes à média dos parâmetros estudados para G1, G2 e G3 foram respectivamente: proteína sérica total 7,33; 7,73 e 7,46g/dl; albumina 2,57; 2,43 e 1,81g/dl; globulinas 4,37; 4,86 e 5,64g/dl; relação albumina/globulinas 0,55; 0,47 e 0,34g/dl; alfa-globulina 1.06; 1.33 e 1,33g/dl; beta-globulina 1,10; 1,21 e 1,80g/dl e gama-globulina 2,21; 2,32 e 2,51g/dl. Conclui-se que as variações para os parâmetros estudados foram significativas, o aumento das globulinas caracteriza um estímulo antigênico nos animais positivos, bem como uma inversão na relação albumina/globulinas para os animais com clínica aparente em relação aos demais animais. Estes achados poderão ser considerados no diagnóstico, prognóstico e em pesquisas futuras que visem estudar formas de imunização contra esta importante enfermidade. | The Burkholderia mallei is the causing bacterium of glanders, illness of high morbidity and lethality for the equides, and also one zoonosis. Recently diagnostic in the Pernambuco and Alagoas States/Brazil, it comes decimating populations of equides in the Zone of Forest Region of these states, causing great damages to the sugar cane plantation activity that it uses such animals as traction. The objective this work was to investigate the proteins alterations caused by glanders. Had been studied ninety adult mules, of different races, destined to the work, proceeding from the sugar cane plantation region, Zone of Forest, in the Pernambuco State/Brazil. These were divided in three groups: G1: thirty animals with negative serology for glanders; G2: thirty animals with positive serology for glanders and without apparent symptoms and G3: thirty animals with positive serology for glanders and with apparent symptoms. The gotten results, referring the medium of the parameters studied respectively for G1, G2 and G3 had been: total serum protein 7.33; 7.73 and 7.46g/dl; albumin 2.57; 2.43 and 1.81g/dl; globulins 4.37; 4.86 and 5.64g/dl; albumin/globulins ratio 0.55; 0.47 and 0.34g/dl; alpha-globulin 1.06; 1.33 and 1.33g/dl; beta-globulin 1.10; 1.21 and 1.80g/dl and gamma-globulin 2.21; 2.32 and 2.51g/dl. It is concluded that the variations for the studied parameters were significant; the increase of the globulins characterizes an antigenic stimulus in the sick animals, as well as an inversion in the albumin/globulins ratio for the animals with apparent clinic in relation to the excessively animal ones. These findings could be considered in the diagnosis, prognostic and in future research that they aim at to study forms of immunization against this illness.

A Burkholderia mallei é a bactéria causadora do mormo, doença de alta morbidade e letalidade para os eqüídeos, e também uma zoonose. Recentemente diagnosticada nos estados de Pernambuco e Alagoas, vem dizimando populações de eqüídeos na Região da Zona da Mata destes estados, causando grandes prejuízos à atividade canavieira que utiliza tais animais como tração. Objetivou-se com este trabalho investigar as alterações protéicas causadas pelo mormo. Foram estudados 90 muares adultos, de diferentes raças, destinados ao trabalho, provenientes da região canavieira, Zona da Mata, do Estado de Pernambuco. Estes foram divididos em três grupos: G1: composto por trinta animais sorologicamente negativos para o mormo; G2: composto por trinta animais sorologicamente positivos e sem sintomatologia clínica aparente e G3: composto por trinta animais sorologicamente positivos e com sintomatologia clínica aparente. Os resultados obtidos, referentes à média dos parâmetros estudados para G1, G2 e G3 foram respectivamente: proteína sérica total 7,33; 7,73 e 7,46g/dl; albumina 2,57; 2,43 e 1,81g/dl; globulinas 4,37; 4,86 e 5,64g/dl; relação albumina/globulinas 0,55; 0,47 e 0,34g/dl; alfa-globulina 1.06; 1.33 e 1,33g/dl; beta-globulina 1,10; 1,21 e 1,80g/dl e gama-globulina 2,21; 2,32 e 2,51g/dl. Conclui-se que as variações para os parâmetros estudados foram significativas, o aumento das globulinas caracteriza um estímulo antigênico nos animais positivos, bem como uma inversão na relação albumina/globulinas para os animais com clínica aparente em relação aos demais animais. Estes achados poderão ser considerados no diagnóstico, prognóstico e em pesquisas futuras que visem estudar formas de imunização contra esta importante enfermidade.

Na cidade de Recife, Estado de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil, os cães domésticos são freqüentemente infestados por ectoparasitos de interesse para medicina veterinária e para a saúde pública. Heterodoxus spiniger é um piolho mastigador comum em cães, apontado como hospedeiro intermediário de Dipetalonema reconditum. Apesar de sua ampla difusão geográfica no Brasil, apenas recentemente o piolho Heterodoxus spiniger foi registrado em Pernambuco. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a presença de piolhos da referida espécie em cães de Recife. Dos 310 cães examinados, 11 estavam parasitados por Heterodoxus spiniger, correspondendo a uma taxa de prevalência de 3,5%. Este resultado indica que esta espécie de piolho mastigador pode ser encontrada em cães procedentes de Recife, porém com baixa prevalência. | In the city of Recife, Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil, domestic dogs are usually infected by ectoparasites of both veterinary and public health importance. Heterodoxus spiniger is a common dog chewing louse, which is known as an intermediate host of Dipetalonema reconditum. Despite of its wide geographical diffusion in Brazil, Heterodoxus spiniger was only recently recorded in Pernambuco. The aim of this paper was to verify the infestations by Heterodoxus spiniger on dogs from Recife. Three hundred and ten dogs were examined and 11 of these were parasitized by Heterodoxus spiniger, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 3.5%. This indicates that Heterodoxus spiniger can be found on dogs from Recife, but in low prevalence.

Na cidade de Recife, Estado de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil, os cães domésticos são freqüentemente infestados por ectoparasitos de interesse para medicina veterinária e para a saúde pública. Heterodoxus spiniger é um piolho mastigador comum em cães, apontado como hospedeiro intermediário de Dipetalonema reconditum. Apesar de sua ampla difusão geográfica no Brasil, apenas recentemente o piolho Heterodoxus spiniger foi registrado em Pernambuco. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a presença de piolhos da referida espécie em cães de Recife. Dos 310 cães examinados, 11 estavam parasitados por Heterodoxus spiniger, correspondendo a uma taxa de prevalência de 3,5%. Este resultado indica que esta espécie de piolho mastigador pode ser encontrada em cães procedentes de Recife, porém com baixa prevalência.

Durante 8 semanas, no verão, 4 cavalos de alta performance treinados para enduro, realizaram exercício de resistência recebendo 2 tipos diferentes de hidratação, água ou solução isotônica contendo carboidrato, com o objetivo de comparar seus parâmetros fisiológicos. Somente as variáveis Tr, Fc, Fr, peso e proteína total, consumo, glicose, os eletrólitos K, Ca e a enzima muscular CK apresentaram efeito de distância. Dos demais parâmetros avaliados não foram identificados os efeitos de tratamento e de interação da distância com o tratamento estudado (P>;0,05), concluindo assim que a solução isotônica contendo carboidrato não teve influencia na performance dos animais, quando comparada com a água. | During eight weeks, in summer, four endurance trained high performance horses were worked in resistence exercise, recieving two different types of hydratatio, water or an isotonic solution containing carbohydrates, with the objective to compare their performance physiological parameters. Only the RT (rectal temperature), HR (heart rate), RR (respiratory rate), weight, total protein, glucose, the electrolytes K, Ca and the muscular enzyme CK presented distance effect. The others parameters evaluated, there weren't any identified effects of treatment and of the interaction between distance and treatments, with a significancy level of 5%, and it was concluded that the isotonic solution containing carbohydrate didn't have any significant influence on the animal's performance when compared to water.

Durante 8 semanas, no verão, 4 cavalos de alta performance treinados para enduro, realizaram exercício de resistência recebendo 2 tipos diferentes de hidratação, água ou solução isotônica contendo carboidrato, com o objetivo de comparar seus parâmetros fisiológicos. Somente as variáveis Tr, Fc, Fr, peso e proteína total, consumo, glicose, os eletrólitos K, Ca e a enzima muscular CK apresentaram efeito de distância. Dos demais parâmetros avaliados não foram identificados os efeitos de tratamento e de interação da distância com o tratamento estudado (P>;0,05), concluindo assim que a solução isotônica contendo carboidrato não teve influencia na performance dos animais, quando comparada com a água.

O Diagnóstico de leptospirose foi efetuado através de método molecular, histopatológico e sorológico em 30 matrizes suínas, descartadas, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os objetivos foram comparar a eficiência dos 3 métodos, verificar a sensibilidade de um método de PCR que utiliza um primer único baseado na seqüência de um elemento repetitivo do genoma de Leptospira interrogans, bem como verificar a possível detecção de leptospiras em vários tecidos, incluindo o trato genital. Os animais foram selecionados com base no teste de aglutinação microscópica para incluir tanto animais negativos como positivos e com baixos e altos títulos sorológicos. As maiores freqüências (90 % dos aniamis positivos) e títulos (100 to 800) foram observados para L. interrogans serovar bratislava. Leptospiras foram detectadas por histopatologia em apenas 9 matrizes, todas com altos títulos (pelo menos 100). Um produto de PCR de 438 bp foi observado em todos os animais (fragmentos de 25 rins, 24 úteros e 9 ovidutos). Produtos de PCR similares foram obtidos em DNA de culturas de leptospiras patogênicas, enquanto a não patogênica, L. patoc apresentou um padrão distinto. Nenhum produto de amplificação de DNA de Leptospira spp foi detectado em DNA de culturas de Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp, Streptococcus sp and Staphylococcus aureus, ou de sangue de dois leitões. O método molecular foi, assim, específico e o mais eficiente para detectar baixos níveis de patógeno, sendo capaz de diferenciar leptospiras patogênicas e não patogênicas. | Leptospirosis diagnosis was performed through molecular, histopathological and serological tests in 30 culled sows in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The objectives were to compare the efficiency of the three methods, to verify the sensitivity of a PCR methodology using a single primer based on the sequence of a repetitive element of Leptospira interrogans genome, as well as to verify the possible detection of Leptospira in several tissue including the genital tract of sows. The animals were selected based on the microscopic agglutination test in order to have sows with negative and positive results, presenting low and higher serologic titers. The higher frequency (90 % of the positive sows) and titers (100 to 800) was observed for L. interrogans serovar bratislava. Leptospira was detected by histopathology in nine sows only, all presenting higher serologic titers (at least 100). A PCR product of 438 bp was observed in all animals (25 kidneys, 24 uterus and 9 oviduct) fragments. Similar PCR product was obtained for DNA from cultures of other pathogenic leptospires, while the pattern observed for the non-pathogenic L. patoc was distinct. No Leptospira spp DNA amplification product was detected in Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp, Streptococcus sp and Staphylococcus aureus DNAs obtained from cultures, or in blood DNA samples of two piglets. The molecular system was therefore specific and the most effective to detect low pathogen levels, being able to differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic leptospires.

O Diagnóstico de leptospirose foi efetuado através de método molecular, histopatológico e sorológico em 30 matrizes suínas, descartadas, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os objetivos foram comparar a eficiência dos 3 métodos, verificar a sensibilidade de um método de PCR que utiliza um primer único baseado na seqüência de um elemento repetitivo do genoma de Leptospira interrogans, bem como verificar a possível detecção de leptospiras em vários tecidos, incluindo o trato genital. Os animais foram selecionados com base no teste de aglutinação microscópica para incluir tanto animais negativos como positivos e com baixos e altos títulos sorológicos. As maiores freqüências (90 % dos aniamis positivos) e títulos (100 to 800) foram observados para L. interrogans serovar bratislava. Leptospiras foram detectadas por histopatologia em apenas 9 matrizes, todas com altos títulos (pelo menos 100). Um produto de PCR de 438 bp foi observado em todos os animais (fragmentos de 25 rins, 24 úteros e 9 ovidutos). Produtos de PCR similares foram obtidos em DNA de culturas de leptospiras patogênicas, enquanto a não patogênica, L. patoc apresentou um padrão distinto. Nenhum produto de amplificação de DNA de Leptospira spp foi detectado em DNA de culturas de Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp, Streptococcus sp and Staphylococcus aureus, ou de sangue de dois leitões. O método molecular foi, assim, específico e o mais eficiente para detectar baixos níveis de patógeno, sendo capaz de diferenciar leptospiras patogênicas e não patogênicas.

The objective of this study was to assess the host status of the three largest southern African wild ruminants, namely giraffes, Giraffa camelopardalis, African buffaloes, Syncerus caffer, and eland, Taurotragus oryx for ixodid ticks. To this end recently acquired unpublished data are added here to already published findings on the tick burdens of these animals, and the total numbers and species of ticks recorded on 12 giraffes, 18 buffaloes and 36 eland are summarized and discussed. Twenty-eight ixodid tick species were recovered. All stages of development of ten species, namely Amblyomma hebraeum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Haemaphysalis silacea, Ixodes pilosus group, Margaropus winthemi, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus glabroscutatum, Rhipicephalus maculates and Rhipicephalus muehlensi were collected. The adults of 13 species, of which the immature stages use small mammals as hosts, namely Haemaphysalis aciculifer, Hyalomma glabrum, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Ixodes rubicundus, Rhipicephalus capensis, Rhipicephalus exophthalmos, Rhipicephalus follis, Rhipicephalus gertrudae, Rhipicephalus lounsburyi, Rhipicephalus lunulatus, Rhipicephalus pravus group and Rhipicephalus simus, were also collected.

The objective of this study was to assess the host status of the three largest southern African wild ruminants, namely giraffes, Giraffa camelopardalis, African buffaloes, Syncerus caffer, and eland, Taurotragus oryx for ixodid ticks. To this end recently acquired unpublished data are added here to already published findings on the tick burdens of these animals, and the total numbers and species of ticks recorded on 12 giraffes, 18 buffaloes and 36 eland are summarized and discussed. Twenty-eight ixodid tick species were recovered. All stages of development of ten species, namely Amblyomma hebraeum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Haemaphysalis silacea, Ixodes pilosus group, Margaropus winthemi, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus glabroscutatum, Rhipicephalus maculates and Rhipicephalus muehlensi were collected. The adults of 13 species, of which the immature stages use small mammals as hosts, namely Haemaphysalis aciculifer, Hyalomma glabrum, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Ixodes rubicundus, Rhipicephalus capensis, Rhipicephalus exophthalmos, Rhipicephalus follis, Rhipicephalus gertrudae, Rhipicephalus lounsburyi, Rhipicephalus lunulatus, Rhipicephalus pravus group and Rhipicephalus simus, were also collected.

An investigation was carried out to study the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus hydatidosis in feral pigs (Sus domesticus) in the Charters Towers region of tropical North Queensland. Data were collected from a total of 238 carcasses, which were hunted and shot in the Burdekin River catchment area. Organs of the abdominal, thoracic, and pelvic cavities were examined for the presence of hydatid cysts. In the laboratory, cysts and hydatid cyst fluids were examined under a stereoscopic binoc ular microscope and a compound microscope. An overall prevalence of E. granulosus hydatid cysts in feral pigs was found to be 31.1%. There was no significant difference in either sex or age between infected and non-infected feral pigs. The predilection sites of cysts were livers (23%) and lungs (62%), with more cysts in lungs (252) than livers (48). The ratio of livers to lungs infected with fertile cysts was 1:4 compared to 1:8 sterile cysts. The overall fertility of cysts was 70.1%. The percentage of fertile cysts in liver and lung was 79.2% and 68.7%, respectively. The diameter of fertile cysts ranged from 15 to over 60 mm. There was no significant difference in size between fertile and non-fertile cysts in lungs. The high prevalence rate and fertility of cysts in feral pigs confirm that feral pigs can take part in the sylvatic cycle of the parasite in the region. The public health significance of this observation is potentially very important.

An investigation was carried out to study the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus hydatidosis in feral pigs (Sus domesticus) in the Charters Towers region of tropical North Queensland. Data were collected from a total of 238 carcasses, which were hunted and shot in the Burdekin River catchment area. Organs of the abdominal, thoracic, and pelvic cavities were examined for the presence of hydatid cysts. In the laboratory, cysts and hydatid cyst fluids were examined under a stereoscopic binoc ular microscope and a compound microscope. An overall prevalence of E. granulosus hydatid cysts in feral pigs was found to be 31.1%. There was no significant difference in either sex or age between infected and non-infected feral pigs. The predilection sites of cysts were livers (23%) and lungs (62%), with more cysts in lungs (252) than livers (48). The ratio of livers to lungs infected with fertile cysts was 1:4 compared to 1:8 sterile cysts. The overall fertility of cysts was 70.1%. The percentage of fertile cysts in liver and lung was 79.2% and 68.7%, respectively. The diameter of fertile cysts ranged from 15 to over 60 mm. There was no significant difference in size between fertile and non-fertile cysts in lungs. The high prevalence rate and fertility of cysts in feral pigs confirm that feral pigs can take part in the sylvatic cycle of the parasite in the region. The public health significance of this observation is potentially very important.

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in a cross-sectional study of dairy cattle, from two contrasting dairying regions in Tanzania, were determined by staining smears of faecal samples with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Of the 1 126 faecal samples screened, 19.7% were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. The prevalence was lower in Tanga Region than in Iringa Region. The prevalence of affected farms was 20% in Tanga and 21% in Iringa. In both regions, the probability of detecting Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces varied with animal class, but these were not consistent in both regions. In Tanga Region, Cryptosporidium oocysts were significantly more likely to be found in the faeces of milking cows. In Iringa Region, the likelihood that cattle had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces declined with age, and milking cattle were significantly less likely to have Cryptosporidium positive faeces. In this region, 7% of cattle were housed within the family house at night, and this was marginally associated with a higher likelihood that animals had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces. Our study suggests that even though herd sizes are small, Cryptosporidium spp. are endemic on many Tanzanian smallholder dairy farms. These protozoa may impact on animal health and production, but also on human health, given the close associations between the cattle and their keepers. Further studies are required to assess these risks in more detail, and understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in this management system.

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in a cross-sectional study of dairy cattle, from two contrasting dairying regions in Tanzania, were determined by staining smears of faecal samples with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Of the 1126 faecal samples screened, 19.7% were positive for Cr\yptosporidium spp. The prevalence was lower in Tanga Region than in Iringa Region. The prevalence of affected farms was 20% in Tanga and 21 % in Iringa. In both regions, the probability of detecting Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces varied with animal class, but these were not consistent in both regions. In Tanga Region, Cryptosporidium oocysts were significantly more likely to be found in the faeces of milking cows. In Iringa Region, the likelihood that cattle had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces declined with age, and milking cattle were significantly less likely to have Cryptosporidium-positive faeces. In this region, 7% of cattle were housed within the family house at night, and this was marginally associated with a higher likelihood that animals had Ctyptosporidium-positive faeces. Our study suggests that even though herd sizes are small, Cryptosporidium spp. are endemic on many Tanzanian smallholder dairy farms. These protozoa may impact on animal health and production, but also on human health, given the close associations between the cattle and their keepers. Further studies are required to assess these risks in more detail, and understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in this management system.

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in a cross-sectional study of dairy cattle, from two contrasting dairying regions in Tanzania, were determined by staining smears of faecal samples with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Of the 1 126 faecal samples screened, 19.7% were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. The prevalence was lower in Tanga Region than in Iringa Region. The prevalence of affected farms was 20% in Tanga and 21% in Iringa. In both regions, the probability of detecting Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces varied with animal class, but these were not consistent in both regions. In Tanga Region, Cryptosporidium oocysts were significantly more likely to be found in the faeces of milking cows. In Iringa Region, the likelihood that cattle had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces declined with age, and milking cattle were significantly less likely to have Cryptosporidium positive faeces. In this region, 7% of cattle were housed within the family house at night, and this was marginally associated with a higher likelihood that animals had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces. Our study suggests that even though herd sizes are small, Cryptosporidium spp. are endemic on many Tanzanian smallholder dairy farms. These protozoa may impact on animal health and production, but also on human health, given the close associations between the cattle and their keepers. Further studies are required to assess these risks in more detail, and understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in this management system.

The objective of this study was to compare the presence on goats and cattle of adult ticks that usually infest cattle. To this end ticks collected from sets of five goats were compared with those collected from sets of five cattle at 72 communal dip-tanks in the eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province. Amblyomma hebraeum was present on goats at 25 and on cattle at 39 dip-tanks, and a total of 61 goats and 138 cattle were infested. Adult Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was present on goats at 48 and on cattle at 69 dip-tanks, and a total of 113 goats and 242 cattle were infested. The lengths of 84 of 148 female R. (Boophilus) microplus collected from the goats exceeded 5 mm or more, indicating that they could successfully engorge on these animals. The differences between the proportions of dip-tanks at which A. hebraeum or R. (Boophilus) microplus was present on goats and cattle and also between the proportions of goats and cattle that were infested were significant (Chi square test, P 0.01). Adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was present on goats at 70 and on cattle at 67 dip-tanks, and a total of 296 goats and 271 cattle were infested. The proportion of dip-tanks at which cattle were infested did not differ significantly from the proportion of tanks at which goats were infested (Fischer's exact probability test, P = 0.44), but the proportion of infested cattle was significantly lower than the proportion of infested goats (Chi-square test, P 0.05). Adult Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi was present on goats and cattle at all 72 sampling localities, and a total of 334 goats and 316 cattle were infested. The proportion of infested cattle was significantly lower than the proportion of infested goats (Chi-square test, P 0.05). These results underscore the necessity of including goats in any tick control programme designed for cattle at the same locality.

The objective of this study was to compare the presence on goats and cattle of adult ticks that usually infest cattle. To this end ticks collected from sets of five goats were compared with those collected from sets of five cattle at 72 communal dip-tanks in the eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province. Amblyomma hebraeum was present on goats at 25 and on cattle at 39 dip-tanks, and a total of 61 goats and 138 cattle were infested. Adult Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was present on goats at 48 and on cattle at 69 dip-tanks, and a total of 113 goats and 242 cattle were infested. The lengths of 84 of 148 female R. (Boophilus) microplus collected from the goats exceeded 5 mm or more, indicating that they could successfully engorge on these animals. The differences between the proportions of dip-tanks at which A. hebraeum or R. (Boophilus) microplus was present on goats and cattle and also between the proportions of goats and cattle that were infested were significant (Chi square test, P < 0.01). Adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was present on goats at 70 and on cattle at 67 dip-tanks, and a total of 296 goats and 271 cattle were infested. The proportion of dip-tanks at which cattle were infested did not differ significantly from the proportion of tanks at which goats were infested (Fischer's exact probability test, P = 0.44), but the proportion of infested cattle was significantly lower than the proportion of infested goats (Chi-square test, P < 0.05). Adult Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi was present on goats and cattle at all 72 sampling localities, and a total of 334 goats and 316 cattle were infested. The proportion of infested cattle was significantly lower than the proportion of infested goats (Chi-square test, P < 0.05). These results underscore the necessity of including goats in any tick control programme designed for cattle at the same locality.

The sensitivity of LAMP, PCR and microscopy to detect Theileria spp. and Trypanosoma congolense in field-derived bovine blood samples from Tanzania was evaluated and compared. No parasites were detected by microscopy. Furthermore, no bovine Theileria spp. were detected by LAMP and PCR from all the 24 samples collected from Arusha. Four and one out of 24 samples were positive for Theileria congolense infection by LAMP and PCR respectively while, 18 and nine out of 40 samples from Dar es Salaam were positive by LAMP and PCR for Theileria spp. Infection, respectively. Although all samples from Dar es Salaam were negative for Trypanosoma congolense infections by PCR, 12 out of 40 samples were LAMP positive. Whilst PCR is an established gene amplification method for the detection of Theileria and trypanosome parasites, this study introduces LAMP as an alternative molecular diagnostic tool that could be used in large-scale epidemiological surveys.

The sensitivity of LAMP, PCR and microscopy to detect Theileria spp. and Trypanosoma congolense in field-derived bovine blood samples from Tanzania was evaluated and compared. No parasites were detected by microscopy. Furthermore, no bovine Theileria spp. were detected by LAMP and PCR from all the 24 samples collected from Arusha. Four and one out of 24 samples were positive for Theileria congolense infection by LAMP and PCR respectively while, 18 and nine out of 40 samples from Dar es Salaam were positive by LAMP and PCR for Theileria spp. Infection, respectively. Although all samples from Dar es Salaam were negative for Trypanosoma congolense infections by PCR, 12 out of 40 samples were LAMP positive. Whilst PCR is an established gene amplification method for the detection of Theileria and trypanosome parasites, this study introduces LAMP as an alternative molecular diagnostic tool that could be used in large-scale epidemiological surveys.

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are responsible for the transmission of a large number of pathogens to livestock and wild animals. In this study the presence of the genus, using light traps based at four different sites within the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, was investigated during 2002-2004. In total, 37 species were recorded, including large numbers of Culicoides imicola Kieffer, 1913, which is responsible for the transmission of economically important arboviruses in South Africa, Europe, Middle and Far East. These results are discussed with reference to the wider Culicoides fauna in the Onderstepoort area of South Africa, their vector competence as well as biosecurity at the National Zoological Gardens.

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are responsible for the transmission of a large number of pathogens to livestock and wild animals. In this study the presence of the genus, using light traps based at four different sites within the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, was investigated during 2002-2004. In total, 37 species were recorded, including large numbers of Culicoides imicola Kieffer, 1913, which is responsible for the transmission of economically important arboviruses in South Africa, Europe, Middle and Far East. These results are discussed with reference to the wider Culicoides fauna in the Onderstepoort area of South Africa, their vector competence as well as biosecurity at the National Zoological Gardens.