This is the first extensive survey of metazoan parasites (particularly of the roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis) from the intestines of raccoons in British Columbia. The sample collected in 1997-1998 consisted of 82 raccoons that had been sick or had been killed accidentally by automobiles. Fifteen parasite taxa were found: 3 nematodes, 9 digenetic trematodes, 2 acanthocephalans and 1 cestode. Ten of these parasites constitute new host records for raccoons, including 4 digenetic trematodes that have been reported in marine birds and mammals on the Pacific Coast of North America. Baylisascaris procyonis infected 61% of the raccoons with a mean intensity of 27. The high rate of infection indicates a large potential for environmental contamination and, thus, human and animal exposure to infectious eggs. Prevention of larva migrans is discussed, particularly for people in contact with raccoons in wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Change in β-tubulin nucleic acid and protein sequences was the only known difference between Haemonchus contortus fenbendazole (FBZ)-resistant and -susceptible isolates. This change was sufficient to determine the pathologic effect induced by FBZ treatment. This research was initiated to investigate further differences from these two isolates. Since β-tubulin is involved in formation of microtubule, which has functions in secretory vesicle transport, DNase activities from excretory/secretory products (ESP) of the two isolates were compared, based on pH, sensitivity to DNase inhibitors, molecular masses and production of 3'-OH.

Wild rats are known as a major reservoir and intermediate host for several pathogenic microbial species. Thus, theVeterinary Research Institute (VRI) conducted a survey to determine the presence of parasitic pathogens in local rats, such as blood protozoans, gastrointestinal parasites, as well as ectoparasites such as mites and lice. The study was conducted with the collaboration of Kuala Lumpur City Council Pest Control Unit, whereby a total of 105 wild rats were trapped at two urban areas of Kuala Lumpur; namely PasarPudu and Chow Kit. Autopsy was done on the rats to acquire the skin, organ and blood samples..The skin scrapping was performed on skin samples to identify the common species of mites and lice, while the floatationtechnique was conducted on faecal samples to identify helminth eggs. Results showed thatspecies of Tritrichomonas, Strongyloides, Nippostrongylus, Blastocystis, Rodentolepis, Coccidia, Trichuris, Capillaria and Ascarid were found in the faeces while Trypanosoma sp.was found in the blood samples taken from the animals. Taeniataeniformis was obtained from liver samples while theectoparasites found on skin were identified as Radfordia,Polyplax,Linognathus and Hoploplurasp. Control and eradication of rodent pests is crucial in combating emerging and re-emerging diseases which may be zoonotic as rodents are reservoirs to various pathogens.

A total of 2803 bloodsamples from ruminant livestock werereceived for diagnosis for parasiticinfections from 2011 to 2015. Theruminant samples were from small holderand commercial farms from the states ofNegeri Sembilan, Melaka, Selangor andthe Federal Territory. The results indicatethe presence of theileriosis, anaplasmosis,babesiosis and trypanosomiasis in theseanimals. The most common parasiteidentified annually is theileriosis in cattle.This information is vital for disease controlstrategies as most blood protozoa causemorbidity and is transmitted by vectorssuch as ticks.

Most studies on Simulum damnosum in Nigeria has focused mainly on the problem of onchocerciasis from the ecological standpoint. However, this study is aimed at viewing it from the human angle, with focus placed on the ignorance of the rural dwellers about the influences of their environment on the increasing incidences of onchocerciasis in their population. The premise is that, as the government and the scientists are working towards finding a lasting solution to the epidemic, the rural dwellers need to wake up to the realities of their own destiny. They need to come out and collaborate with other good efforts to form a strong united force that will rid their society of this menace. A study on the level of ignorance was carried out. It is assumed that their ignorance has kept the villagers relatively inactive and passive about freeing themselves. A descriptive method was used for this research and about 450 villagers were randomly selected and verbally interviewed. A questionnaire was designed and used as the instrument of the research. The research was carried out in two different villages of Asejire and Asepari. Findings were encouraging. Some of the villagers did not know about the existence of the disease even when some of their close relatives showed the symptoms. This high level of ignorance shows that it will be difficult to attain any cooperation from them in any attempt to make their environment unfavourable for the vector.

Since there is no registered anthelmintic drug available for use in goats, extra-label use of drugs is a common practice in most countries. The aim of the present study was to compare the pharmacokinetic disposition of levamisole (LVM)-oxyclozanide (OXZ) combination in sheep and goats following per os administration. Goats (n = 8) and sheep (n = 8) 12- to 16-months-old were used for this study. The animals received tablet formulation of LVM and OXZ combination orally at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Blood samples were collected by jugular vein at different times between 5 min and 120 h after drug administrations. The plasma concentrations of LVM and OXZ were analyzed by HPLC following liquid-liquid phase extraction procedures. The plasma concentrations and systemic availabilities of both LVM and OXZ in goats were lower and the plasma persistence of LVM was shorter compared with those observed in sheep. Terminal half-lives (t1/2λz) of both molecules are shorter in goats compared with those in sheep. Goats treated with LVM-OXZ combination at the recommended dose for sheep may result in a reduced efficacy, because of under-dosing, which may increase the risk of drug resistance in parasites. Increased or repeated dose could be a strategy to provide higher plasma concentration and thus to improve the efficacy against the target parasites in goats compared with sheep. However, some adverse reactions may occur since LVM has relatively very narrow therapeutic index due to its nicotine-like structure and effect.

The aim of the present study was to determine and to compare through an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in city and farm dogs, as well as in farm cows, and the relationship among them. The correlation between anti-N. caninum antibodies in farm dogs and cattle was also assessed. The research was conducted in the dairy region of Tizayuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. The frequency of anti-N. caninum antibodies was significantly higher in farm dogs (n = 14) (51%) when compared to those from the city (n = 6) (20%) (P < 0.05), suggesting that farm dogs have a higher risk of exposure to the parasite. There was no significant difference in seropositivity between males (n = 11) (39%) and females (n = 9) (33%) (P > 0.05). The frequency of anti-N. caninum antibodies in farm cattle was significantly higher in farms with dogs (n = 158) (58%) when compared to those with no dogs (n = 43) (35%) (P < 0.05). These results suggest the possible transmission of the parasite from dogs to cattle.

At an abattoir, lesion specimens from 140 condemned sheep livers were collected for bacteriologic culture and for pathologic examination. Grossly, 23 lesions were abscesses; from 9 of which, Fusobacterium necrophorum biovar A (3 in pure culture and 6 in mixed culture) was isolated and from 14 of which, biovar B (6 in pure culture and 8 in mixed culture) was isolated. Escherichia coli was the predominant facultative anaerobic bacterium and Clostridium perfringens was the predominant obligate anaerobic bacterium isolated from the 14 lesions with mixed bacterial infection. Histologically, these lesions had a core of coagulation necrosis, encircled by a zone of necrotic phagocytic cells and bacteria with cellular characteristics of F necrophorum biovars A or B, and a connective tissue capsule. Of the 117 lesions without F necrophorum, 49 were culture-positive (for other organisms) and 69 were culture-negative. These 117 lesions were fibrous and were smaller than the 23 abscesses. A variety of gram-positive and gram-negative facultative anaerobic and obligate anaerobic bacteria was isolated from the culture-positive lesions, but always in low numbers. Eleven culture-negative and 18 culture-positive lesions were examined and had histologic characteristics of parasite-induced granulomas, with numerous eosinophils and epithelioid giant cells. Results of the study indicated that the histologic appearance of ovine hepatic lesions with F necrophorum was similar to bovine liver abscesses caused by F necrophorum, but unlike bovine liver abscesses, F necrophorum biovar B was isolated more frequently than was biovar A and often in pure culture. Most of the lesions in the condemned livers were parasite-induced granulomas.

Orientostrongylus spp. (including 2 new species), descriptions and illustrations

Infection with gastrointestinal helminths has been a key factor affecting profitable animal production globally. Pig production in Nigeria has been adversely affected by presence of endoparasites. However, type of husbandry system can affect the prevalence of the parasites, thus, there is a need for this study to look at the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the production of pigs in this tertiary institutional farm in Southwestern Nigeria. Faecal analysis for intestinal helminths was conducted on the pigs using saturated sodium chloride floatation technique. One hundred and fifty faecal samples were taken with only Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp and Trichuris spp ova identified in single and mixed infection. The overall prevalence rate was 20%. Mixed infections remained more dominant (15.31%) with Ascaris suum having the highest occurrence as a single infection (3.33%), followed by Oesophagostomum spp (2%) and Trichuris spp (1.33%). Females had higher prevalence of nematode infection (14.67%) compared to males (5.33%). Comparing breeds, Large White had 14.67% prevalence of nematode infection which is higher than that of Duroc (5.33%). Weaners had no presence of helminths, whereas growers had the highest prevalence (9.33%), while piglets and adults had the same prevalence of nematode infection (5.33%). One of the factors that affect good productivity in pig farming is low presence of helminthes. Pork eaters are hereby encouraged to buy their meat from institutional farms as they produce safer meats for consumption.