No abstract

Infections with tick-borne pathogens belonging to Anaplasma/Ehrlichia in various vertebrate hosts are a persistent problem resulting in nonspecific clinical signs during early infection. Diagnosis of single and multi-infections with these pathogens, causing diseases in companion/agricultural animals and people, remains a challenge. Traditional methods of diagnosis, such as microscopy and serology, have low sensitivity and specificity. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are widely used to detect early-phase infections, since these have high sensitivity and specificity. We report the development and validation of an assay involving PCR followed by magnetic capture method using species-specific oligonucleotides to detect six Anaplasma/Ehrlichia species pathogens in canine, bovine, caprine, and ovine blood samples. Overall, the assay application to 455 samples detected 30.1% (137/455) positives for one or more out of six screened pathogens. Single-pathogen infections were observed in 94.9% (130/137) of the positive samples, while co-infections were detected in 5.1% (7/137). Anaplasma marginale infection in cattle had the highest detection rate (34.4%), followed by canines positive for Anaplasma platys (16.4%) and Ehrlichia canis (13.9%). The assay aided in documenting the first molecular evidence for A. marginale in cattle and small ruminants and Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii in dogs in the Caribbean island of Grenada.

No abstract

Ectoparasites infestations are a growing concern to horse owners and equine veterinarians alike. Ectoparasites cause significant health and welfare issues and can potentially can serve as vectors for a variety of pathogens. The prevalence of ectoparasites increases around the world, and especially in horses information on the successful prevention and treatment of ectoparasite infestations in scarce and in many instances anecdotal. This poses a challenge to the equine veterinarian and off‐label use of drugs can lead to detrimental effects in horses. In this review we describe the current available evidence for the prevention and treatment of ectoparasite infestations in horses. Only a very limited number of products is approved for the use in horses and fortunately many of the other products that are used in an off‐label manner appear to be safe in horses. Future research in this area should aim at providing PK/PD modelling data to assure appropriate and safe dose regimen to prevent and treat ectoparasite infestations in horses.

Several different tick species are known to infest horses. Aside from causing serious health and welfare issues, including anaemia, ill thrift, and immunosuppression, ticks can transmit a variety of important, sometimes zoonotic, pathogens. The successful prevention and treatment of tick infestations have been described, but the information is scarce and, in many instances, anecdotal. Here we describe a practical and affordable prevention of tick infestation by using abamectin‐impregnated cattle ear tags affixed to a safety collar. We have assessed the radial distribution of abamectin by analyzing hair samples, as well as its efficacy against tick infestations. The study results show that abamectin distributes across horse skin from the site of application and its associated effectiveness in reducing the tick burden.