Parasites of the Giant Panda: A Risk Factor in the Conservation of a Species

Abstract

The giant panda, with an estimated population size of 2239 in the world (in 2015), is a global symbol of wildlife conservation that is threatened by habitat loss, poor reproduction and limited resistance to some infectious diseases. Of these factors, some diseases caused by parasites are considered as the foremost threat to its conservation. However, there is surprisingly little published information on the parasites of the giant panda, most of which has been disseminated in the Chinese literature. Herein, we review all peer-reviewed publications (in English or Chinese language) and governmental documents for information on parasites of the giant pandas, with an emphasis on the intestinal nematode Baylisascaris schroederi (McIntosh, 1939) as it dominates published literature. The purpose of this chapter is to: (i) review the parasites recorded in the giant panda and describe what is known about their biology; (ii) discuss key aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and control of key parasites that are reported to cause clinical problems and (iii) conclude by making some suggestions for future research. This chapter shows that we are only just 'scratching the surface' when it comes to parasites and parasitological research of the giant panda. Clearly, there needs to be a concerted research effort to support the conservation of this iconic species.

Characterization of the complete mitogenome sequence of the giant panda tick Haemaphysalis hystricis

“…The giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, is regarded as the flagship species for wildlife conservation in China (O'Brien et al 1994;Wang et al 2018). The blood-sucking ticks are common ectoparasites found in giant pandas and can cause dermatitis, anemia, and even death in highly infested wild and captive populations (Qiu and Mainka 1993;Cheng et al 2013;Wang et al 2018). About 13 tick species belonging to three genera, namely Haemaphysalis, Ixodes and Dermacentor, have been identified from the giant panda based on morphological studies so far (Wang et al 2018).…”

“…The blood-sucking ticks are common ectoparasites found in giant pandas and can cause dermatitis, anemia, and even death in highly infested wild and captive populations (Qiu and Mainka 1993;Cheng et al 2013;Wang et al 2018). About 13 tick species belonging to three genera, namely Haemaphysalis, Ixodes and Dermacentor, have been identified from the giant panda based on morphological studies so far (Wang et al 2018). However, current knowledge progress linked these ticks is limited in their morphology and biology, there are still major gaps in the understanding of the ectoparasites at the molecular level, especially in genetics and molecular epidemiology owing to lacking suitable genetic markers (Cheng et al 2013;Wang et al 2018).…”

“…About 13 tick species belonging to three genera, namely Haemaphysalis, Ixodes and Dermacentor, have been identified from the giant panda based on morphological studies so far (Wang et al 2018). However, current knowledge progress linked these ticks is limited in their morphology and biology, there are still major gaps in the understanding of the ectoparasites at the molecular level, especially in genetics and molecular epidemiology owing to lacking suitable genetic markers (Cheng et al 2013;Wang et al 2018). Mitochondrial DNA has proven to be a valuable source of molecular markers and is being widely applied for genetics and molecular identification of many zoonotic ectoparasites including ticks (Hwang et al 2001;Cheng et al 2013;Liu et al 2013;Burger et al 2014).…”

The mitochondrial genome of the giant panda tick Haemaphysalis flava (Acari, Ixodidae) from Southwest China

“…Among ectoparasites of the giant panda, ticks represent a significant threat to both wild and captive populations. These blood-feeding parasites attach to the skin of giant pandas and cause dermatitis, anemia, weight loss and even death in highly infested animals (Cheng et al 2013;Wang et al 2018). Also, they are vectors and can transmit pathogenic bacteria and viruses, leading to secondary infections (Zhang et al 2010).…”

“…Also, they are vectors and can transmit pathogenic bacteria and viruses, leading to secondary infections (Zhang et al 2010). Until now there have been more than 13 tick species identified from giant pandas based on morphological characteristics (Cheng et al 2013;Wang et al 2018). Although morphological identification is convenient and economical, it is labor-consuming, time-costing and often inaccurate for close-related tick species, especially those infesting wild animals (Qin et al 2011).…”