The production of nymphs of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum for experimental infection with Theileria annulata.

Methods are described for the production of nymphs of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum for later use in transmission experiments with Theileria annulata where the timing of the application of nymphs to infected cattle needs to be accurately controlled. Larvae are fed on the torsos of rabbits where approximately 98% undergo a two-host feeding cycle. This cycle is interrupted 2 days after the first larvae moult into nymphs by killing the rabbits and the nymphs are then collected with a suction pump. Nymphs produced by the interrupted larval feeding method feed well on cattle, in regard to timing of detachment and weight, compared with nymphs produced by interrupted feeding on rabbits.