K O Bandaranayaka1,2,3, U I Dissanayake1,2, R S Rajakaruna4,5. 1. Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 2. Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 3. Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Sri Lanka. 4. Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. rupikar@pdn.ac.lk. 5. Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. rupikar@pdn.ac.lk.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study determined the diversity and distribution of tick species infesting domestic dogs and the life cycle parameters of the dominant dog tick species. METHODS: An island-wide, cross-sectional survey of tick species infesting domestic dogs was carried out, and the life cycle of the most commonly occurring dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus was studied under laboratory conditions. RESULTS: A total of 3026 ticks were collected from 1219 dogs in all 25 districts. Eight species in five genera were identified: R. sanguineus (63.4%), R. haemaphysaloides (22.0%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (12.5%), Haemaphysalis intermedia (0.9%), Haemaphysalis turturis (0.6%), Amblyomma integrum (0.4%), Dermacentor auratus (0.2%) and Hyalomma sp (0.1%). R. sanguineus was the dominant species in the Dry and Wet zones, while R. haemaphysaloides was the dominant species in the Intermediate Zone. Species diversity (Shannon diversity index H) was 1.135, 1.021and 0.849 in the Intermediate, Dry and Wet zones, respectively. The three-host life cycle of R. sanguineus was completed within 70-126 days, and all three stages successfully fed on New Zealand white rabbits under laboratory conditions. The Reproductive Efficiency Index (REI) and Reproductive Fitness Index (RFI) were 50.8 ± 9.69 and 9.1 ± 5.01, respectively. Larger females had higher reproductive success. CONCLUSIONS: Of the eight species infesting domestic dogs in Sri Lanka, R. sanguineaus was the most frequently occurring tick species. The three-host life cycle of R. sanguineus was successfully completed within an average of 98 days on New Zealand white rabbits. The number of eggs laid, duration of the pre-oviposition period, incubation period and parasitic periods of all three life stages were lower than in previous records.
PURPOSE: This study determined the diversity and distribution of tick species infesting domestic dogs and the life cycle parameters of the dominant dog tick species. METHODS: An island-wide, cross-sectional survey of tick species infesting domestic dogs was carried out, and the life cycle of the most commonly occurring dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus was studied under laboratory conditions. RESULTS: A total of 3026 ticks were collected from 1219 dogs in all 25 districts. Eight species in five genera were identified: R. sanguineus (63.4%), R. haemaphysaloides (22.0%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (12.5%), Haemaphysalis intermedia (0.9%), Haemaphysalis turturis (0.6%), Amblyomma integrum (0.4%), Dermacentor auratus (0.2%) and Hyalomma sp (0.1%). R. sanguineus was the dominant species in the Dry and Wet zones, while R. haemaphysaloides was the dominant species in the Intermediate Zone. Species diversity (Shannon diversity index H) was 1.135, 1.021and 0.849 in the Intermediate, Dry and Wet zones, respectively. The three-host life cycle of R. sanguineus was completed within 70-126 days, and all three stages successfully fed on New Zealand white rabbits under laboratory conditions. The Reproductive Efficiency Index (REI) and Reproductive Fitness Index (RFI) were 50.8 ± 9.69 and 9.1 ± 5.01, respectively. Larger females had higher reproductive success. CONCLUSIONS: Of the eight species infesting domestic dogs in Sri Lanka, R. sanguineaus was the most frequently occurring tick species. The three-host life cycle of R. sanguineus was successfully completed within an average of 98 days on New Zealand white rabbits. The number of eggs laid, duration of the pre-oviposition period, incubation period and parasitic periods of all three life stages were lower than in previous records.
Authors: Tshepo P Matjila; Ard M Nijhof; Amar Taoufik; Dirk Houwers; Erik Teske; Banie L Penzhorn; Thamar de Lange; Frans Jongejan Journal: Vet Parasitol Date: 2005-07-15 Impact factor: 2.738
Authors: Milan Daniel; Jan Materna; Václav Honig; Ladislav Metelka; Vlasta Danielová; Josef Harcarik; Stanislava Kliegrová; Libor Grubhoffer Journal: Cent Eur J Public Health Date: 2009-09 Impact factor: 1.163