Ectoparasites of dogs belonging to people in resource-poor communities in North West Province, South Africa

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2000
Authors:N. R. Bryson, Horak, I. G., Hohn, E. W., Louw, J. P.
Journal:Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
Volume:71
Issue:3
Pagination:175 - 179
Date Published:2000
ISBN Number:1019-9128
Keywords:animals, Diptera, Dog Diseases, ectoparasite, fleas, larva, lice, Prevalence, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, South Africa, ticks
Abstract:

A total of 344 dogs belonging to people in resource-poor communities in North West Province, South Africa, was examined for ectoparasites, and all visible arthropods were collected from the left side of each dog. By doubling these numbers it was estimated that the dogs harboured 14,724 ixodid ticks, belonging to 6 species, 1,028 fleas, belonging to 2 species, and 26 lice. Haemaphysalis leachi accounted for 420 and Rhipicephalus sanguineus for 14,226 of the ticks. Pure infestations of H. leachi were present on 14 dogs and of R. sanguineus on 172 dogs. Small numbers of Amblyomma hebraeum, R. appendiciulatus, R. evertsi evertsi and R. simus were also collected. The predominance of R. sanguitneus accounts for the high prevalence of canine ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis) within the survey region, compared to canine babesiosis (Babesia canis), which is transmitted by H. leachi, and is a much rarer disease.

URL:https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/135f/6d1d3ca73844a32456a941491d8749c4eeff.pdf
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