The synthetic pyrethroids and their associations have been widely used for controlling Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The frequent use of acaricides has been inducing the development of resistance in the tick populations. The aim of this study was to assess the susceptibility of R. (B.) microplus populations to pyrethroids and their associations in the region of Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil. In addition, the level of information among farm owners regarding tick control measures was investigated. Ticks were collected directly from naturally infested dairy cattle in the region and were exposed to pyrethroids and their associations. At the same time, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied with the aim of investigating the level of information among the farmers. The results reported here indicate that R. (B.) microplus populations in the dairy region of Garanhuns show resistance to pyrethroids and their associations, except when the product is associated with piperonyl butoxide. Regarding the results from the epidemiological survey, it was seen that there is a considerable lack of information among the farmers in relation to ixodid control measures. The level of ticks resistance to acaricides varied widely across the region studied. No alternative control programs have been implemented among these farms, thus demonstrating that there is a need for more information relating to the biology and control of R. (B.) microplus.Keywords: Ticks, resistance, acaricide, in vitro test, bovine, microregion of Garanhuns. ResumoOs piretróides sintéticos e associações são acaricidas amplamente utilizados para o controle do Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. O uso frequente destes fármacos tem induzido o surgimento de populações de carrapatos resistentes. Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a susceptibilidade de populações de R. (B.) microplus aos piretróides e associações. Além disso, investigou-se o nível de informações dos proprietários com relação às medidas de controle utilizadas. Os carrapatos foram coletados diretamente de bovinos naturalmente infestados na região leiteira de Garanhuns, Pernambuco e expostos a piretróides e suas associações. Contemporaneamente, foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico com o objetivo de avaliar o nível de informação dos produtores. Os resultados aqui obtidos demonstram que populações de R. (B.) microplus provenientes da região leiteira de Garanhuns apresentam resistência aos piretróides, exceto quando o produto está associado com butóxido de piperonila. Em se tratando dos resultados referentes ao inquérito epidemiológico, verificou-se considerável falta de informação por parte dos produtores com relação às medidas de controle de ixodídeos. Assim, verifica-se que o nível de resistência aos acaricidas é muito variável na região estudada e que não há, nas propriedades, a adoção de programas alternativos de controle, demonstrando a necessidade de maiores informações relacionadas à biologia e ao controle do R. (B.) microplus.Palavras-chave: Carrapatos, resistência, acaricida...

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the Rolipram during the maturation of bovine oocytes and gene expression of embryos produced in vitro. Bovine ovaries were collected in slaughterhouse. The COCs were selected and divided into 5 groups: Control 0 time; Control: IVM for 24 hours; Rolipram treatments with IVM blocking for 24 hours in maturation medium containing (100, 150 and 200µM). After 24 hours all groups were reseated in IVM for another 24 hours. Subsequently COCs were subjected to the same IVM system and fertilized, being checked for cleavage post fertilization and for blastocyst. In addition, performed expression of the following genes: Mater, BMP15 and Bax. No difference was found in gene expression. Of oocytes evaluated shortly after follicular aspiration, 79.00% were in GV, GVBD, MI, while 13.40%, were in MII and 7.60%, D/NI. Significant difference was observed in different concentrations (T100, T200 and T150µM) in oocytes that have reached the MII phase compared to control treatments (P= 0.003). Differences were observed in cleavage rate (P< 0.05) between T150 and T200 when compared to the C/24 Group. A high difference was observed on blastocyst rate (P< 0.001) among treatments compared to the control group.

Intestinal nematodes are among the most common parasites of dogs, being Toxocara spp. and Ancylostoma spp. threats to public health due to their zoonotic potential. In this study, three parasitological diagnostic techniques for detecting the eggs/oocysts of canine intestinal parasites were evaluated. Fecal samples (n = 285) were collected from the environment (i.e. public streets, squares and homes) in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil. Samples were analyzed using the Willis-Mollay simple flotation technique, spontaneous sedimentation (Hoffman, Pons and Janer) and modified centrifugal flotation. Among the samples analyzed, 56.49% (161/285) showed eggs and/or oocysts of intestinal parasites. In particular, 44.21% (126/285) were detected by the Willis technique, 45.14% (121/268) by centrifugal flotation and 31.57% (90/285) by the Hoffmann technique. The kappa index indicated good concordance between the centrifugal flotation and Willis techniques (κ = 0.625), whereas fair concordance was observed between Hoffmann and Willis (κ = 0.480), and between Hoffman and centrifugal flotation (κ = 0.433). In conclusion, the centrifugal flotation technique showed high sensitivity towards detecting Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. (the most common parasites in this study) and could be used in association with the Willis technique to obtain safe diagnoses within routine laboratory analysis.

The increase of canine population in urban areas, which englobes stray or domiciled dogs, has an important epidemiological role in soil contamination of public areas. This increase contributes for the dissemination of infections by parasites via faeces of infected animals. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of immature forms of gastrointestinal parasites of mammals in soil from public roads and squares of the municipality of Garanhuns, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of 211 soil samples were obtained and evaluated through the Faust and Rugai techniques. Out of 211 soil samples, 49.29% (104/211) scored positive the presence of immature forms of gastrointestinal parasites of mammals, being Ancylostoma sp. (37.91%) the most frequent. In conclusion, the soil of different parts of the municipality of Garanhuns is contamined by parasites of medical and veterinary concern. Therefore, the implementing of integrated prophylaxis measures is necessary to prevent the soil contamination, reducing the risk of infection for humans.

The Rhipicephalus (Boophilus )microplus is an important tick species which affect bovines in tropical areas. Its control is based on the use of chemical acaricides, but the frequent use of these substances has been conducted to the development of tick resistance. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of cypermethrin and amitraz against R. (B. )microplus collected of bovines from different municipalities of the state of Pernambuco. From August 2009 to July 2011, engorged females were collected and subjected to the "Adult Immersion Test" in order to evaluate the efficacy of cypermethrin and amitraz. The results indicate that populations of R. (B. )microplus from Pernambuco present resistance to acaricides (i.e., cypermethrin and amitraz). In this study, a single population (Brejo da Madre de Deus) was susceptible to cypermethrin, whereas two (Timbaúba and Limoeiro) were susceptible to amitraz. Data herein reported follow a pattern observed in other regions of Brazil and alert to the fact that alternative measures of control should be implemented in this area studied.