Ritmo de queda de Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) de cães artificialmente infestados

Abstract

The present study evaluated the drop-off rhythm of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) ticks from two populations from Brazil, one from Monte Negro, state of Rondônia, and another from Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais. Artificial infestations with ticks were performed on dogs in the laboratory, held in a light: scotophase regimen of 12:12 h. Larval drop-off rhythm was characterized by similar number of engorged larvae detaching during both periods of light and scotophase, or by a larger number of larvae detaching during the light period. In contrast, most of the engorged nymphs and females detached from dogs during the scotophase period. These results indicate that under natural conditions, most of R. sanguineus engorged nymphs and females detach from dogs during the night period, whereas engorged larvae detach in higher proportions during daytime. Based on these data, tick control measures, encompassing environmental treatments with acaricide, should be indicated. The control measures are especially indicated in places where dogs spend or visit during the night period, since these places possibly harbor most of the free-living stages of R. Sanguineus.

Dogs, cats, parasites, and humans in Brazil: opening the black box

“…However, before deciding the best control strategy to be adopted, the veterinary practitioner should also investigate the presence and the abundance of fleas/ticks in the environment where the animal lives. Ticks tend to drop off during the night when the dog is sleeping [221]. Moreover, flea eggs are not sticky, falling from the animal’s fur in the environment along with adult flea faeces.…”

Biology and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus

“…Rhipicephalus sanguineus larvae exhibit a diurnal drop-off pattern [19-21], detaching mostly during the daytime. Conversely, engorged nymphs and females detach predominantly during the night period [19-21]. The reasons for this particular drop-off behaviour of larvae, nymphs, and females of Rh.…”

“…In any case, this data should be taken into account while planning control measures focused on the environment, as the places where dogs stay at night are more likely to harbour the largest number of non-parasitic stages of Rh. sanguineus [21]. …”

Synganglion histology in different stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)

“…The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is originally from the African continent and is currently found in all countries of America, probably being the species of higher occurrence in the world (Paz et al 2008). In Brazil, in the early twentieth century, this species presented a restricted distribution, being present only in some states (Aragão 1936); however, it is today present in all the Brazilian territory (Labruna 2004).…”