Cattle Ectoparasites as a Factor in the Transmission of Infectious Diseases

Abstract

The article presents data on the establishment of the possibility of permanent ectoparasites of cattle to transmit pathogens of infectious diseases. Temporary and permanent ectoparasites are a constant threat in cattle farms. Permanent ectoparasites of ruminants can be carriers and reserves of pathogens of infectious diseases, both viral and bacterial etiology. They create additional risks and dangers that prevent the maximum realization of the genetic potential of productive animals. The work was performed during 2019-2020 on the basis of livestock farms of Sumy and Poltava regions, parasitological and bacteriological departments of the Sumy regional state laboratory of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. In the conditions of cattle farms, selective parasitological studies of animals for infection with ectoparasites were performed. Detected ectoparasites were placed in test tubes with 70 % ethyl alcohol, in order to further their species identification.
 To study the contamination of ectoparasites with microorganisms, they were made of saline in a ratio of 1:10. Then the resulting suspension was sown on nutrient media (dense and liquid) to isolate: Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., Enterobacter spp. and Staphylococcus spp. In the course of selective parasitological studies of cattle of different ages in the farms of Sumy and Poltava regions, we found different intensities of animal invasion by hair follicles Bovicola bovis. Pathogenic properties of microorganisms were established by bioassay on guinea pigs and white mice. Pathogenic properties of bacteria of the genus Listeria spp. checked by conjunctival and dermo-necrotic tests on guinea pigs. During the three days of observation, redness was noted at the site of intradermal injection, with a marked increase in local temperature. Conjunctival hyperemia and eye discharge have also been reported.
 To determine the pathogenicity of E. coli, white mice were infected intraperitoneally. The death of animals was recorded on the third day, indicating the pathogenicity of the isolated E. coli.
 In a series of microbiological studies, it was found that the hair follicles of Bovicola bovis are carriers of pathogenic coccal microflora: S. aureus, E. coli and bacteria of the genus Listeria spp.