Lice Outbreak in Buffaloes: Evidence ofAnaplasma marginaleTransmission by Sucking LiceHaematopinus tuberculatus

Abstract

Lice infestations are commonly seen in buffaloes, causing damage directly to the animal, i.e., itching, skin lesions, and anemia. In addition, these insects can also be vectors for infectious diseases. The present study describes an outbreak of lice in buffaloes as well as evidence for Haematopinus tuberculatus acting as a vector of anaplasmosis. Lice and blood were collected from 4 young buffaloes (2- to 4-mo-old) and a molecular analysis for the presence of Anaplasma marginale was conducted. DNA of A. marginale was detected in the blood of all 4 animals. Twelve lice were collected and separated in 4 groups, with 3 insects each, to comprise a pool of samples. After DNA extraction and molecular analysis, a positive PCR for A. marginale was found in all pooled samples. These results identify sucking lice as potential vectors of anaplasmosis. However, additional studies are necessary to fully evaluate the vector potential of H. tuberculatus for A. maginale transmission.

High Prevalence ofAnaplasmaspp. in Small Ruminants in Morocco

“…Nevertheless, the role of other biting haematophagous insects, such as the Hippoboscidae , flies (e.g. horseflies) and some species of flea, should not be underestimated with regard to transmission of anaplasmosis (Kessler, ; Hornok et al., ; Da Silva et al., ).…”

Variation in mitochondrial minichromosome composition between blood-sucking lice of the genus Haematopinus that infest horses and pigs

“…There are 21 species in the genus Haematopinus , of which 19 species parasitize even-toed ungulates (order Artiodactyla) such as pigs, cattle, buffalo, antelopes, camels and deer, whereas the other two species parasitize odd-toed ungulates (order Perissodactyla) such as horses, donkeys and zebras [1,4]. Haematopinus species are vectors of several severe infectious diseases in rural tropical areas such as African swine fever [5-7], swinepox [8], hog cholera and eperythrozoonosis [9,10], and anaplasmosis [11]. …”

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Fipronil 1% and Deltamethrin 0.1% in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Naturally Infested by Haematopinus tuberculatus

“…In addition, the main cause of loss of animal productivity is the intense itching since it reduces its time for grazing, and may cause lesions that can be subsequently be infected by Cochlyomyia hominivorax and macellaria, which cause myiasis and worms [13,15]. Furthermore, studies have suggested that these insects can be vectors for pathogens such as Brucella abortus [14] and Anaplasma marginale [16], highlighting the need to control this parasite.…”