R. Cepeda-Palacios

Factors affecting the larvipositional activity of Oestrus ovis gravid females (Diptera: Oestridae)

Observations of fly strikes or larvipositions (n=68 in 21 days of observation) were carried out in a herd of goats during the spring in Baja California Sur, Mexico in order to identify the climatic conditions favoring larviposition activity of gravid Oestrus ovis L. flies, as well as to investigate whether a mixture of some potentially useful compounds was involved in this behavior. Hand-caught, tethered flies (n=43) were either exposed or unexposed to a combination of carbon dioxide, humidity, 1-octen-3-ol, butyric, propionic, acetic acid and acetone released from movable sheep and goat dummies under open field and cage conditions. Fly strikes occurred at temperatures greater than 20 degrees C, but mainly between 25 and 28 degrees C and from 116 to 838W m(-2) of solar irradiance. Few or no strikes were seen under moderate or strong wind, but did occur in a wide range of relative humidity. The chemicals applied did not improve the capacity of animal dummies to induce the flies to larviposit, but very irregular behavior was observed. Fourteen larvipositions were made on the dummies lacking chemical stimuli, so visual ability and movement by the dummies was very important in stimulation of the flies. Temperature appeared to be the main factor determining fly activity, but wind and solar irradiance also played important roles. Characteristics of O. ovis larviposition are discussed.

Nasal bots… a fascinating world!

Larvae causing obligatory myiasis are numerous and they may affect cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, wounds, nasopharyngeal cavities (nasal bots), internal organs and the digestive tract (bots) of domestic and wild animals and humans as well. Nasal bots belong to the Family Oestridae, Subfamily Oestrinae, which includes several important genera: Oestrus, Kirkioestrus, and Gedoelstia infecting Artiodactyla (except Cervidae) in Africa and Eurasia, Cephenemyia and Pharyngomyia infecting Cervidae, Rhinoestrus infecting horses, Cephalopina infecting camels, Pharyngobolus infecting African elephants, and Tracheomyia infecting Australian kangaroos. Nasal bots are widespread in Mediterranean and tropical areas and in affected animals they induce sneezing and nasal discharge which may become caked with dust making breathing very difficult. The aforementioned species of larvae are host-specific but sometimes the may be deposited in human eyes inducing a painful opthalmomyiasis of short duration. The first fascinating trait of these parasites is the very efficient morphological and biological adaptations to parasitism they show either as larvae or as adults, in order to facilitate their survival and search for a suitable host. Nasal bots have reached different degrees of complexity in their life cycles. Indeed, while for some species (e.g., Oestrus ovis, Rhinoestrus usbekistanicus) larvae are injected by flies directly into nostrils and develop in the sinuses before being ejected for external pupation, some other species migrate from eyes to blood before returning to nasal cavities either through the ethmoid bone (Gedoelstia hässleri) or via lungs and bronchi (Gedoelstia cristata). Moreover, larvae are very well-adapted to their environment being able to undergo through hypobiosis either inside or outside the host, according to the climatic environmental conditions and seasonality. The second fascinating trait of nasal bots is related to host behavioural and immune responses against the infection. Host behaviour may in fact prevent larviposition and inflammatory/immune reactions limit larval development. The main pathophysiological mechanisms involve mast cells and eosinophils which destroy the larvae in sensitized animals. The intense eosinophilic reaction has side effects both locally (i.e. on the nasal mucosa) and also generally, with possible interactions with gastrointestinal strongyles (e.g., both worm burdens and fecundity decreased in lambs infected by O. ovis). Infected animals (e.g., sheep, goat, camel, and donkey) firstly suffer from fly strike, when adult flies inject first stage larvae on nostrils: sheep may try to avoid fly swarms but eventually Rangifer tarandus can only manage a terror-stricken look! Secondly, hosts will suffer from myiasis with typical nasal discharge and sneezing related to sinusitis. Clinical manifestations may vary: for example O. ovis induces severe clinical signs in sheep whilst produces few effects in goats! These parasites are diffused in many Mediterranean and tropical countries. Unfortunately, it is commonly believed that bacterial infections induced by nasal bots are of greater clinical importance: this view is not substantiated and the control of this condition depends on treatment with macrocyclic lactones, closantel and nitroxynil. Reinfections are common, and controlling nasal bots is not so simple.

Estimation of the growth patterns of Oestrus ovis L. larvae hosted by goats in Baja California Sur, Mexico

To estimate parameters for the variation in larval weight and dimension in Oestrus ovis L. and to describe the approximate pattern of growth, 2041 larvae were collected from 431 slaughtered goats and classified on a scale of 12 identified physiological ages, according to spiracular and integumental pigmentation. Larval live weight and measures of length, width, and thickness at the seventh segment were obtained. Weight increased from 0.23 mg in L1 larvae to 49 mg in late L2 larvae; however, the highest increases in weight were found to occur after the L2-L3 molt, especially during the early L3 period, when larvae acquired about 45% of the average mature weight (518 mg). Average larval length increased almost linearly from about 2 mm in L1 larvae to reach full length (21.3 mm) just before initiating integumental pigmentation, then it tended to stabilize until full maturation. Except for higher increases during the early L3 period, larval width and thickness increased linearly to reach mean maximum values (6.0 and 5.0 mm, respectively) at full maturity. Weight and measurement data were fitted by monophasic, s-shaped growth functions. The y = 0.25 [1 + tanh[0.504 (12-6.65)]] function (R2 = 0.99) indicated that L3 larvae began to have a decrease in weight gain rates before the beginning of integumental pigmentation. The patterns of growth of O. ovis described from individual measurements in larvae may be suitable for descriptive purposes.

Sheep and goat immune responses to nose bot infestation: a review

Oestrus ovis L. (Diptera: Oestridae) is a cosmopolitan agent of myiasis in sheep and goats. The parasitic phase begins after adult females deposit first‐stage larvae (L1) into the nostrils of hosts; these larvae develop into L2 and L3 in the nasal and sinus horn cavities. Sneezing and nasal discharges are the major clinical signs in infected animals. The pathogenesis of O. ovis infection is caused by: (a) the trauma resulting from the mechanical action of spines and hooks during larval movement on mucosal membranes, and, more importantly, (b) an allergenic reaction provoked by molecules excreted/secreted by larvae, of which salivary antigens are those mainly recognized by the hosts immune system. The recruitment of immune reactive cells increases gradually from the nasal to sinus cavities in infected hosts. Mast cells, eosinophils, macrophages and lymphocytes are always more numerous in infected than non‐infected animals. Humoral (antibody) systemic response of immunoglobulin G (IgG) usually reaches seroconversion 2–4 weeks post‐first infection and the highest levels are observed during the development of L2 and L3 larvae. Local antibody responses include specific IgG, which has been found to negatively correlate with larval survival and development. Hypersensitivity reaction, immunomodulation, immunization trials and mixed infections of O. ovis and helminths are discussed.

Expected effects of reducing Oestrus ovis L. mature larval weight on adult populations.

In order to estimate the effects of eventual reductions in larval weight (LW) of Oestrus ovis L. as a measure of control, the correlation between mature LW and adult fly length (AL) in laboratory specimens (n=150) was calculated. The regression equation AL=5.62+10.65LW (r(2)=0.76) was obtained. This equation was then applied to estimate the mature LW of wild larvipositing females (n=51) to predict the minimum mature LW at which fly viability would be compromised. The critical weight, 0.28 g (standard error limits 0. 235, 0.323), was obtained from a small fly measuring 8.6mm in length. Data from 383 mature third instars were used to estimate, by statistical analysis, the expected effects of decreasing the mature LW on subsequent fly population size. A considerable mean reduction (38%) in adult populations might be achieved by a 40% reduction of mature LW, but this eventual reduction may be temporary due to the high reproductive rate in this species. Sex differences in mature LW and fly size are also reported.

Specific IgG antibody responses in Oestrus ovis L. (Diptera: Oestridae) infected sheep: associations with intensity of infection and larval development.

Larvae of Oestrus ovis (Diptera: Oestridae) are ubiquitous parasites of nasal and sinusal cavities of sheep and goats. According to the chronobiology of O. ovis infections in Sardinia and the seasonal pattern of the IgG response, the optimal period to investigate the relationships between O. ovis larval populations and intensity of local and systemic IgG antibody responses was mid-July in the summer season. Sarda x Lacaune ewes (n=186), divided into three ram-families were used in the study. Systemic and local IgG responses were measured by ELISA tests using second stage larval crude extracts (L2CE) and L2 (L2SGC) and L3 (L3SGC) salivary gland contents as coating antigens. The number of larval instars, larval length of L1, L2 and L3 larvae, and larval weight of L2 and L3 larvae were individually recorded after ewe necropsy. Negative correlations among larval establishment and/or larval development on the one hand and intensity of local or systemic IgG responses on the other hand were found in two out of three studied ram-families.

IgG antibody response against salivary gland antigens from Oestrus ovis L. larvae (Diptera: Oestridae) in experimentally and naturally infected goats.

The aims of this study were to analyze the systemic IgG responses against third-instar salivary gland (L3SG) antigens by ELISA in Oestrus ovis experimentally infected kids (EIK) and in naturally exposed adult goats (NEG). Firstly, kids (n=4 per group) were assigned to receive intranasally 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 first-instars in experimental infections. Blood samples were taken from EIK at Days 0, 14, 42 and 67 post-infection. At necropsy (Day 67), larval number and developmental instars were recorded. In an epidemiological study, blood serum samples were collected from 448 grazing NEG (n=20 flocks) in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Results showed that larval establishment rate was similar in EIK groups. Systemic IgG response reached the threshold after Day 42, but humoral response was not statistically different among EIK groups receiving experimental infections. In NEG, all surveyed flocks (100%) showed specific systemic IgG antibodies to L3SG antigens and the overall goat oestrosis prevalence was 59.2%. In conclusion, larval L3SG antigens were effective in detection of specific systemic IgG antibodies against O. ovis infected kids and goats by ELISA.

Seasonal Dynamics of Organic Matter Digestion in Browse Species from Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract Ramírez-Orduña, R., Ramírez, R.G., Gomez-Meza, M.V., Armenta-Quintana, J.A., Ramírez-Orduña, J.M., Cepeda-Palacios, R. and Ávila-Sandoval, J.M. 2003. Seasonal dynamics of organic matter digestion in browse species from Baja California Sur, Mexico. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 24: 65–78. With the aim to estimate seasonally the rate and extent of organic matter degradability (EDOM), ten native species from Baja California Sur, Mexico were evaluated. Branches from the legumes: Acacia peninsularis (Brit. L. Rose) Standley; Cercidium floridium (Benth); Mimosa xantii, Gray; Pithecellobium confine (Staiidley) and Prosopis sp. (Torr) and non legumes: Bursera microphylla Gray (Burceraceae); Cyrtocarpa edulis (Brand) Stand (Anacordiaceae); Lippia palmeri, S. Wats (Verbenaceae); Opuntia cholla, Weber (Cactaceae) and Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) were collected from 16 linear transects of 30m, located randomly. Collections were carried out in each season during three consecutive years. Non legumes species were significantly different in their EDOM during spring and summer, whereas legumes species were not affected by season. Differences between plant types were significant only during spring. Cercidium floridium and O. cholla had EDOM values comparable to alfalfa hay. Other plant species resulted with lower EDOM than alfalfa hay. Turnera diffusa had the lowest EDOM. It may appear that forage quality vary according to season, during fall and winter good quality and during the spring and autumn low quality forages are available.

In vitro and in vivo effects of neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) products on larvae of the sheep nose bot fly (Oestrus ovis L. Díptera: Oestridae).

Two studies were carried out in order to test the effects of neem tree extracts (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) on sheep bot fly larvae (Oestrus ovis L. Diptera: Oestridae). First, aqueous extracts from neem seeds (ASNE) at 0, 5 y 10% (w/v) concentrations were tested on larval mortality in vitro. In a second study, the effect of oral administration with neem seed meal (0, 100 y 200mg/kg) and neem leaves (1% of diet) on number of larvae found at necropsy and larval development was evaluated in experimentally O. ovis-infected sheep. Results in Experiment 1 showed a significant (P<0.05) effect of ASNE on time to L1 mortality in a dosis-dependent manner. In Experiment 2, oral administration of seeds or leaves did not affect the number of larvae found at necropsy of the sheep, but interfered with larval development and there was a tendency to reduce larval weight at the end of the infection period (55d).

Effects of pregnancy and post-kidding stages on haematochemical parameters in cross-bred goats

ABSTRACT The effects of pregnancy and post-kidding stages, and the number of in utero developing foetuses on haematochemical parameters were evaluated in stabled cross-bred goats. Blood serum samples were collected biweekly during the late-pregnancy (–49 days) and post-kidding stages (21 days) (n = 34 goats, including 17 Anglonubian and 17 Saanen × Anglonubian). Non-pregnant, cross-bred, adult does (n = 17) were used as controls. Blood serum glucose (GL), total protein (TP), albumin (AL), uric acid (UA), total cholesterol (TC), total bilirubin (TB), creatinine (CR), and alkaline phosphatase (AP) were measured using commercial kits. Average GL, TP, AL, and AP values were found to be different (p < .05) in pregnant, control, and post-kidding stages. Average GL level was found to be different (p < .05) in Anglonubian vs. Saanen×Anglonubian goats. Number of developing foetuses had no effect on any measured haematochemical parameters. In conclusion, both the late pregnancy and post-kidding stages of Anglonubian and Saanen × Anglonubian goats were accompanied by changes in blood serum GL, TP, AL, and AP. Breed effect was only observed on serum GL, while number of kids developing in utero did not affect the measured haematochemical parameters of goats.