Tick control prevents carcass condemnations in lambs caused by Anaplasma ovis

Ruiz, Héctor (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Lacasta, Delia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Villanueva-Saz, Sergio (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; González, José María (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Ortín, Aurora (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Ramos, Juan José (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Benito, Alfredo Ángel ; Estrada-Peña, Agustín (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Fernández, Antonio (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Pomar, Marina ; Ruiz de Arcaute, Marta (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Ovine anaplasmosis is causing relevant economic losses in Spain due to icteric carcass condemnation in lambs. Anaplasma ovis infection occurs through grazing sheep that transfer ticks to their offspring. This study compared the efficacy of deltamethrin and cypermethrin pour-on treatments for tick control. A total of 250 PCR A. ovis-positive ewes and their offspring were divided into 5 groups. Group A (50 ewes/50 lambs) was kept as an untreated control group. In groups B (50/50) and C (45/93), the lambs were treated with deltamethrin pour-on and cypermethrin pour-on, respectively, one week after birth. In groups D (50/75) and E (51/68), the ewes were treated with cypermethrin pour-on and deltamethrin pour-on one week before the estimated parturition. External parasite assessment and A. ovis PCR were conducted before treatment and at 21 and 42 days post-treatment. Ewes were checked weekly for tick-detection until weaning. Lamb carcasses were examined at the slaughterhouse. Riphicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks were found in ewes throughout the study, with only one tick found in a control group lamb. Three lambs tested positive for A. ovis during the trial, with one condemnation at the abattoir due to jaundice. However, no significant differences were observed between treatment groups. Overall, a significant decrease in infected animals and condemned carcasses was observed compared to previous years, suggesting that deltamethrin and cypermethrin prevent A. ovis transmission from dams to lambs. Further studies are needed to confirm synthetic pyrethroids’ effectiveness in controlling tick infestation and averting A. ovis transmission to lambs.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10562-2

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Veterinary Research Communications 48, 6 (2024), 3899-3906
ISSN: 0165-7380

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/A15-20R

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Sanidad Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)
Área (Departamento): Área Medicina y Cirugía Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)