First Report on Ticks, Mites, and Other Ectoparasites Infesting Carnivorous Mammals in Uzbekistan
First Report on Ticks, Mites, and Other Ectoparasites Infesting Carnivorous Mammals in Uzbekistan
Alisher Safarov1*, Nasreen Nasreen4, Firuza Akramova5, Shukhrat Djabbarov1, Adolat Mirzaeva5, Javokhir Esonboev5, Djalaliddin Azimov5, Mourad Ben Said2,3
ABSTRACT
Background: Ectoparasites are known to transmit various pathogens that can cause numerous diseases in livestock, leading to detrimental effects such as skin damage, weight loss, anemia, reduced meat and milk production, and even mortality. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the species composition and prevalence of ectoparasites in domestic (dogs and cats) and wild predatory mammals (jackals, wolves, foxes, and reed cats) in Uzbekistan through regular parasite collections. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive surveillance was conducted to calculate the prevalence of ectoparasites in carnivorous mammals. Data on ectoparasite prevalence, including area, host, breed, species diversity, age, and seasonal infestation rate, were recorded and analyzed. This research represents the first investigation of ectoparasites in carnivorous mammals in Uzbekistan and encompassed 12 regions (Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Samarkand, Jizzakh, Syrdarya, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Navoi, Khorezm, and Tashkent regions). Results: The study identified a total of 23 ectoparasite species belonging to the classes Arachnida and Insecta, encompassing 758 carnivorous mammals. Among Arachnida, three families were represented: Ixodidae (12 species), Sarcoptidae (1 species), and Demodecidae (1 species), with the genera Haemaphysalis (3 species) and Rhipicephalus (4 species) being the most dominant among the ixodid ticks. Insects comprised nine species from five families: Trichodectidae (1 species), Linognathidae (1 species), Pulicidae (4 species), Culicidae (2 species), and Hippoboscidae (1 species). The domestic dog exhibited the highest ectoparasite species diversity, with 21 identified species, while domestic and jungle cats harbored only four species each. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the diversity, infestation rates, and various factors influencing ticks, mites, and other ectoparasites in dogs, cats, jackals, wolves, foxes, and reed cats across the 12 regions of Uzbekistan. Higher ectoparasite burdens and disease rates can significantly reduce animal production and productivity. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of ectoparasite species will aid in the development of informed control measures.
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