Title
Coproparasitologycal and ectoparasitologycal survey in alpaca (Vicugna pacos Linnaeus, 1758) from Apolobamba, with new records of Phthiraptera (Insecta) and Ixodidae (Acari), La Paz - Bolivia / Estudio coproparasititario y ectoparasititario en alpacas (Vicugna pacos Linnaeus, 1758) de Apolobamba, con nuevos registros de Phthiraptera (Insecta) e Ixodidae (Acari), La Paz - Bolivia
Author(s)
Beltrán-Saavedra, L. Fabián; González-Acuña, Daniel; Nallar-Gutiérrez, Rodolfo; Ticona-Challco, Herminio
Published
2014
Publisher
Journal of the Selva Andina Animal Science
Abstract
Although parasites in South American camelids (SAC) can cause severe economic losses in Bolivia, a country with large populations of SAC, knowledge of these parasites in this species is limited. To obtain data on the parasitic fauna in alpacas from the Integrated Management Natural Area Apolobamba (ANMI Apolobamba), in February 2006 we evaluated 82 alpacas to determine the presence of ecto and endoparasites and investigate some biological and ecological drivers for the presence and distribution of parasites. In 54 (98.2%) fecal samples were positive to coccidia parasitic forms, nematodes, cestodes and trematodes. Significant prevalence (P<0.05) of nematodes of the order Strongylida and Capillaria spp. was found in adults and young alpacas respectively. From 82 individuals reviewed, 51 (62.2%) had infestations caused by Bovicola breviceps, Microthoracius mazzai, M. praelongiceps, M. minor, Amblyomma parvitarsum and Sarcoptes scabiei var. aucheniae, and significant prevalence (P <0.05) of lice M. praelongiceps was observed in females alpacas. This is the first registry of Bovicola breviceps in Bolivia, and the ectoparasites of Microthoracius mazzai, M. praelongiceps, M. minor and Amblyomma parvitarsum are the first records found in alpacas from Bolivia. / Although parasitosis in South American camelids (CSA) can cause great economic losses in Bolivia, knowledge about parasites in these species is limited. In order to provide background information on the parasitic fauna in alpacas from the Apolobamba Integrated Management Natural Area (ANMI Apolobamba), 82 alpacas were evaluated in February 2006 to determine the presence of ecto- and endoparasites and to establish some biological and ecological determinants for the presence and distribution of parasites. In 54 (98.2%) fecal samples, parasitic forms corresponding to coccidia, nematodes, cestodes and trematodes were observed, with a predominance (P<0.05) of nematodes of the order Strongylida and Capillaria spp. in adult and juvenile alpacas, respectively. Of the 82 individuals checked, 51 (62.2%) presented infestations caused by Bovicola breviceps, Microthoracius mazzai, M. praelongiceps, M. minor, Amblyomma parvitarsum and Sarcoptes scabiei var. aucheniae, with predominance (P<0.05) of M. praelongiceps lice in female alpacas. The record of Bovicola breviceps is new for Bolivia, and the ectoparasites Microthoracius mazzai, M. praelongiceps, M. minor and Amblyomma parvitarsum are the first records for alpacas in Bolivia.
Keywords
Alpaca; parasitologycal presence; coccidia; Moniezia spp.; Bovicola breviceps; Microthoracius spp.; Amblyomma parvitarsum; Bolivia; presencia parasitaria

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PUB35717