Field method for isolation of trichostrongyle larvae from vegetation of natural pastures of Arctic ruminants

Survey of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. infections in various animals at a zoo in Japan

A total of 284 fecal samples of 89 species (43 mammalian species and 46 avian species) were examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts from 1999 to 2002. Each sample was collected at the zoo located at Osaka in Japan and examined by microscopy after performing the sucrose flotation method and by two immunofluorescent assay kits for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Cryptosporidium spp. was found only in a raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and Giardia spp. was detected in a mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) and two ruddy shelducks (Tadorna ferruginea). In this study, the prevalences of these parasites were found to be low. However, these results suggested that the infected animals could serve as a source of contamination for surface water. This is the first report about the survey of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. at a zoo in Japan.

First report of Cryptosporidium parvum ‘ferret’ genotype in American mink (Mustela vison Shreber 1777)

A total of 51 faecal samples from wild and farmed mink were analysed by a direct immunofluorescence antibody test. Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in eight, apparently healthy, farmed American mink (Mustela vison). The isolates were identified as Cryptosporidium parvum 'ferret' genotype by PCR-RFLP and sequencing analysis of a 341-base-pair fragment of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium in American mink.

Screening of antihelminthic effects of Indian plant extracts: a preliminary report

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antihelminthic effect of plants from the Ayurvedic system of medicine traditionally used in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six plant extracts were assayed for their activity against free-living nematodes. Inhibitory effects on free-living nematodes were evaluated in vitro using aqueous or ethanolic extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

Of six plants assayed, Momordica charantia yielded the best results, its crude extract producing 96% mortality.