Prevalence of Amblyomma gervaisi ticks on captive snakes in Tamil Nadu
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Date
2017-10
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Abstract
Ticks are the important ectoparasites that occur on
snakes and transmit rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis.
A total of 62 snakes (Reticulated python, Indian
Rock Python, Rat snakes and Spectacled cobra) were
examined for tick infestation at Chennai Snake Park Trust
(Guindy), Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur) and
Rescue centre (Velachery) in Tamil Nadu from September,
2015 to June, 2016. Ticks from infested snakes were collected
and were identified as Amblyomma gervaisi (previously
known as Aponomma gervaisi). Overall occurrence of
tick infestation on snakes was 66.13%. Highest prevalence of
tick infestation was observed more on Reticulated Python
(Python reticulatus, 90.91%) followed by Indian Rock
Python (Python molurus, 88.89%), Spectacled cobra (Naja
naja, 33.33%) and Rat snake (Ptyas mucosa, 21.05%).
Highest prevalence of ticks were observed on snakes reared
at Chennai Snake Park Trust, Guindy (83.33%), followed by
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur (60.00%) and low
level prevalence of 37.50% on snakes at Rescue centre,
Velachery. Among the system of management, the prevalence
of ticks were more on captive snakes (70.37%) than the
free ranging snakes (37.5%). The presences of ticks were
more on the first quarter when compared to other three
quarters and were highly significant (P B 0.01).
Description
TNV_JPD_2017_41(4)952-958
Keywords
Veterinary Science