Amblyomma cajennense infestation on horses in two microregions of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The research explores factors contributing to infestation of a specific type of tick, Amblyomma cajennense, on horses in two regions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study highlights the impact of factors such as location altitude, management strategies, and use of specific acaricides on the prevalence of tick infestations.

Study Design and Evaluation

• The research was conducted in two different micro-regions in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, specifically the municipalities of Itaguaí and Serrana.
• Between January and May 2009, horses from 62 different farms were examined for the presence and level of tick infestation.
• An epidemiological questionnaire was used on each farm to assess the horses’ rearing conditions and management strategies.

Findings and Observations

• Of the 635 horses evaluated, 41.6% were infested with the Amblyomma cajennense tick.
• The study found that certain factors were associated with tick infestation. Farms located at lower altitude regions were more likely to have tick infestations.
• Rearing conditions and management also played a significant role. Unsanitary and unsatisfactory zootechnical management led to higher instances of infestation.
• Farms with an extensive rearing system, where horses have greater range for grazing and roaming, had higher tick infestations.
• Improper usage of acaricides on horses, specifically the types of products used and the intervals between treatments, also contributed to the infestation.

Conclusions

• The findings from this research highlight the cumulative effects of several factors on the prevalence of A. cajennense infestations on horses.
• The factors include the altitude of the farm’s location, the rearing system of the horses, the zootechnical and sanitary management, and the use of chemical acaricides.
• The researchers suggested that improved management strategies, particularly around sanitary conditions and the use of acaricides, could help mitigate the infestation levels.