Parasites and Protozoa

Macedo et al. 2012 describe the serology and isolation of  Toxoplasma gondii strains from blood and tissue of pregnant dairy cows and foetuses in Southern Brazil. [1]

Humblet et al 2012 prioritized 100 animal diseases and zoonoses in Europe using 57 prioritization criteria. The method of disease prioritization has been defined as the “organization of listed diseases into a hierarchy, considering their respective impacts”. Five aspects of a pathogen were considered: epidemiology, prevention/control, effects on economy/trade, zoonotic characteristics, and effect on society. [1]

Thelazia callipaeda is a parasitic nematode which causes "thelaziasis" (or "eyeworm" infestation) in humans, dogs and cats and other carnivores. It infects orbital cavities and associated tissues.  Drosophila is the vector host,  Amiota (Phortica) variegata (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Europe, and Phortica okadai in China. These flies feed on tears and infects individuals residing in poor communities in Asia, particularly in China. [1]

According to John Hafernik, fly parasite Apocephalus borealis, found in honey bee hives in California and South Dakota, may be one cause of colony collapse disorder (CCD) and may easily spread to honey bee colonies throughout North America. The fly deposits its eggs into a bee's abdomen which dies. [1]

A study by Follet et al. 2011 revealed the presence of C. parvum (43.8%), C. ryanae (28.5%), and C. bovis (27%) in stool samples of young calves. One animal was infected with Cryptosporidium ubiquitum. [1]

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan that can cause gastro-intestinal illness with diarrhea in humans. Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonosis found  in goats and sheep and pigs. Baldursson and Karanis 2011 report  at least one hundred and ninety-nine outbreaks of  waterborne transmission of parasitic protozoa between 2004 and 2010. Almost half of the outbreaks occurred in Australia, a  third  in North America and less than a fifth  in Europe. [1]

According to Dubey et al 2011, oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii remain infectious to people for 14 days in all types of commercial cat litters. The definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii is the cat, but the parasite can be carried by birds, rats,  other warm- blooded animals and  humans. [1]

Ascaris lumbricoides/suum mainly infect humans and pigs. Ascaris lumbricoides worms usually infect humans, mainly in regions with poor sanitation, where the environment is contaminated with human feces. However, pig farms are a risk of nearby population. [1]

According to Dubey et al 2011, oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii remain infectious to people for 14 days in all types of commercial cat litters. The definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii is the cat, but the parasite can be carried by birds, rats,  other warm- blooded animals and  humans. [1]

A number of internal and external parasites are of importance in aquaculture.