Eric Cardinale | CIRAD - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Eric Cardinale

Research paper thumbnail of Formation des prix au producteur et impact de la dévaluation du franc CFA sur les stratégies de production des petits ruminants

Formation des prix au producteur et impact de la dévaluatio du franc CFA sur les stratégies de pr... more Formation des prix au producteur et impact de la dévaluatio du franc CFA sur les stratégies de production des petits ruminants

Research paper thumbnail of Elevage des petits ruminants. Connaissance et amélioration de la productivité

Research paper thumbnail of L'élevage porcin au Nord-Cameroun : situation actuelle et possibilités d'amélioration

L'élevage porcin au Nord-Ca mero un n'est pas b ien connu. Au cune acti o n d 'a ppui à son dével... more L'élevage porcin au Nord-Ca mero un n'est pas b ien connu. Au cune acti o n d 'a ppui à son développement n'a f ncore été entreprise, malgré la part du marché national qu ' il occupe ces récentes années. Des deux marchés de l'Extrème-Nord, D ziguil ao et Zou aye, partent près de 20 000 po rcs pa r an po ur le sud d u Cam ero un (CIRAD-EMVT, BDPA-SCETAGRI , 1995). Un d iagnosti c a été l ffectué en févri er 1996 dans un e trentaine de v illages au Nord-Ca mero un et répo ndai t à un do uble objectif: connaître l'env iro nnement ac ue l de la producti on porc ine

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of Eretmapodites subsimplicipes and Aedes albopictus as competent vectors for Rift Valley fever virus transmission in Mayotte

Acta Tropica, Mar 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Simulation modelling of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 poultry outbreaks in Viet Nam

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial analysis of malaria distribution in the Union of Comoros

Conclusion This work is the first spatial analysis of the epidemiology of malaria in Comoros. It ... more Conclusion This work is the first spatial analysis of the epidemiology of malaria in Comoros. It contributes to a better understanding of the spatial dynamics of malaria to help the Ministry of Health to eradicate malaria by 2016.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of Multiplex- RT-PCR for Rapid Detection and Subtyping of Avian Influenza Viruses Type a

A multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed and optimized ... more A multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed and optimized to simultaneously detect 3 subtypes (H5, H7 and H9) of avian influenza virus type A. The developed method was specific to amplify only the HA gene of H5, H7 and H9 of Influenza type A and no amplification with other subtypes of AIV and other avian infectious viruses such as Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, infectious bursal disease virus was observed. The multiplex RT-PCR assay developed in this study was as sensitive as conventional RT-PCR and virus isolation. Therefore this method is reliable, rapid, sensitive and specific and could be used as a tool for detecting and subtyping of AIV, in the control program of AIV.

Research paper thumbnail of Veterinary education and continous professional development in Europe

Research paper thumbnail of Livestock trade network: potential for disease transmission and implications for risk-based surveillance on the island of Mayotte

Scientific Reports, Aug 1, 2018

The island of Mayotte is a department of France, an outermost region of the European Union locate... more The island of Mayotte is a department of France, an outermost region of the European Union located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Eastern Africa. Due to its close connection to the African mainland and neighbouring islands, the island is under constant threat of introduction of infectious diseases of both human and animal origin. Here, using social network analysis and mathematical modelling, we assessed potential implications of livestock movements between communes in Mayotte for risk-based surveillance. Our analyses showed that communes in the central region of Mayotte acted as a hub in the livestock movement network. The majority of livestock movements occurred between communes in the central region and from communes in the central region to those in the outer region. Also, communes in the central region were more likely to be infected earlier than those in the outer region when the spread of an exotic infectious disease was simulated on the livestock movement network. The findings of this study, therefore, suggest that communes in the central region would play a major role in the spread of infectious diseases via livestock movements, which needs to be considered in the design of risk-based surveillance systems in Mayotte. The South Western Indian Ocean islands, including the Comoros, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and Seychelles, are connected to each other and to the African mainland by the movement of people and animals 1. Among these islands, Mayotte, located in the Northern Mozambique Channel, is highly connected to its neighbouring territories. In particular, illegal import of livestock from the Comoros is not uncommon 2 , making the island vulnerable to the introduction of infectious diseases affecting animals and/or humans. Mayotte has recently suffered from the introductions of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Rift Valley fever (RVF) viruses, the latter probably resulting from the introduction of a lineage from the African continent via illegally imported animals from the Comoros 1-3. Moreover, its livestock population is under constant threat from recent outbreaks of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in the Comoros and high endemicity of Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin

Research paper thumbnail of Digital simulations for preventive medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of trypanosomosis and babesiosis among domestic ruminants in the western highlands of Cameroon

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of bluetongue and Epizootic Haemorrhagic disease circulation on the island of Mayotte

Acta Tropica, Mar 1, 2019

A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the epidemiological situation in Mayotte regardi... more A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the epidemiological situation in Mayotte regarding two orbiviruses: Bluetongue virus (BTV) and Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease virus (EHDV). In all, 385 individual asymptomatic cattle were blood-sampled (one EDTA and one serum tube per animal) between February and June 2016. Antibody (ELISA) and genome prevalence (PCR) was assessed. Almost all the selected cattle showed antibodies against both BTV and EHDV, at 99.5% (CI95% [98.00, 100]) and 96.9% (CI95% [94.5, 98.3]), respectively. Most of the cattle acquired antibodies in their first years of age. EHDV and BTV genomes were detected in 25.2% (CI95% [21.1, 29.8]) and 18.2% (CI95% [14.6, 22.4]) of samples, respectively. Coinfection with BTV and EHDV was observed in 9.4% of samples (CI95% [6.8, 12.7]). Cattle under three years old were more frequently reported as positive for genome detection by PCR than older cattle. Five serotypes of BTV and one serotype of EHDV were identified from eight samples: BTV-4, BTV-9, BTV-11, BTV-15, BTV-19 and EHDV-6, of which some were reported in neighbouring areas. BTV and EHDV both circulate in Mayotte and in its surrounding territories.

Research paper thumbnail of Towards the elimination of malaria in the Union of Comoros: geographical insight on control actions and maintenance factors

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Aug 1, 2016

Epidemiological information Monthly cases, as reported by the "Programme National de lutte Contre... more Epidemiological information Monthly cases, as reported by the "Programme National de lutte Contre le paludisme" (PNLP) from 2010 to 2014, were geo-referenced in the three islands at different scales: by sanitary district and by health center. The incidence of malaria by district was calculated using population data from the National Census. We calculated the clinical prevalence of malaria by health center using the number of clinical patient. Control actions information Data of Artemisinin-based combination therapies(ACTs), mass drug administration with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus primaquine and distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) were used to determinate the relation between control action and malaria cases with Linear regression model. Spatial database We completed the spatial database with data on environmental and social factors including meteorology, physical geography, population characteristics.

Research paper thumbnail of Development and validation of a pen side test for Rift Valley fever

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Sep 11, 2019

Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the main vector borne zoonotic diseases that affects... more Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the main vector borne zoonotic diseases that affects a wide range of ruminants and human beings in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. A rapid and specific test for RVF diagnosis at the site of a suspected outbreak is crucial for the implementation of control measures. Methodology/Principal findings A first-line lateral flow immunochromatographic strip test (LFT) was developed for the detection of the nucleoprotein (N) of the RVF virus (RVFV). Its diagnostic performance characteristics were evaluated using reference stocks isolates recovered from different hosts and in geographic regions mimicking clinical specimens and from known RVF negative serum samples. A high level of diagnostic accuracy (DSe (35/35), DSp (167/169)) was observed, including the absence of cross-reactivity with viruses belonging to different genera. Conclusion/Significance The fact no specialized reagents and laboratory equipment are needed, make this assay a valuable, first-line diagnostic tool in resource-poor diagnostic territories for on-site RVFV detection, however the staff require training.

Research paper thumbnail of Proceedings of the 12th International Conference of the Association of Institutions for Tropical Veterinary Medicine (AITVM), Montpellier, France, 20-22 August, 2007. Does control of animal infectious risks offer a new international perspective?

Research paper thumbnail of Observations on risk factors associated with some camel viral diseases

Four diseases of camels are of increasing economic significance. These are camel pox (CP), camel ... more Four diseases of camels are of increasing economic significance. These are camel pox (CP), camel contagious ecthyma (CCE), rota viral diarrhea (RVD) and Morbillivirus infection (MVI). CP occurred in epizootics that lasted for 2-5 months with higher prevalence in winter. It mostly affected young animals of less than 5 years old. Group watering and introduction of new animal to a susceptible herd are the main risk factors. CCE is endemic in Sudan with variations in severity and mortality depending on age and geographical location. The major risk factors for CCE are season of the year, camel age and location associated with abundance of thorny acacia trees. MVI is an emerging viral disease that recently caused heavy losses in eastern Sudan. Mortality rate ranged between 0 to 50% and vary in accordance with location with a mean of 7.4%. More than 80% of deaths were in pregnant and recently delivered she-camels. Group A rotavirus was detected in 20% of diarrheic camels in Sudan The main ...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factors susceptibility of Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Listeria spp. isolated from pork and poultry sausages, in Reunion Island, France

International Conference on the Epidemiology and Control of Biological, Chemical and Physical Hazards in Pigs and Pork, 2013

Zoonoses are a public health burden in France. The most predominant pathogens incriminated in TIA... more Zoonoses are a public health burden in France. The most predominant pathogens incriminated in TIAC are Salmonella spp. Campylobacter spp., and Listeria spp. The population of Reunion Island eats a lot of pork and poultry meats. One of the local cooking characteristic is the sausage 100% poultry or 100% pig. Actually, no similar study has been conducted in Reunion Island. We aimed to determine the health risk related to the consumption of this kind of products, through a transversal analysis, by identification and quantification of bacteria in pork and poultry sausages. Meat characteristics and sale practices associated with these three bacteria in outlets of Reunion Island were identified by a binomial regression. The microbiological culture was carried out according to AFNOR methods. Two hundred and three pork or poultry sausages were sampled randomly from 67 local distributors in Reunion Island. Salmonella enterica was detected in 11.87% (95% confidence interval: [7.80-17.32]) of sample and in 26.87% (CI 95% [17.11-39.2]) of the outlets, with a most probable number count ranging from 6.00 bacteria per gram to 380 bacteria per gram. Salmonella serotypes isolated from pork or poultry sausage were S.

Research paper thumbnail of Mutual benefits of international university cooperation: the case of the Dutch-Thai collaboration in veterinary medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Novel control approaches to alleviate the effect of the chicken red mite in poultry systems

Abstract Ectoparasites can be significant pests for the poultry industry. The chicken (or poultry... more Abstract Ectoparasites can be significant pests for the poultry industry. The chicken (or poultry) red mite and the northern fowl mite are the most economically important ectoparasites of poultry globally. These mites can have significant deleterious effects on its fowl host including anaemia, reduced egg production, and egg quality. The chicken mites may also act as a vector for pathogens. Molecular biology techniques such as RT-PCR and RLB can be used to screen red mite populations for a wider range of pathogens. Current ...

Research paper thumbnail of Mosquito species associated with horses in Madagascar : a review of their vector status with regard to the epidemiology of West Nile fever

Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Aug 24, 2021

In Madagascar, the high West Nile virus (WNV) antibody prevalence reported in horse populations s... more In Madagascar, the high West Nile virus (WNV) antibody prevalence reported in horse populations suggests a high level of vector‐horse contact. This study aims to characterize the mosquito species usually involved in WNV transmission in horse stables in Madagascar. Five horse stables were investigated in October and November 2016 in five distinct inland areas. Mosquitoes were collected using double net traps baited with human, poultry or horse as well as light traps. Blood meal identification from engorged females was performed using host‐specific PCRs. A total of 2898 adult mosquitoes were collected with Culex (Culex) antennatus (Becker) (40.7%), and Cx. (Cux.) quinquefasciatus Say (14.9%), being the most abundant species. The mosquito abundance varied between horse stables (P < 10−7) and depending on the bait used in the double net traps (P < 0.003). Among the 190 tested blood meals, 119 consisted of single blood meals with 85 from horse, 17 from human, 16 from chicken, one from cattle and 71 consisted of mixed blood meals. The mosquito species collected during this study exhibited a generalist feeding behaviour allowing them to act as bridge vectors between different vertebrate hosts involved in WNV transmission cycle. Their vector status with regard to West Nile fever epidemiology is reviewed.

Research paper thumbnail of Formation des prix au producteur et impact de la dévaluation du franc CFA sur les stratégies de production des petits ruminants

Formation des prix au producteur et impact de la dévaluatio du franc CFA sur les stratégies de pr... more Formation des prix au producteur et impact de la dévaluatio du franc CFA sur les stratégies de production des petits ruminants

Research paper thumbnail of Elevage des petits ruminants. Connaissance et amélioration de la productivité

Research paper thumbnail of L'élevage porcin au Nord-Cameroun : situation actuelle et possibilités d'amélioration

L'élevage porcin au Nord-Ca mero un n'est pas b ien connu. Au cune acti o n d 'a ppui à son dével... more L'élevage porcin au Nord-Ca mero un n'est pas b ien connu. Au cune acti o n d 'a ppui à son développement n'a f ncore été entreprise, malgré la part du marché national qu ' il occupe ces récentes années. Des deux marchés de l'Extrème-Nord, D ziguil ao et Zou aye, partent près de 20 000 po rcs pa r an po ur le sud d u Cam ero un (CIRAD-EMVT, BDPA-SCETAGRI , 1995). Un d iagnosti c a été l ffectué en févri er 1996 dans un e trentaine de v illages au Nord-Ca mero un et répo ndai t à un do uble objectif: connaître l'env iro nnement ac ue l de la producti on porc ine

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of Eretmapodites subsimplicipes and Aedes albopictus as competent vectors for Rift Valley fever virus transmission in Mayotte

Acta Tropica, Mar 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Simulation modelling of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 poultry outbreaks in Viet Nam

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial analysis of malaria distribution in the Union of Comoros

Conclusion This work is the first spatial analysis of the epidemiology of malaria in Comoros. It ... more Conclusion This work is the first spatial analysis of the epidemiology of malaria in Comoros. It contributes to a better understanding of the spatial dynamics of malaria to help the Ministry of Health to eradicate malaria by 2016.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of Multiplex- RT-PCR for Rapid Detection and Subtyping of Avian Influenza Viruses Type a

A multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed and optimized ... more A multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed and optimized to simultaneously detect 3 subtypes (H5, H7 and H9) of avian influenza virus type A. The developed method was specific to amplify only the HA gene of H5, H7 and H9 of Influenza type A and no amplification with other subtypes of AIV and other avian infectious viruses such as Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, infectious bursal disease virus was observed. The multiplex RT-PCR assay developed in this study was as sensitive as conventional RT-PCR and virus isolation. Therefore this method is reliable, rapid, sensitive and specific and could be used as a tool for detecting and subtyping of AIV, in the control program of AIV.

Research paper thumbnail of Veterinary education and continous professional development in Europe

Research paper thumbnail of Livestock trade network: potential for disease transmission and implications for risk-based surveillance on the island of Mayotte

Scientific Reports, Aug 1, 2018

The island of Mayotte is a department of France, an outermost region of the European Union locate... more The island of Mayotte is a department of France, an outermost region of the European Union located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Eastern Africa. Due to its close connection to the African mainland and neighbouring islands, the island is under constant threat of introduction of infectious diseases of both human and animal origin. Here, using social network analysis and mathematical modelling, we assessed potential implications of livestock movements between communes in Mayotte for risk-based surveillance. Our analyses showed that communes in the central region of Mayotte acted as a hub in the livestock movement network. The majority of livestock movements occurred between communes in the central region and from communes in the central region to those in the outer region. Also, communes in the central region were more likely to be infected earlier than those in the outer region when the spread of an exotic infectious disease was simulated on the livestock movement network. The findings of this study, therefore, suggest that communes in the central region would play a major role in the spread of infectious diseases via livestock movements, which needs to be considered in the design of risk-based surveillance systems in Mayotte. The South Western Indian Ocean islands, including the Comoros, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and Seychelles, are connected to each other and to the African mainland by the movement of people and animals 1. Among these islands, Mayotte, located in the Northern Mozambique Channel, is highly connected to its neighbouring territories. In particular, illegal import of livestock from the Comoros is not uncommon 2 , making the island vulnerable to the introduction of infectious diseases affecting animals and/or humans. Mayotte has recently suffered from the introductions of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Rift Valley fever (RVF) viruses, the latter probably resulting from the introduction of a lineage from the African continent via illegally imported animals from the Comoros 1-3. Moreover, its livestock population is under constant threat from recent outbreaks of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in the Comoros and high endemicity of Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin

Research paper thumbnail of Digital simulations for preventive medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of trypanosomosis and babesiosis among domestic ruminants in the western highlands of Cameroon

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence of bluetongue and Epizootic Haemorrhagic disease circulation on the island of Mayotte

Acta Tropica, Mar 1, 2019

A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the epidemiological situation in Mayotte regardi... more A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the epidemiological situation in Mayotte regarding two orbiviruses: Bluetongue virus (BTV) and Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease virus (EHDV). In all, 385 individual asymptomatic cattle were blood-sampled (one EDTA and one serum tube per animal) between February and June 2016. Antibody (ELISA) and genome prevalence (PCR) was assessed. Almost all the selected cattle showed antibodies against both BTV and EHDV, at 99.5% (CI95% [98.00, 100]) and 96.9% (CI95% [94.5, 98.3]), respectively. Most of the cattle acquired antibodies in their first years of age. EHDV and BTV genomes were detected in 25.2% (CI95% [21.1, 29.8]) and 18.2% (CI95% [14.6, 22.4]) of samples, respectively. Coinfection with BTV and EHDV was observed in 9.4% of samples (CI95% [6.8, 12.7]). Cattle under three years old were more frequently reported as positive for genome detection by PCR than older cattle. Five serotypes of BTV and one serotype of EHDV were identified from eight samples: BTV-4, BTV-9, BTV-11, BTV-15, BTV-19 and EHDV-6, of which some were reported in neighbouring areas. BTV and EHDV both circulate in Mayotte and in its surrounding territories.

Research paper thumbnail of Towards the elimination of malaria in the Union of Comoros: geographical insight on control actions and maintenance factors

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Aug 1, 2016

Epidemiological information Monthly cases, as reported by the "Programme National de lutte Contre... more Epidemiological information Monthly cases, as reported by the "Programme National de lutte Contre le paludisme" (PNLP) from 2010 to 2014, were geo-referenced in the three islands at different scales: by sanitary district and by health center. The incidence of malaria by district was calculated using population data from the National Census. We calculated the clinical prevalence of malaria by health center using the number of clinical patient. Control actions information Data of Artemisinin-based combination therapies(ACTs), mass drug administration with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus primaquine and distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) were used to determinate the relation between control action and malaria cases with Linear regression model. Spatial database We completed the spatial database with data on environmental and social factors including meteorology, physical geography, population characteristics.

Research paper thumbnail of Development and validation of a pen side test for Rift Valley fever

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Sep 11, 2019

Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the main vector borne zoonotic diseases that affects... more Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the main vector borne zoonotic diseases that affects a wide range of ruminants and human beings in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. A rapid and specific test for RVF diagnosis at the site of a suspected outbreak is crucial for the implementation of control measures. Methodology/Principal findings A first-line lateral flow immunochromatographic strip test (LFT) was developed for the detection of the nucleoprotein (N) of the RVF virus (RVFV). Its diagnostic performance characteristics were evaluated using reference stocks isolates recovered from different hosts and in geographic regions mimicking clinical specimens and from known RVF negative serum samples. A high level of diagnostic accuracy (DSe (35/35), DSp (167/169)) was observed, including the absence of cross-reactivity with viruses belonging to different genera. Conclusion/Significance The fact no specialized reagents and laboratory equipment are needed, make this assay a valuable, first-line diagnostic tool in resource-poor diagnostic territories for on-site RVFV detection, however the staff require training.

Research paper thumbnail of Proceedings of the 12th International Conference of the Association of Institutions for Tropical Veterinary Medicine (AITVM), Montpellier, France, 20-22 August, 2007. Does control of animal infectious risks offer a new international perspective?

Research paper thumbnail of Observations on risk factors associated with some camel viral diseases

Four diseases of camels are of increasing economic significance. These are camel pox (CP), camel ... more Four diseases of camels are of increasing economic significance. These are camel pox (CP), camel contagious ecthyma (CCE), rota viral diarrhea (RVD) and Morbillivirus infection (MVI). CP occurred in epizootics that lasted for 2-5 months with higher prevalence in winter. It mostly affected young animals of less than 5 years old. Group watering and introduction of new animal to a susceptible herd are the main risk factors. CCE is endemic in Sudan with variations in severity and mortality depending on age and geographical location. The major risk factors for CCE are season of the year, camel age and location associated with abundance of thorny acacia trees. MVI is an emerging viral disease that recently caused heavy losses in eastern Sudan. Mortality rate ranged between 0 to 50% and vary in accordance with location with a mean of 7.4%. More than 80% of deaths were in pregnant and recently delivered she-camels. Group A rotavirus was detected in 20% of diarrheic camels in Sudan The main ...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factors susceptibility of Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Listeria spp. isolated from pork and poultry sausages, in Reunion Island, France

International Conference on the Epidemiology and Control of Biological, Chemical and Physical Hazards in Pigs and Pork, 2013

Zoonoses are a public health burden in France. The most predominant pathogens incriminated in TIA... more Zoonoses are a public health burden in France. The most predominant pathogens incriminated in TIAC are Salmonella spp. Campylobacter spp., and Listeria spp. The population of Reunion Island eats a lot of pork and poultry meats. One of the local cooking characteristic is the sausage 100% poultry or 100% pig. Actually, no similar study has been conducted in Reunion Island. We aimed to determine the health risk related to the consumption of this kind of products, through a transversal analysis, by identification and quantification of bacteria in pork and poultry sausages. Meat characteristics and sale practices associated with these three bacteria in outlets of Reunion Island were identified by a binomial regression. The microbiological culture was carried out according to AFNOR methods. Two hundred and three pork or poultry sausages were sampled randomly from 67 local distributors in Reunion Island. Salmonella enterica was detected in 11.87% (95% confidence interval: [7.80-17.32]) of sample and in 26.87% (CI 95% [17.11-39.2]) of the outlets, with a most probable number count ranging from 6.00 bacteria per gram to 380 bacteria per gram. Salmonella serotypes isolated from pork or poultry sausage were S.

Research paper thumbnail of Mutual benefits of international university cooperation: the case of the Dutch-Thai collaboration in veterinary medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Novel control approaches to alleviate the effect of the chicken red mite in poultry systems

Abstract Ectoparasites can be significant pests for the poultry industry. The chicken (or poultry... more Abstract Ectoparasites can be significant pests for the poultry industry. The chicken (or poultry) red mite and the northern fowl mite are the most economically important ectoparasites of poultry globally. These mites can have significant deleterious effects on its fowl host including anaemia, reduced egg production, and egg quality. The chicken mites may also act as a vector for pathogens. Molecular biology techniques such as RT-PCR and RLB can be used to screen red mite populations for a wider range of pathogens. Current ...

Research paper thumbnail of Mosquito species associated with horses in Madagascar : a review of their vector status with regard to the epidemiology of West Nile fever

Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Aug 24, 2021

In Madagascar, the high West Nile virus (WNV) antibody prevalence reported in horse populations s... more In Madagascar, the high West Nile virus (WNV) antibody prevalence reported in horse populations suggests a high level of vector‐horse contact. This study aims to characterize the mosquito species usually involved in WNV transmission in horse stables in Madagascar. Five horse stables were investigated in October and November 2016 in five distinct inland areas. Mosquitoes were collected using double net traps baited with human, poultry or horse as well as light traps. Blood meal identification from engorged females was performed using host‐specific PCRs. A total of 2898 adult mosquitoes were collected with Culex (Culex) antennatus (Becker) (40.7%), and Cx. (Cux.) quinquefasciatus Say (14.9%), being the most abundant species. The mosquito abundance varied between horse stables (P < 10−7) and depending on the bait used in the double net traps (P < 0.003). Among the 190 tested blood meals, 119 consisted of single blood meals with 85 from horse, 17 from human, 16 from chicken, one from cattle and 71 consisted of mixed blood meals. The mosquito species collected during this study exhibited a generalist feeding behaviour allowing them to act as bridge vectors between different vertebrate hosts involved in WNV transmission cycle. Their vector status with regard to West Nile fever epidemiology is reviewed.