Effect of Moniliformis moniliformis density on distribution within the definitive host population (Rattus norvegicus)

The population dynamics of Moniliformis moniliformis was studied in ‘free-ranging’ laboratory rats, Rattus norvegicus, presented with different relative density levels of M. moniliformis in cockroaches, Periplaneta americana. Changes in selected population parameters of the negative binomial distribution were evaluated as indicators of changes in aggregation. A significant increase in the degree of aggregation of parasites occurred as a result of the increase in relative density of infective stages available to the rats. This increase in aggregation was due to the increase in over-dispersion that occurred in female rats only. The degree of aggregation in females was found to be significantly higher than that in males at both treatment levels. The best indicators of the degree of aggregation were found to be the ratio of the variance to the relative density and the ratio of the log-variance to log-relative density. Changes in k were not correlated with changes in over-dispersion or the relative density.     

Aspects of the life history of Cercopithifilaria johnstoni (Nematoda:Filarioidea)

and 1988. Aspects of the life history of Cercopithifilaria johnstoni (Nematoda:Filarioidea). International Journal for Parasitology 18: 1087–1092. Cercopithifilaria johnstoni (Nematoda:Filarioidea) occurs in the subcutaneous connective tissues of a spectrum of native murid and marsupial hosts in Eastern Australia. Life cycle studies revealed that: (i) microfilaria occur in lymphatic capillaries and extravascular connective tissue of the dermis (= ‘skin-inhabiting’), (ii) ixodid ticks, particularly Ixodes trichosuri, are intermediate hosts in nature, (iii) development from microfilariae to infective third-stage larva occurs only while the tick is off the host, that is, during ecdysis from larva to nymph or from nymph to adult. Transmission of C. johnstoni in a wild population of bush rats (Rattus fuscipes) occurred in summer and winter, and was associated with peaks in the number of larval and/or nymphal stages of ticks on rats. C. johnstoni was transmitted experimentally to bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus, Perameles nasuta), bush rats and laboratory rats (R. norvegicus), indirectly by subcutaneous inoculation of third-stage larvae and directly by tick feeding. The prepatent period was approximately 3 months and the longest duration of microfilariae in the ‘ skin’ was more than 25 months. Dermal and ocular lesions were observed in R. fuscipes. The host-parasite relationship has the potential for development as an inexpensive and practical model for human onchocerciasis.     

Genetic variation of an acid phosphatase (Acp-2) in the laboratory rat: Possible homology with mouse AP-1 and human ACP2

A genetic locus controlling the electrophoretic mobility of an acid phosphatase in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) is described. The locus, designed Acp-2, is not expressed in erythrocytes but is expressed in all other tissues studied. The product of Acp-2 hydrolyzes a wide variety of phosphate monoesters and is inhibited by l(+)-tartaric acid. Inbred rat strains have fixed either allele Acp-2^a or allele Acp-2^b. Codominant expression is observed in the respective F₁ hybrids. Backcross progenies revealed the expected 1:1 segregation ratio. Possible loose linkage was found between the Acp-2 and the Pep-3 gene loci at a recombination frequency of 0.36±0.06.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Grant Be 352/15) and by a grant from the Alexander-von-Humboldt-Stiftung (VB2-FLF).     

关养密度和成年雄鼠填充物的气味对黄毛鼠(Rattus rattoides)的发育和性成熟的影响(英文)

黄毛鼠（Ｒａｔｔｕｓ ｒａｔｔｉｄｅｓ）在群居（４只／笼）时体重及性器官,如睾丸和附睾的增长都受到了极大的抑制;血清中睾酮含量的迅速上升以及成熟精子在附睾的曲细精管中出现的时间也比单独关养的晚。成年雄鼠的笼填充物的气味能够诱导幼年雄鼠体重,睾丸的总量和长度以及血清中睾酮的含量的增加。     

Habitat utilization patterns of sympatric populations of Pseudomys gracilicaudatus and Rattus lutreolus in coastal heathland: A multivariate analysis

Abstract Habitat usage characteristics of two species of native murid rodents, Pseudomys gracilicaudatus and Rattus lutreolus were investigated on an area of coastal heathland at Myall Lakes National Park. A grid of 151 trap stations comprising 17 traplines was positioned across a mosaic of habitats. At each trap station 19 structural vegetation and physical variables known to affect the microdistribution of small mammals were measured. Multivariate statistical procedures identified those microhabitat variables that contribute to individual species' habitat use and habitat partitioning, and reduce potential competition for space. Cluster analysis classified trap stations into one of six habitat types that were mapped on the study area, identifying a heterogeneous assemblage of interlocking habitats. The pattern is a consequence of topographic variation on the site and, to a lesser extent, its fire history. Trapping results show P. gracilicaudatus and R. lutreolus exhibit similar macrohabitat selection, preferring topographically low habitats, with both species predominantly occupying short dense heath with dense sedge cover. The high overlap in macrohabitat use is greatly reduced when considered trap station by trap station, so that discriminant function and multiple regression analyses demonstrate marked microhabitat selection. Elevation was a highly significant variable, accounting for 41% and 27% of the variance in the habitat used by P. gracilicaudatus and R. lutreolus, respectively. This variable represents a soil moisture gradient that determines changes in the floristic and structural components of the biotic environment. Two other structural vegetation variables and vegetation height contributed 30% of the variance in P. gracilicaudatus distribution. Sedge cover was found to be significant and explained 13% of the variance in R. lutreolus distribution. Within-habitat separation was explained best with a linear combination of variables in a discriminant function, rather than by any single variable. Differential microhabitat selection, interference competition and diet separation appear to be the major factors facilitating coexistence of these two species.     

家兔与大鼠腓肠肌的生后发育比较

研究分析了家兔、大鼠腓肠肌在生后各年龄阶段的内侧头、外侧头的内侧亚体、中间亚体或外侧浅亚体、外侧亚体或外侧深亚体内快慢肌纤维的发育情况，应用大体解剖结合组织化学方法确定了其肌亚体，并进行琥珀酸脱氢酶染色、图像分析两型肌纤维的直径特征，以及肌构筑学与肌诱发电位的测量。结果表明：家兔在生后1个月时，内侧亚体从其深面凸现于内侧头与外侧亚体之间，中间亚体居于内侧亚体远端；大鼠内侧头未能区分肌亚体，其外侧头分为内侧亚体、外侧浅亚体，而外侧深亚体居于外侧浅亚体的深面呈重叠状：生后2、3天均未能分出Ⅰ、Ⅱ型肌纤维，也未见有原始肌束；Ⅰ、Ⅱ型肌纤维比例随年龄增长而变化，内侧亚体的Ⅱ型肌纤维比例在家兔与大鼠的生后发育中始终占优，而在其它各肌亚体内，Ⅱ型肌纤维的比例在发育中不恒定，直至成年后Ⅱ型肌纤维才趋于稳定并占优。在生长发育过程中，各肌亚体内Ⅱ型肌纤维的直径在各年龄段均大于Ⅰ型肌纤维。生后6个月家兔外侧头内侧亚体(FL／CSA)比值越大，倾向于速度型构筑；内侧头、中间亚体和外侧亚体(CSA／MW)比值越大，倾向于力量型构筑。大鼠腓肠肌外侧头内侧亚体乙酰胆碱酯酶染色显示葡萄状运动神经末梢支配慢肌纤维，斑点状运动终板位于快肌纤维。     

社鼠一新亚种——闹牛社鼠

社鼠是鼠科的一种,我国已记载的有六种。作者在吉林西部闹牛山采得一新亚种,其尾短,尾长率小于1,与已知各亚种不同,定名为社鼠闹牛亚种(Rattus nivienter naoniuensis,subsp.nov)。     

Diphacinone with cholecalciferol for controlling possums and ship rats

ABSTRACT

Potent second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides such as brodifacoum have been used as more effective alternatives to first-generation anticoagulants, such as warfarin. A combination of diphacinone at 0.005% and cholecalciferol at 0.06% produces a slow-acting bait that is effective at killing possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and rodents. Cage trials with groups of possums and ship rats (Rattus rattus) achieved a mortality of 87% and 86% for possums and ship rats, respectively. Two field trials, each 200 hectares in size, targeting possums, ship rats and mice achieved an average reduction in the abundance of 94% for possums, 94% for ship rats and 80% for mice. The combination of diphacinone and cholecalciferol appears effective and has a favourable risk profile compared with second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, such as brodifacoum. Approval of this new bait by the New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency was granted in 2018 and final registration obtained from the Ministry of Primary Industries in 2019.     

Ectoparasites of feral sheep on Campbell Island

Abstract

Melophagus ovinus (the sheep ked), Damalinia ovis (the sheep biting louse), and, for the first time, Chorioptes bovis (the scrotal mange mite) were found on Campbell Island on feral sheep that had never been shorn or dipped. M. ovinus was present on all animals; infestation levels were independent of the age or sex of the host. More ewes than rams were infested with D. ovis, although 4-tooth and younger rams were more frequently infested than older rams. Louse numbers were higher on older ewes (6-tooth and older) than on younger ewes, but on rams were independent of the age of the host. No other ectoparasites were found.