Identificación y prevalencia de artrópodos ectoparásitos asociados en caprinos de raza criolla en la provincia de Santa Elena

Abstract

Goat breeding has been gaining strength in recent years in the country. In order to be successful in animal production, many factors must be taken into account. For example, one of them is ectoparasites. This problem can cause diseases and complications in animals and therefore ends in economic losses. Therefore, the research was carried out with the objective of identifying the prevalence of ectoparasites in Creole goats in Río Verde, province of Santa Elena. Ectoparasites were collected from 52 female goats, and then the samples were placed in jars with 70% alcohol to be transported to the laboratory where the identification analysis was carried out using a stereoscope. The result was the presence of the genus Rhipicephalus linnaei, a type of tick not previously described in Ecuador and known to attack the canine species. In addition, in terms of prevalence, it was determined that there is a 15% infestation of ectoparasites in 8 of 52 goats. In conclusion, it is inferred that the genus Rhipicephalus linnaei has evolved looking for larger hosts such as goats and has spread to reach Ecuador.