The effect of ivermectin on the development and reproduction of Haemaphysalis longicornis
Author of the article:WANG Duo；GAO Xiao-He；LIU Jing-Ze
Author's Workplace：Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China；Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China；Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
Key Words： Haemaphysalis longicornis; ivermectin; development; reproduction; tick control
Abstract：[Objectives] To investigate the effectiveness of injected ivermectin for controlling infestation with Haemaphysalis longicornis. [Methods] Different doses of ivermectin were injected subcutaneously into New Zealand white rabbits infected with H. longicornis. Biological parameters including biting rate, mortality, feeding period, engorgement weight, female fecundity, hatchability, and changes in ovarian morphology and eggs, were measured to determine the effect of ivermectin on the reproduction and development of H. longicornis. [Results] Treatment with ivermectin had no significant effect on the biting rate of larvae, nymphs or adult females, but did significantly increase the mortality of larvae and nymphs, significantly prolonged the feeding period, and reduced the engorged weight of both nymphs and female ticks. Ivermectin also significantly reduced the number of eggs laid per female, hatchability, and inhibited ovarian development. [Conclusion] Injection with ivermectin can effectively suppress the development and reproduction of H. longicornis and could be an effective treatment for controlling this parasite.