Features of the spread of otodectosis in the cellular breeding of fur-bearing animals in fur farms of the Tver region

Fur farming is a profitable branch of agriculture in Russia and other countries. Highquality furs are valued on the market. Biotic and abiotic factors influence the growth, development and productivity of fur-bearing animals on farms. Ectoparasitoses in the group of invasive diseases are a biotic factor. Pathogens of ectoparasitosis are widespread among fur-bearing animals. Otodectosis caused by the ear mite Otodectes cynotis is the most common and pathogenic. Otodectosis leads to the death of young animals. We conducted a study of the epizootic situation regarding otodectosis among fur-bearing animals in the fur farms of the Tver region: “Mermerins” and “Savvatyevo”. We examined three types of fur-bearing animals: fox, American mink, and ferrets. During the examination, we conducted a clinical examination of animals and microscopic examination of parasitological material from the auricle and external auditory canal in order to detect O. cynotis. Based on our research, we were ahead of the peculiarities of the spread of otodectosis and presented the epizootic aspects of the circulation of this invasion in fur -bearing animals. Ear mites were found in all age groups of foxes (5 months, 1 year and 2 years), we found high rates prevalence of infection (from 81.0 to 100.0%), maximum in animals aged 2 years (100.0%). The relative intensity of infection varies from 12.8 to 23.4 copies; it is significantly reduced in animals aged 2 years (16.5 copies), the maximum recorded in animals aged 1 year (23.4 copies). Ear mites were found in ferrets in two age groups – 1 year and 2 years. The highest rates of ear mite infestation were found in animals aged 2 years; these indices are lower in animals aged 1 year. We examined American minks at both fur farms. According to our data, causative agents of otodectosis have not been identified in minks. Characteristic clinical signs of otodectosis were present in foxes, clinical signs of otodectosis were less common in ferrets, and there were no clinical signs of otodectosis in minks. Thus, the results obtained indicate a wide distribution of otodectosis in foxes and ferrets. Among foxes, we found high indices of invasion in all age groups; foxes participate equally in the circulation of O. cynotis; ferrets at the age of 2 years play a leading role in the circulation and maintenance of otodectosis.

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