Parasitism by Acari and Phthiraptera on guinea pigs [Cavia porcellus (Linnaeus, 1758)] from rural and urban environment in Silva Jardim and Duque de Caxias municipal districts, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

Abstract

In the present study ectoparasites lodger from 28 guinea pigs living in two differents counties of the Rio de Janeiro state. The guinea pigs were immobilized mechanically for ectoparasite removal. The parasite specimens collected were counted with the aid of a stereoscopic microscope and identified under light microscope. A total of 3,134 mites were removed from seven guinea pigs from country side. From the 21 guinea pigs of the urban area, 1,472 mites were collected, all being the species Chirodiscoides caviae. Two hundred and sixty three chewing-lice were found on animals from urban enviromment and 567 chewing-lice from those of the rural enviromment, representing three different species: Gliricola porcelli, Gyropus ovalis and Trimenopon hispidum. The values of Parasitic Abundance and Mean Intensity of Parasitism were very close and the Prevalence in these groups was very high. It was concluded that habitat of the guinea pigs influences the parasitic load of the ectoparasites found in the present study.