Ectoparasites associated with small mammals (orders Insectivora, Eulipotyphla, and Rodentia) in Razan plain, western region of Iran

Abstract

There is a wide distribution of small mammals all over the world and they harbor a large number of ectoparasites. The objectives of this project were to determine the prevalence and intensity of ectoparasites of small mammals in the Razan plain region. From February 2010 to November 2013, small mammals were collected by live traps. Animals were anesthetized and ectoparasites were collected, preserved in ethanol, and then identified. A total of 192 small mammals in five species including three species of rodents, one species of shrew, and one species of hedgehog were caught of which ultimately 13 species of ectoparasites were collected: three species of sucking lice, four species of fleas, and six species of ticks. In total, 62.5% of small mammals were infested with at least one species of ectoparasites. Statistical analysis did not show any significant relationship between gender and ectoparasites (p ˃ 0.05). Also, no significant correlation was found between altitude and the parasite abundance (Spearman's test: p > 0.05). The results of the present study indicated high infestation of small mammals and their potential for zoonosis in the Razan plain.

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