Abstract
A choice test bioassay was devised to screen compounds as potential semiochemicals (e.g., kairomones or allomones that mediate aggregation, attraction or repellence) for the obligate parasitic mite, Psoroptes ovis. The choice test used filter paper discs in a 1:4 test:control ratio and was found to be a reliable, effective and efficient method. Four mammalian lipid components were assessed as potential attractants—linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, methyl myristate and squalene—, and the insect/tick repellent DEET for potential repellence. Linoleic acid was significantly attractive to P. ovis adult females and has the potential to act as an attractant. Identification of P. ovis semiochemicals, especially attractants, would be beneficial in the development of novel control methods and tools for this species. This is essential considering the increase in resistance to the limited prophylactic chemical treatments in the UK, and the high prevalence of scab infections.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the animal technicians for their assistance, and Mr. Bhushy Thind for useful discourse on sheep scab disease. All procedures within this study were carried out according to legislation required under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (as amended).
Funding
This project was funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Grant No. VM0514).
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Dunn, J.A., Prickett, J.C., Collins, D.A. et al. Choice test to determine potential attractants and repellents for the sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis (Acari: Psoroptidae). Exp Appl Acarol 79, 187–194 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-019-00416-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-019-00416-x