Abstract:
The potential of the ixodid tick, Rhipicephalus zambeziensis, was investigated as a vector in the
transstadial transmission of the foot-and-mouth disease virus by feeding nymphae on viraemic (log
1,0-4,0 TCID₅₀/ml) cattle. Suspensions were prepared, at various intervals after detachment, from
pools of engorged nymphae - some of which were allowed to moult first. Suspensions were inoculated
into sucking mice, cell cultures and, in some cases, cattle to detect the FMD virus. Newly moulted
adult ticks, derived from nymphae which had fed on viraemic cattle, were also allowed to feed on
susceptible cattle. The pattern of virus detection indicated that the FMD virus was capable of surviving
at least 3 d in engorged nymphae, but less than 7 d following repletion. It was concluded that
R. zambeziensis is unlikely to transmit the FMD virus.
