Paralysis of laboratory rabbits by nymphae of Ixodes rubicundus, Neumann 1904 (Acarina: Ixodidae) and some effects on the life-cycle following feeding under different temperature conditions

Abstract

Feeding under constant cold conditions resulted in a marginal shortening of feeding period and a major shortening of the subsequent developmental phase of all stages of Ixodes rubicundus Neumann 1904, the Karoo paralysis tick. Paralysis occurred in laboratory rabbits when nymphae were fed on them under constant warm, constant cold and fluctuating ambient winter conditions. This paralysis was found to be dependant on infestation rate and feeding conditions. Under constant cold conditions paralysis resulted from lower levels of infestation than under warm or under fluctuating winter conditions. Neurological parameters used in assessing the progression of the paresis are discussed.