Otobius megnini (1)

Question 1

What is the common name?

Answer 1

Spinose Ear tick

Question 2

What are the hosts?

Answer 2

Wild and domestic animals

Humans

Question 3

How do you identify?

Answer 3

Mouthparts not visible dorsally

Integument short sharp spines

Up to 8 mm unfed

Question 4

Explain the life cycle

Answer 4

One host tick

Lay eggs in sheltered sites
- Crevices in walls, under stones, under bark of trees

Larval and nymphal stages in the ear of host
- May remain on same host for several months

Adults nonparasitic

 - Survive in environment for over a year
 - Adults not on animal

Larvae and nymphs transported long distances with the host

Question 5

What is the predilection site?

Answer 5

Ears

Question 6

Describe the Pathogenesis

Answer 6

Large numbers in ear canal cause severe inflammation
- Rupture Ear Drum

Anemia

Loss of condition

Question 7

How do you treat and prevent?

Answer 7

Topical acaricidal creams

Insecticidal dusts

MCLs - some protection

Treatment of premises

Question 8

What is important about Otobius megnini?

Answer 8

It is ZOONOTIC!