The purpose of the research is finding out features of fauna and ecology of ixodid ticks parasitizing in the Non-Black Earth Region of the central part of the East European Plain, which inhabit the Kaluga Region.
Materials and methods. Ixodid ticks were collected and recorded according to generally accepted methods in all districts of the Kaluga Region and the city of Kaluga in 2009–2019 during their activity (in the spring from the melting of snow and until late autumn before the snow cover formation). A total of 11,282 ticks were collected in 412 flag-hours, of which 7,421 (65.7%) were collected from vegetation and 3,861 (34.3%) from animals. We studied open meadow and field areas, forest and shrub areas, closed meadow and field areas, and wetland stations and settlements. The species was identified using the Atlas of ixodid ticks by Ganiev and Aliverdiev (1968) and the Atlas by Shevkoplyas (2008).
Results and discussion. There are two species of ixodid ticks in the Kaluga Region, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentоr reticulatus. The number of D. reticulatus slightly exceeds (by 6%) I. ricinus, 53 and 46% respectively, which is explained by the even distribution of forest and meadow (pasture) biotopes in the Region. The abundance index of I. ricinus was 16.8±1.32 individuals per 1 flag-hour in forest biotopes, and 11.6±1.12 individuals per 1 flag-hour in meadow biotopes. The abundance index of D. reticulatus was 10.8±1.14 individuals per 1 flag-hour in forest biotopes, and 15.9±1.30 individuals per 1 flag-hour in meadow biotopes.

The purpose of the research is studying mixed zoonosis of sheep intestines and helminth biodiversity in the altitudinal zonation of Dagestan.
Materials and methods. We used materials in our work that were collected in 1985-2018 from sheep (young animals up to 1 year old, 1 to 2 years old, and 3 years old and older) by seasons of the year. 5,000 fecal samples were tested and 180 intestinal dissections were performed. We used the method of complete helminthological dissection of animals and humans per Skrjabin, the method of sequential washing of feces according to Berman-Orlov, the method of cultivation of gastrointestinal Strongylata larvae in a thermostat, and the method of their differentiation according to Shumakovich by shape, number and location of intestinal cells.
Results and discussion. In terms of species, representatives of the genera Nematodirus Ransom, 1907, 7 species, Trichostrongylus Loss, 1905, 5 species, Ostertagia Ransom, 1907, 6 species, and Cooperia Ransom, 1907, 4 species prevail in the plain and sub-mountain belts of Dagestan. At the population level, the species Nematodirus, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus are more often recorded. H. contortus (Rudolphi, 1803), N. spathiger (Railliet, 1896), N. filicollis (Rudolphi, 1802), T. axei (Cobb., 1879), T. capricola (Ransom, 1907), T. colubriformis (Giles, 1829), Cooperia oncophora (Ranson, 1907), C. punctata (Linstov, 1906), Bunostomum trigonocephalum (Railliet, 1902), and Chabertia ovina (Fabricius, 1788) were observed in the mountain belt.

The purpose of the research is establishing the composition, infection rates, species and group ratio of ectoparasites of the East European vole on the northern border of the range in Western Siberia (Middle Ob Region).
Materials and methods. In 2015–2018, in order to capture the provider of ectoparasites, the East European vole, we used methods of trap lines, trap trenches, and fence-traps; we recorded 173 animals from which we collected 881 specimens of gamasid mites, ixodic ticks, lice and fleas. To assess the quantitative indicators of ectoparasites, the indices generally accepted in parasitology were used.
Results and discussion. In 2014, it was established for the first time that there is a sibling species of the common vole, the East European vole in the Middle Ob Region (middle taiga of the forest zone of Western Siberia). In the city of Surgut and its neighborhood, this animal is confined to the most transformed biotopes. The ectoparasite complex of the East European vole includes 26 species of parasitic arthropods. By the number of species (13) and individuals, gamasid mites predominate, and the proportion of ixodic ticks, lice and fleas put together is almost 3 times lower. In a climate of the Middle Ob Region, the list of ectoparasites will no doubt grow as the range of habitats expands and the contacts of the East European vole with other small mammals increase, and its role in maintaining pathogen circulation of natural focal infectious diseases will increase.

The purpose of the research is to study the ecological plasticity of the eggs of Echinococcus granulosus in the mountainous zone of Kabardino-Balkaria.
Materials and methods. In the conditions of biotopes in the foothill zone, we set up experiments to determine the timing of development of the eggs of E. granulosus Batsch, 1786; Rud., 1801. The experiments were carried out using fresh eggs washed from the uterus of the indicated cestode. Egg samples in the amount of 10–15 thousand put on the experimental site monthly from March to November. For this, the eggs of E. granulosus were placed in glass jars, which were then placed on the biological site. To determine the viability of infective elements, samples of soil, water, faeces, hay, silage, and compound feed with parasite eggs were taken daily. In each case, 100 eggs from these samples were examined under a microscope. The possibility of overwintering E. granulosus eggs was studied in the mountainous zone. At the end of November, eggs of E. granulosus were added to samples of soil, water, faeces, hay, silage, and compound feed and left during the winter until March of the next year in the external environment. At the end of the winter period, these samples were examined by ovoscopy methods. The data were processed statistically.
Results and discussion. It has been established that the timing of reaching the infective stage by E. granulosus eggs in dog feces samples is in direct proportion to the ambient temperature. In March, at an average air temperature of 3.2 ºС, helminth eggs reach the infective stage in 27 days, in June and August – 7–9 days. In autumn, with a decrease in temperature, the maturation of the eggs of the parasite slows down. In September (20.6 ºС), the maturation of eggs to the infective stage was noted in 12 days, in November (8.0 ºС) – in 21 days. 28.0; 22.6; 37.4; 81.6; 74.2 and 92.6% of E. granulosus eggs, respectively in samples of soil, water, faeces, hay, silage and compound feed, retained their viability during the winter. On the distant pastures of Kabardino-Balkaria at an altitude of 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 m above sea level, 3.2–7.6 times more E. granulosus eggs overwinter in the body of terrestrial mollusks than in the soil, which confirms the fact of their active mechanical participation in the contamination of pastures with infective elements and in the implementation of the epizootic process.

The purpose of the research is analysis and compilation of literature data on involvement of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans in the spread of livestock animal pathogens.
Materials and methods. We have analyzed literature data from foreign sources over the past 30 years, which are indexed in the PubMed, Crossref, Web of Science and Scopus databases, about S. calcitrans as a potential vector of livestock animal pathogens.
Results and discussion. A literature review is presented on assessment of economic impact by the stable fly S. calcitrans on animal husbandry, as well as possible involvement of the S. calcitrans imago in the transmission of viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths which are animal pathogens.

The purpose of the research: comparative assessment of cattle infection with intestinal helminths in various provinces and characteristics of the relationship between abiotic and anthropogenic environmental factors with the level of infection and the number of helminths in the Altai Mountains.
Materials and methods. According to the results of long-term (2010–2019) ovolarvoscopic examinations, more than 2.4 thousand heads of cattle from 7 regions of the Altai Republic characterized by extensity of infection (EI) and the number of helminth eggs in 1 g of feces (NHE/g) in animals. By correlation analysis, the association of animal EI with helminths, NHE/g and abiotic and anthropogenic environmental factors in the context of farms and regions of the Altai Mountains is shown. The following parameters are estimated: long-term average annual temperature, long-term average annual rainfall, longterm average summer temperature, long-term average summer rainfall, altitude above the sea level, population density of the host, the effect of parasiticidal treatments of animals on parasite infection.
Results and discussion. It was found that animals are mostly infected with intestinal helminths in the Choy region, where the EI was 61.7% when detecting NHE/g 81.8 pcs. Minimal infection of cattle by helminths was recorded in the Kosh-Agach region – 38.8% with NHE/g of 22.9 pcs. In the whole country, EI of animals is 51.8% with an egg number of 44.1 individuals in 1 g of feces. Within the physical-geographical provinces, cattle are mostly infected in Central Altai (EI – 56.5%, NHE/g – 43.6 pcs.), to a lesser extent in Southeast Altai (EI – 38.8%, NHE/g – 22.9 pcs.). According to the results of ovoscopic examinations, it was found that the most significant factors affecting the infection of animals with intestinal helminths in farms are the long-term average annual precipitation (r = 0.60 and 0.34) and the degree of anthropogenic pressure (r = -0.52 and -0.59), in the context of districts, long-term average annual temperatures (r = 0.65 and 0.55), average annual summer rainfall (r = 0.74 and 0.65). According to larvoscopy, the most significant environmental factors affecting cattle infection are long-term average annual temperature (r = 0.62 and 0.72), long-term average annual rainfall (r = 0.76) and elevation (r = -0.71 and -0.73), in farms – the degree of anthropogenic press (r = -0.65 and -0.78).

The purpose of the research is to determine the main clinical signs of dirofilariosis in dogs, taking into account the peculiarities of animal exploitation and to analyze the efficacy and convenience of using some diagnostic techniques.
Materials and methods. The main clinical signs of dirofilariosis in dogs on the farms of Armenia have been studied. The presence of microfilariae was determined in native smears and using a modified Knott method. We also used the Asan Easy Test Heartworm and SNAP 4Dx Plus Test one-step cassette rapid tests for visual detection of Dirofilaria spp. antigen in blood serum.
Results and discussion. 8.5% of dogs in the farms of the Republic of Armenia are infected with Dirofilaria sp. The most infected were dogs aged 5–8 years (75%). The main symptomatic signs of dirofilariosis in dogs were established in the specific conditions of the studied region and the specifics of the specific exploitation of animals. It has been established that the immunochromatographic test systems Asan Easy Test Heartworm and SNAP 4Dx Plus Test for visual detection of canine Dirofilaria spp. antigen in blood serum are the most effective for the diagnosis of dirofilariosis.

The purpose of the research is analyzing ways and factors of trichinellosis causative agent Trichinella pseudospiralis transmitted in the Russian Federation.
Materials and methods. The main trichinellosis monitoring stages, methods of veterinary and sanitary examination for trichinellosis, and parameters for neutralization of the pathogen are given.
Results and discussion. The most likely circulation patterns of trichinellosis pathogen T. pseudospiralis in natural and synanthropic biocenoses, and the key links that ensure the activity of infection foci are presented.

The purpose of the research is studying intestinal mucosa-associated lymphadenoids (MALT) at trichinellosis.
Materials and methods. The number of lymphoid nodules and Peyer’s patches was counted by grossing and microscope slides of intestinal specimen. We investigated their syntopy and morphological traits in Trichinella-infected and control animals. All morphological structures were described in accordance with anatomical, immunological and histological terminology.
Results and discussion. The number of lymphoid nodules in the intestinal wall thickness increased by 1.63 times in the experimental group. The changes involved the syntopy of lymphoid tissue. There was an even distribution of lymphoid nodules being concentrated in some segments in the form of Peyer’s patches. The size of the grouped nodules in the experimental trichinellosis increased 1.31 times in the small intestine, and 1.26 times in the straight intestine. It was found that the MALTs were sensitive to the infection. Immunomorphological studies of the MALT should be considered in the development of safe complex drugs, immunostimulants or vaccines. Further, the condition of the MALT should be taken into account in the pathogenesis of trichinellosis along with classical methods such as parasitological (larvae or egg counts), immunological, immunohistochemical or other methods.

The purpose of the research is studying the tolerability profile of drug» Gelmintal Mini Syrup» based on toltrazuril and moxidectin in therapeutic and increased doses administered once and repeatedly to target animal species.
Materials and methods. The experiments were carried out on 45 cats and kittens, and 45 dogs and puppies. In each experiment, the animals were divided according to the principle of analogy into three groups of 5 animals each. In the first experiment, the drug was administered once in two- and 5-fold increased doses; and the animals were followed-up for 30 days. In the second experiment, the drug was used daily for 7 days in therapeutic and 3-fold increased therapeutic doses; and the animals were followed-up for 15 days. During the experiments, we recorded the animals’ general condition, behavior and appetite, monitored their body weight and temperature, and collected blood and urine to study a number of parameters that characterize the physiological state of experimental animals.
Results and discussion. «Gelmintal Mini Syrup» in therapeutic and increased doses administered once and repeatedly does not adversely affect the general condition of cats and dogs. Hematological, biochemical and urological values were within the physiological range.

The purpose of the research is conducting pharmaco-toxicological assessment of Gelmintal Mini Syrup based on a combination of moxidectin and toltrazuril.
Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 64 white male rats and 40 white mice. Each animal species was divided into 4 equivalent groups of 6–10 animals each. When studying acute toxicity, the drug was administered in the form of a syrup (without dilution) to animals once at doses of 11 400, 22 800 and 28 500 mg/kg; when studying subchronic toxicity, the drug was administered daily for 14 days at doses of 570, 1425 and 2850 mg/kg (1/10 and 1/20 and 1/50 of the maximum possible dose administered into the stomach according to the vivisection results). When studying acute toxicity, the animals were followed up for 14 days; we recorded the general condition and behavior of the animals, changes in their body weight, the manifestation of toxic symptoms or possible death. When studying subchronic toxicity, the animals were followed up during the entire period of the drug use (14 days); on the 15th and 24th days of the experiment, we performed euthanasia, collected the blood to determine hematological and biochemical values, and carried out macroscopic examination of the organs.
Results and discussion. We did not record the animals’ death at doses of 11 400, 22 800 and 28 500 mg/kg; and no signs of intoxication were noted for the entire follow-up period. LD50 of Gelmintal Mini Syrup exceeds the dose of 28500 mg/kg, i.e. the drug is classified as the 4th hazard class. The results of the studied subchronic toxicity showed that the drug was inactive at doses of 570 mg/kg, 1425 and 2850 mg/kg when administered orally for 14 days.

The purpose of the research is to study the cumulative properties of the long-acting preparation "Flyblock insecticidal tag".
Materials and methods. The cumulative properties of the "Flyblock insecticidal tag" preparation were studied by the subchronic toxicity method on 20 male guinea pigs, which were divided into experimental and control groups of 10 animals each. A solution for impregnating a polymer plate of the preparation "Flyblock insecticidal tag" was applied to the skin, on a previously trimmed area of the coat 4 × 4 cm in size in the spinal column using a disposable syringe for injection in doses from 0.1 to 1.12 LD50. To animals of the experimental group, the drug was applied at a dose of 187.40 mg/kg, equal to 1/10 of the previously established single lethal dose of LD50, then every subsequent 4 days the dose was increased 1.5 times. The control group of animals received 0.9 % saline solution at a dose of 2 ml. For 27 days, the physiological state of the animals, the nature and degree of activity and coordination of movements, the presence of tremors, seizures, paresis, paralysis were assessed; took into account the condition of the hair and mucous membranes, studied the symptoms of intoxication and recorded the death of animals. Dead guinea pigs were subjected to autopsy, detailed examination of the thoracic and abdominal cavities, and macroscopic examination of parenchymal organs and tissues.
Results and discussion. When studying the cumulative properties of the preparation "Flyblock insecticidal tag", the value of the cumulation coefficient was set equal to 11.6. In accordance with the classification of chemicals, including pesticides, a prolonged-release drug belongs to the group of substances with a weakly expressed degree of cumulation.

The purpose of the research is to test the efficacy of the supramolecular complex of ivermectin against gastro-intestinal nematodes of herd horses under production conditions.
Materials and methods. The test of the efficacy of the supramolecular complex of ivermectin was carried out from December 2018 to January 2019 in the North Caucasus Federal District of the Chechen Republic. Two herds of horses of 47 and 54 heads in each of different ages were selected, which were grazed all year round. To determine the infection of horses with nematodes of gastro-intestinal tract, 20 samples of fresh feces from each group were collected from the ground. It was not possible to collect samples from untamed horses to determine the infection by Oxiuris spp. Coproovoscopy was performed using the Fülleborn method. To count eggs in 1 g of faeces, a VIGIS counting chamber was used. The first group was given a 2.0% drug individually in a mixture with food at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg for active substance (AS) (according to the drug 75 mg). The drug was administered to the second group at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg for AS (for the drug 1.0 mg/kg) by the group method in a mixture with food, calculated on a live weight of 500 kg. The efficacy of the drug was determined 2 weeks after deworming according to coproovoscopy data. The efficacy of ivermectin complex was accounted for by the "critical test" method. After deworming, the animals were observed during the experiment.
Results and discussion. Dehelminthization of horses with a supramolecular complex of ivermectin at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg for AS in a mixture with mixed feed by a group method for mixed infection of various types of gastro-intestinal nematodes under production conditions showed 100% efficiency. Arabinogalactan in the supramolecular complex helps to eliminate the negative effect of AS (ivermectin) on the animal body. The mixture of the preparation with the food was readily consumed by the horses. Deworming horses of herd keeping with a preparation intended for use in a mixture with feed is technically convenient, practically uncomplicated, and at the same time, physical exertion during fixation of animals and industrial injuries are excluded. We did not observe any side effects after deworming horses.