Raillietia auris (Mesostigmata: Raillietiidae) in cattle in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Parasitic otitis in cattle, caused by mites, has been reported from several continents. The present study aimed to determine the distribution, prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, and range of the agent in cattle in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The samples were designed at random, with an acceptable margin of error of 3% and a confidence interval of 99%. A total of 449 animals were sampled immediately after slaughter from 34 different municipalities in the state using the technique of flushing both ear canals. Only Raillietia auris (Leidy, 1872) were found, with a prevalence of 98.6%, mean intensity of 53.78 mites/animal, and a range of 1-323. Impressively, the prevalence found was identical to another survey carried out 39 years ago in the same region. Details about the parasite intensity in different age categories of the animals are presented. The study demonstrates that the prevalence and intensity of infestation by Raillietia auris are high, and in older cattle are higher than young ones.