Zoonotic
Guides
Culex nigripalpus
Florida SLE mosquito
Culex nigripalpus, commonly known as the Florida SLE mosquito, is a medium-sized, dark-colored blood-feeding mosquito and a significant disease vector in subtropical regions. It serves as the primary enzootic vector of Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus to wild birds and the primary epidemic vector to humans in Florida. The species has been demonstrated capable of transmitting West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, dog heartworm, and Avian malaria. Its habit of feeding on both birds and mammals gives it substantial potential for zoonotic transmission from birds to humans.
Macronyssidae
Macronyssidae is a family of parasitic mites in the order Mesostigmata, established by Oudemans in 1936. Members are obligate ectoparasites of vertebrates, primarily infesting reptiles, birds, and mammals. The family includes economically significant pests such as the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and the tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti), as well as the snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis). Macronyssids are hematophagous and have been documented as vectors of pathogens including Rickettsia and Bartonella species.
Oestrus ovis
sheep bot fly, sheep nostril fly
Oestrus ovis is an obligate parasitic fly (Diptera: Oestridae) that develops exclusively within the nasal and sinus cavities of sheep and related ungulates. Females are larviparous, depositing live first-instar larvae directly into host nostrils during flight. Larvae develop through three instars within the host before exiting to pupate in soil. The species causes oestrosis, a condition marked by nasal discharge, respiratory distress, and reduced productivity in livestock. Human infestations, though uncommon, have been documented worldwide.