Breda Jakovac-Strajn (Author), Diana Brozić (Author), Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher (Author), Janja Babič (Author), Tomi Trilar (Author), Modest Vengušt (Author)

Abstract

True blister beetles (genusEpicauta, family Meloidae) produce cantharidin, which can causetoxicosis in humans and animals. Some recent reports suggest that poisoning by the blister beetlehas occurred in the Mediterranean part of Slovenia, which has never been reported before. Droughtand modern harvesting techniques are thought to increase the likelihood of blister beetle foragecontamination and cantharidin intoxication in animals. A survey of fields associated with blisterbeetle contamination was conducted and the Meloid species present were identified. Entomologicalsurveillance was conducted forMylabris variabilisandEpicauta rufidorsum. Cantharidin concentrationswere also measured in both blister beetle species. Cantharidin concentration inMylabris variabilis(n= 17) ranged from 0.038 to 0.354%g/mg (mean 0.151%g/mg). Cantharidin concentration inEpicauta rufidorsum(n= 36) ranged from 0.055 to 0.341%g/mg (mean 0.142%g/mg). Both speciesexhibited variable concentrations of cantharidin that could not be associated with their biology, sex,age, size, and/or reproductive status.Epicauta rufidorsumhave never previously been studied as apossible source of forage contamination, nor have cantharidin concentrations been determined in thisspecies. It is the most likely source of forage contamination due to its abundance in the investigatedfields, its swarming activity, and its tendency to reside in the green parts of plants immediately aftercutting. Delaying the simultaneous processing and storage of forage after cutting would reducethe likelihood of forage contamination by blister beetles, as they can then retreat to the ground orfly away.

Keywords

cantharidin toxicosis;LC-MS/MS;blister beetle;forage contamination;horse;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization: UL VF - Veterinary Faculty
UDC: 595.7:636.2
COBISS: 47503875 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 2076-2615
Views: 168
Downloads: 71
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Other data

Secondary keywords: Coleoptera;Meloidae;Epicauta;Cantharidin;Horses;
Type (COBISS): Article
Pages: art. 220, str. 1-9
Volume: ǂVol. ǂ11
Issue: ǂno. ǂ1
Chronology: 2021
DOI: 10.3390/ani11010220
ID: 13689612