Vol. 9, Special Issue 3 (2024)

Author(s): A Latchumikanthan, E Tamileniyan, M Jeevitha, M Veeraselvam, VR Kundave, K Karthika, R Velusamy and M Saravanan

Abstract: A rescued male rat snake was presented with reluctance to move and dullness. Physical examination revealed the presence of ticks over the body surface which was collected for morphological identification. Haematological analysis indicated anemia and leucocytosis in the snake. The ticks were identified as Amblyomma gervaisi and Amblyomma pattoni based on morphological characteristics. Blood smears revealed the presence of intracytoplasmic halter-shaped gamonts of Haemoproteus sp. within the nucleated erythrocytes which was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using genus-specific primers. The snake was treated with Ivermectin and Chloroquine for successive days. These findings contribute to the welfare of snake health and tick-borne diseases, emphasizing the importance of their management and conservation.