Observations on successive infestations of the rabbit host by the ticksRhipicephalus appendiculatus andR. zambeziensis (Acari: Ixodidae)

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Abstract
Successive infestation of the rabbit host by instars of the brown ear tickRhipicephalus appendiculatus resulted in a progressive decline in engorgement and egg weights of adult instars and a reduction in percentage recovery of nymphs and larvae. Repetitive infestation with adults and larvae resulted in increased skin hypersensitivity reactions at the attachment site. Successive infestation withR. zambeziensis caused a more significant decline in engorgement and egg weights of adults than forR. appendiculatus. Percentage recoveries of larvae and nymphs were also significantly reduced. A cross-infestation study indicated thatR. appendiculatus andR. zambeziensis share antigenic moieties.