Reports of Microthoracius mazzai (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) infestations in alpaca (Vicugna pacos) herds from Austria and Germany

Sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) constitute obligate and permanent insect ectoparasites of mammals and exhibit a hematophagous lifestyle. In South American camelids, three species of the genus Microthoracius have been described, however, reports outside South America are scarce. Here we describe infestations with Microthoracius mazzai in three alpaca (Vicugna pacos) herds from Austria (Styria and Salzburg), and Germany (Bavaria). Overall, lice infestations were detected in eight animals. Four of them exhibited a massive generalized infestation. Lice specimens were identified as M. mazzai using morphological keys. First molecular characterization of M. mazzai, including DNA barcodes based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene, is provided. Although rarely reported outside South America, lice of the genus Microthoracius should be considered as the cause for pruritus and dermatitis in South American camelids worldwide.