Naming no names: Comments on the taxonomy of small piroplasmids in canids

Abstract

Based on phylogenetic analyses, various taxonomic changes have recently been proposed for tick-transmitted small piroplasmids, including descriptions of new species. It is however essential that any such changes comply with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, and some recently proposed names are therefore invalid. The use of informal clade names is necessary until formal valid descriptions are available.