A survey of gastro-intestinal parasites of wild animals in captivity in the V.O.C. Park and Mini Zoo, Coimbatore

Abstract

Indian zoo animals are exposed to and susceptible to many parasitic diseases, a fact of much concern albeit few data from cursory examination and postmortem studies. A typical mini zoo in Coimbatore was surveyed for gastro-intestinal parasites of wild animals by examining 60 fecal samples. The examination revealed a high percentage (58%) of captive animals were positive specifically for helminth parasitic infections and some (6%) were positive for protozoan infections. Strongyle, Trichuris, Strongyloides as well as Coccidia were present in case of herbivores and Toxocara, Ancylostoma as well as Artyfechinostomum in case of carnivores. with solution containing 5% formalin and 2% potassium dichromate. Then the samples were brought to the laboratory, processed using the concentration method of centrifugatio n- cum-sedimentation technique and examined for parasitic infections. The results are presented in Table 1. Results and Discussion The results of host-wise examination of the faecal samples are incorporated in Table 1. Out of the 60 animals examined 35 (58%) were found to be positive for parasitic infections, of which all 35 animals had helminth infection and three (6%) animals also had intestinal protozoan infection. Among helminthic infections, the prevalence of nematode infections was higher when compared to those of cestode and trematode infections. Among the infected animals, herbivores showed multiple infections with more than one helminth parasite. Strongyle and Trichuris were the most commonly found parasite ova in the herbivores. Other infections observed in herbivores were ascarid, Moniezia, spirurid, Strongyloides, Coccidia and Balantidium. Among carnivores, Toxocara and Ancylostoma were the significant infections specifically present. Other infections such as spirurid, Strongyloides and Artyfechinostomum were also observed in carnivores. The existing infections can be controlled by adopting suitable antihelmintic therapy and managemental procedures, but the possibility of recurrence is always there due to stress and also due to the closer proximity animals in a very small area. The possibility of transmission of zoonotic infections among the animals and the keepers also exist and requires investigation.