EVALUATION OF PARASITIC GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN CAPTIVE MAMMALS AT OGBA ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN AND NATURE PARK, BENIN CITY

Abstract

This study investigated the gastro-intestinal helminthes present in the capture-held mammals at Ogba Zoological garden comprising a total of twenty-six(26) resident mammals representing thirteen (13) wildlife species, between the period of March and June, 2019. The objectives of this study were to identify the common helminthes present in the zoo mammals, estimate number of positive animal species and investigate the prevalence, abundance and diversity of the gastro intestinal helminthes among the animals. Fecal samples of the animals were collected from the study site and subjected to direct microscopic examination and concentration techniques. Overall, a total of four (4) helminthes parasites’ eggs and cyst were identified; Strongyle spp. (Threadworm), Trichuris trichuria (Whipworm) Ancyclostoma duodenale (Hookworm) and Nematodes’ eggs. A protozoan species (Entamoeba spp) was also detected in the Grey Monkeys. Fourteen (14) (53.84%) of the sampled animals were infected with the gastrointestinal helminthes parasites and eggs. Strongyle spp (30.8%), was the most prevalent gastro intestinal helminth found among the animals used for the study, while 19.2% prevalence of Hookworm (15.4%) of whipworm, (15.4%) of Entamoeba spp and (3.8%) of Nematode eggs were recorded. The gastro-intestinal helminthes were highly distributed among the Mona monkeys and grey monkeys. The Nematode eggs and larvae were isolated in the Donkey. Hookworm was highly spread among the Baboons and also found in the Civet Cat. 46.16% of the examined animals were free from gastrointestinal helminthes infection. No record of parasitic helminthes were found in the Chimpanzee, Patas monkeys, White-throated monkeys, Crested porcupine, horses, Maxwell duiker, lion and Hyena in the study site