Retrospective Study of Helminthiasis in Wild Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) Rescued by Dharmasraya Sumatran Tiger Rehabilitation Center

Abstract

This study aims to determine the incidence of worm infection in wild Panthera tigris sumatrae rescued at Dharmasraya Sumatran Tiger Rehabilitation Center ARSARI based on physical and laboratory examination. The study used 12 Sumatran tigers, immediately after the tigers had been rescued. All Sumatran tigers were physically examined, followed by checking their blood and fecal for investigating the possibility of helminthiasis infections. The fecal examination method was carried out using qualitative methods (native, sedimentation, and flotation). The results of the physical examination found that 5 tigers didn’t show any clinical symptoms and 7 tigers were anemic and dehydrated with their blood profiles showing the presence of eosinophilia. The results also found that there were five types of worm eggs, namely Ancylostoma sp. (75%), Toxocara sp. (25%), Trichuris sp. (25%), Strongyloides sp. (8.3%) and Trichostrongylus sp. (8.3%) with a 100% helminthiasis incidence. These results of this retrospective study are expected to provide information on helminthiasis infection in wild P.t. sumatrae in their natural habitat. In conclusion, all of 12 rescued tigers suffering from helminthiasis with the main clinical symptoms being anemia, dehydration and eosinophilia .