Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Endoparasites and Ectoparasites in Ex Situ Snakes in Barranquilla, Colombia

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of endoparasites and ectoparasites in ex situ snakes at the Barranquilla Zoo. Materials and Methods. Stool samples and ectoparasites of 2 colubrids (Leptophis ahaetulla and Spilotes pullatus), 2 diapsids (Oxybelys aeneus and Thamnodynastes paraguanae) and 13 boids (9 specimens of Boa constrictor, 2 of Epicrates maurus and 2 Eunectes murinus) were analyzed using flotation method in saturated sugar solution and direct observation. Results. The results showed that 65% (11/17) of the animals were positive to the presence of parasites. In relation to the positive specimens, 91% (10/11) belong to the Boidae family, presenting mostly nematodes, in the dipsadid’s samples mainly protozoans were observed and the colubrid’s samples were negative. Regarding ectoparasites, 2 species of ticks (Amblyomma dissimile and Ornothodoros turicata) were found in specimens of Boa constrictor, Epicrates maurus and Spilotes pullatus. Conclusions. The identification of parasites in this research represents a contribution to the study of parasitology in snakes ex situ in Colombia. It provides information to develop preventive measures against pathological agents and allows comparing results with other studies with animals in the wild and under human care.