Influence of age on the prevalence of parasitic infections among wild mammals in Thrissur Zoo, Thrissur, Kerala

Abstract

An investigation into the influence of age on the prevalence of parasitic infections among wild mammals in captivity in Thrissur Zoo was carried out by regular faecal examination over a period of one year. The prevalence of helminthic infection in herbivores and omnivores was higher in the animals aged one year and above, the rates being 71.62% and 65.9%, respectively, when compared to their younger counter parts of age one month to one year, the rates being only 51.8% and 64.7%, respectively. The animals of age below one month of both groups were found to be negative for helminthic infections.