Studies on prevalence of endo-parasitic infection in wild carnivores maintained under captive state

Abstract

The present study was conducted to observe the prevalence of endo-parasites in wild carnivores maintained under captive state at Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari unit near to Veterinary College, Shimoga. A total of 54 wild carnivores were included in the study and the fresh fecal samples were collected, examined on the same day by direct and sedimentation techniques for endo-parasitic eggs/ova in the laboratory. Out of 15 tigers samples screened, 12 were harboring mixed infections of Strongyle spp., Toxocara spp, oocysts of coccidia and Spirometra spp. ova/eggs. Among 21 leopards sample screened, only 11 fecal samples showed eggs of Toxocara spp. and three showed eggs/ova of Spirometra spp. Of the 12 lion fecal samples examined, only 3 harbored eggs Toxocara spp. and two showed mixed infections of Strongyle spp., Toxocara spp, oocysts of coccidia. Among six Jackals screened, three faecal samples found positive for Strongyle spp. and Toxocara spp. eggs/ova.