Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive non-human primates of zoological gardens in North-Eastern region of India

The increasing emergence of wildlife diseases with the possibility of ecological threats as well as domestic animals and human health has prompted the importance of understanding disease dynamics and associated risks in biological conservation. The present study was undertaken from the North Eastern part of India from July 2017 to June 2018 to identify different gastrointestinal parasites based on faecal sample examination in various captive non-human primates (NHPs). Fresh stool sample (10-15 g) was collected and examined by both sedimentation and floatation techniques to identify parasitic ova and cysts. Out of 145 NHPs examined, 32 (22.06%) were found positive for any of the gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites based on morphological characteristics of either ova or cyst. It can be inferred from the study that captive NHPs are much more susceptible to GI parasite infection. Proper management is necessary to maintain this part of the ecosystem.