Studies on prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in captive wild herbivores in Nandanvan zoo, Raipur

The present study was undertaken to study the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites (GIP) in captive wild herbivores in Nandanvan Zoo, Raipur with respect to species, age, sex and season to assess the intensity of gastro-intestinal parasites in captive wild herbivores. A total of 145 faecal samples were collected from enclosures of various captive wild herbivores which were examined by direct, sedimentation, floatation method and Mc master technique. The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in captive wild herbivores was reported to be 27.50%. Seasonal prevalence was reported to be 16.00% in summer season and 35.70% in pre-monsoon season respectively. Amongst all species studied, Blue bull showed highest prevalence (61.90%) of GI parasites. The gastro-intestinal parasitic infection was recorded to be higher in male (55.55%) than in female animals (50.00%). During the study, prevalence of trematodes was 37.10%, nematodes was 62.50% and mixed infection was recorded in 32.50% cases. Strongyle spp. was the most commonly observed GIP in 62.50% (25/40) animals while Paramphistomum was least reported species in 5.00% (2/40) animals. The highest EPG count was observed in Chausingha and blue bull during pre-monsoon season (EPG= 700) and lowest EPG (100) count was recorded in Spotted deer during summer season.