Preliminary study on the occurrence of intestinal parasites in Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) in Zoo Negara, Malaysia

A preliminary study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of intestinal parasites in the faeces of captive Malayan tapir in Zoo Negara, Malaysia. A total of 12 fresh faecal samples were collected from three different individuals and screened for eggs and larvae using the sedimentation technique. The results shows that Strongylus sp. infection was the highest with 43 %, followed by Strongyloides sp. and Fasciola sp. with 17 % each, Balantidium sp. 11 %, Ascaris sp. 9 % and unidentified 3 %. Fasciola sp. and Ascaris sp. were found in samples obtained from one individual kept in a cage while Balantidium sp. was found in the free-roaming individuals. Previous information on parasitic diseases in tapir was largely derived from those found in the wild. This study highlights the first record on parasitic infection in captive tapir in Malaysia. In addition, due to pathogenic importance of the parasites to both animals and humans, the population should be closely monitored. Considering the endangered status of the Malayan tapir, further studies are needed to highlight this issue.