Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Blackbuck ( Antelope cervicapra Linnaeus, 1758) of Blackbuck Conservation Area, Khairapur, Bardia, Nepal

Abstract

Blackbuck is a species of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, diversity, and concurrency of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in the blackbuck population of the Blackbuck Conservation Area in Nepal. A total of 150 fecal samples of blackbuck were collected and examined using the iodine wet mount and concentration technique. The results revealed an overall prevalence of 96% for GI parasites, with females having a higher prevalence than males. Ten different genera of parasites belonging to protozoa, cestode, trematode, and nematode groups were identified with Paramphistomum sp. (55.33%) having the highest prevalence followed by Strongyloides sp. (52%), Fasciola sp. (36%), Haemonchus sp. (26%), Moniezia sp. (24%), Trichostrongylus sp. (21.33%), Eimeria sp. (19.33%), Entamoeba sp. (15.33%), Ascaris sp. (8.67%) and Trichuris sp. (7.33%). The study also revealed mixed infection with one to six genera in each sample, with triple infections being the most prevalent. Most of the blackbucks exhibited light infection, while five specific parasite types showed heavy infection levels. These findings suggest a significant threat to the health and survival of the blackbuck population, highlighting the need for effective parasite control measures to prevent the spread of infection and improve overall health.