Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Ruminants at Central Zoo, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Central Department of Zoology
Abstract
The present study was done in Central Zoo of Nepal to find out the prevalence of gastrointestinal
parasites and basic management practice in present ruminant species. Zoo is the
special place where wild animals are kept for exhibition which plays crucial role in
recreation, relaxation, education, research and so on. Ruminants are herbivores with four
chambered stomach. They are also get infected frequently by parasites. So, present study was
conducted to find the parasitic infections in ruminants. A total of 104 fecal samples were
collected from ruminants available at zoo in two different seasons' viz. winter (56) and
summer (48) with the help of zookeeper. Fecal samples were preserved in 2.5% Potassium
dichromate (K
2
Cr
2
O
) in 25ml sterile vial and transported safely to laboratory of Central
Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal for microscopic
observation. Concentration method (flotation and sedimentation) were employed to recover
helminth eggs whereas iodine smear method was employed to recover protozoan cysts.
Gastro-intestinal parasites were identified by microscopic examination. Results revealed
overall prevalence of 59% parasitic infection whereas seasonal were 55% and 62% in winter
and summer respectively. Only one protozoan, Eimeria sp. (Eimeria without micropyle
(26%) and Eimeria with micropyle (15%)) was found and three helminth, nematode eggs
were recorded with highly prevalent Trichostrongylus sp. (39%) followed by Haemonchus
sp. (4%) and Strongyloides sp. (2%). No cestode and trematode were found during study
period. Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Himalayan Goral (Naemorhedus goral) and Sambar
Deer (Rusa unicolor) were found to be highly infected with intestinal parasites whereas
Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak) showed lowest. Through interview and observation,
management practice was found to be quite systematic but still care and deworming practice
should be more effective.
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