Vol. 15 No. 5 (2000): May
Case Report

A survey of gastro-intestinal parasites of wild animals in captivity in the V.O.C. Park and Mini Zoo, Coimbatore

Published 2000-05-21

Abstract

Indian zoo animals are exposed to and susceptible to many parasitic diseases, a fact of much concern albeit few data from cursory examinationand postmortem studies.  A typical mini zoo in Coimbatore was surveyed fro gastro-intestinal parasites of wild animals by examining 60 fecal samples.  The examination revealed a high percentage (58%) of captive animals were positive specifically for helminth parasitic infections and some (6%) were positive for protozoan infections.  Strongyle, Trichuris, Strongloides as well as Coccidia were present in case of herbivores and Toxocara, Ancylostoma as well as Artyfechinostomum in case of carnivores.