Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive animals in selected private zoos in south-west Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the gastrointestinal parasite profile of captive animals kept in three private zoological gardens (Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park, Q-BRAT Zoos and Gardens, OMU Resort) in south-west Nigeria. Animals were screened for gastrointestinal parasites via faecal analysis using standard coprological techniques. A total of 104 faecal samples were collected from forty-three animal species across the three zoos. Faecal samples examination revealed an overall parasite prevalence of 41.37%. The prevalence in OOPL was 35.29%, 62.5% in Q-BRAT and 40.54% in OMU. Gastrointestinal helminths identified were hookworm, Ascaris sp, Clonorchis sp, Enterobius sp,  Trichuris sp and Dipylidium sp, while Entamoeba sp, Giardia sp and coccidian parasites were the only protozoans present. Hookworm and Ascaris sp had the highest prevalence of 39.53% and 18.60% respectively. Prevalence across five categories of captive animals (aves, herbivores, carnivores, primates and reptiles) showed that primates and herbivores had the highest prevalence rates (54.55% and 43.75% respectively). Coccidian parasites had the highest intensity in birds at OOPL. This study shows the presence of parasites of zoonotic importance (Entamoeba sp, Hookworm, Ascaris sp, Giardia sp Enterobius sp and Trichuris sp) among screened animals. The result of this survey calls for the improvement of husbandry practices,  continuous parasite surveillance and therapeutic practices in the zoos in order to prevent a breakdown of animal and public health.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal parasites; captive animals; zoological gardens, zoonosis; public health; south-west Nigeria.