Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Wild Ungulates In Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir, India

Abstract

Parasitic infection represents an emerging threat to wild ungulates and a challenge to their management. Although a lot of work has been carried out on helminth parasitic infestation of domestic ungulates of Kashmir but the data pertaining to this aspect of wild ungulates has being ignored. The study on gastrointestinal helminth parasitic infestation of wild ungulates was carried out during post livestock grazing period (November to May) of 2018/2019 in Hirpora Wildlife sanctuary (HWLS) to fill the gap in the existing literature. During the study fresh faecal samples of musk deer Moschus sp.(n=44) and markhor Capra falconeri (n=41)were collected and examined qualitatively and quantitatively for gastrointestinal helminth parasites. A total of seven helminth parasites were recorded which are arranged in the descending order of their overall prevalence as Haemonchus spp. (44.70%),Nematodirus spp. (40%), Trichuris spp. (37.64%), Strongyloides spp. (34.11%)Trichostrongylus spp. (28.23%),Monieziaspp. (23.52%) and Fasciola spp. (20%). The mean EPG (eggs per gram) of different parasites showed a considerable variation in both the wild ungulates. The highest mean EPGwas that of Haemonchus spp. and the lowest mean EPG was that of Fasciola spp. in both hosts. A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean EPG of different parasites among two wild hosts (t=3.606, p=0.01).

A study on the gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) of wild animals found within the surrounding forests of Zuku and Rumfan Gwamna villages in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

“…High prevalence of Haemochus spp. and Nematodirus spp infestation were reported in domestic ungulates of Kashmir [19]. The prevalence of Trichuris in this study is similar to the findings of [14] [7].…”

“…The helminth parasites lower the body mass, reduce fecundity, and increase mortality among wild ungulates [21]. The presence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in markhor and musk deer with known ill impacts may threaten the survival of these two threatened mountain ungulates [19].…”

Seasonal Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Macaques (Macaca thibetana) at Mount Emei Scenic Area in China

“…Fecal samples were microscopically examined for helminth eggs and larvae following the method described previously [ 2 ].…”

“…Knowledge of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites provides important information for the management of wild animals in scenic areas, as these parasites pose a threat to the population of other wild and domestic animals, as well as tourists [ 1 ]. Gastrointestinal parasites reside in the small intestine (duodenum, ileum, jejunum) and large intestine (caecum, colon and rectum) [ 2 ]. Gastrointestinal parasites release their infectious propagules in the fecal matter of their hosts, which, when ejected, results in the buildup of infectious agents in the habitat, thereby increasing their transmission [ 3 ].…”