Parasites in Captive Carnivores at the Animal Orphanage in Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed endoparasitic diversity before and after anthelmintic treatment in captive lions, cheetahs, jackals, serval and sokoke cats, and hyenas at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. The animals were treated with a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, Canex 4®. Faecal and /or vomitus samples were macroscopically examined for adult parasites. Faecal sedimentation and floatation techniques were used to assess the presence of eggs and oocysts. Of the 27 animals in this study, 23 (85%) were positive for Spirometra spp. eggs, while 21 animals (77.7%) positive for Isospora spp. eggs. Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris spp. eggs were both 66.6% prevalent. Ancylostoma spp. eggs were 62.9% prevalent. Jackals had the highest parasite egg diversity with six genera. Adult parasites were recovered from lion vomitus, which included Aelurostrongylus sp. Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Taenia spp. Adult parasites recovered from faecal material were Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara canis. Deworming is an essential component in good management of captive carnivores but need to be accompanied with regular assessments to determine parasite diversity and the efficacy of the drug in use. Sampling for enteric parasites should include vomitus as some parasite propagules may not be found in faecal samples.

Keywords: Parasites, Carnivores, Wildlife, Captivity, Anthelmintic, Kenya

Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 31 (2) 2007: pp. 59-63