Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic load of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Unakoti, Tripura

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic load of Asian elephants in Unakoti district of Tripura, during the period from August, 2016 to May, 2017 which was previously lacking. The parasitic prevalence was evaluated by direct microscopic identification of helminth eggs in faecal samples (n = 50) collected from different age/sex groups of elephants. The faecal samples of 68 percent elephants revealed presence of parasitic ova, whereas 32 percent did not have any parasitic ova in their faecal samples. The incidence of Fasciola spp. was found to be highest followed by Paramphistomum spp., Ascaris spp., Strongyles spp. and Oesophagostomum spp.. In conclusion, routine faecal examination is suggested to adopt proper deworming procedure for keeping these elephant population physically healthy.