Ecto and Endoparasitic occurrence in a wild hog deer (Axis porcinus) from Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Abstract

Wild animals usually suffer from a wide range of infectious agents of which parasites are an important concern for causing diseases in these animals. A study on the occurrence of Ecto and endo parasites was undertaken on a hog deer (Axis porcinus) from Kaziranga National Park, Assam that had died due to certain complications. Samples were collected during post mortem of the animal and sent to the Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati for identification. After performing detailed examination, the parasites were identified as Lipoptena cervi (Deer ked) and ticks, Haemaphysalis bispinosa amongst the ectoparasites and Carmyerius gregarius and Gastrothylax crumenifer amongst the endoparasites. A total of 7 nos. L. cervi were recovered which were wingless, yellowish brown in colour, 3-5 mm in length with three pairs of legs and having strong claws. A total of 7 nos. of H. bispinosa ticks were recovered from the ears of the deer which had no eyes, rectangular basis capituli, with the presence of a medium projection at the base of third palpal segment, presence of festoons, anal groove posterior to anus and ovoid spiracles. Adult flukes recovered from the rumen and reticulum and were confirmed to be C. gregarius and G. crumenifer. Both the parasites were cylindrical. C. gregarius (11.5-15 mm x 2.6-4.2 mm) had anteriorly blunt pointed end with truncated posterior end while G. crumenifer (14-18 mm x 4-5.5 mm) was curved ventrally and banana shaped. The parasites were identified by following the keys of Sen and Fletcher (1969) and Soulsby (1982).