Tukur and Garba, 2017

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in non-human primates (NHP) and some carnivores at the Kano zoological garden. Fresh faecal samples were collected from 36 animals comprising of 28 NHP, 3 lions and 5 hyenas. The faecal samples were subjected to a standard parasitological floatation method. Ten (27.8%) out of the 36 animals examined were infected with gastrointestinal helminths. The males (16.7 %) were more infected than the females (11.1%) and the helminths recorded were Trichuris trichiuraand Strongyloides species. Chimpanzee had 100% (2/2) prevalence, with one each of Trichuris trichiura and Strongyloides spp. Mona monkey, Red patas and Dog faced baboon were infected with Trichuris trichiura at a prevalence of 100%, 30.8% and 50%, respectively. However, none of the Sooty mangabey, and Tantalus monkeys were infected. The study shows there was low level of gastrointestinal parasites in the garden ,this low level should be monitored to safe guard the build up and spread of zoonotic helminths to humans in contact with the animals.

Keywords: Carnivores, Helminths , Kano, Non- human primates, Zoo