Abstract:
Wild animals are host to a variety of parasites that may interfere in their ex situ conservation. The objective of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites (GP) and ectoparasites of animals of Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS) of Instituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Renováveis (IBAMA) in Recife/Pernambuco, Brazil, and to determine the aspects of captivity management that may be related to the parasites identified. We collected ectoparasites and fecal samples from 223 birds and mammals, which were processed by direct smear, flotation and sedimentation methods. Overall, helminthes and/or protozoa were detected in 91 (40.8%) fecal samples of 64 (70.3%) birds and 27 (29.7%) mammals. Capillaria sp., Ascaridida and Spirurida eggs and Eimeria sp. oocysts were found in fecal samples of birds, while eggs of Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides sp., Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma sp., Strongylida and Coccidia oocysts were detected in fecal samples of mammals. Ectoparasites identified in birds were Colpocephalum turbinatum, Kurodaia (Kurodaia) fulvofasciata, Halipeurus sp., Naubates sp., Saemundssonia sp., Austromenopon sp., Paragoniocotes sp., Brueelia sp., Myrsidea sp. and Pseudolynchia sp. In mammals, the ectoparasites identified were Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma varium, A. calcaratum, A. nodosum, Ornithodoros talaje and Ctenocephalides felis felis. A. calcaratum e O. talaje are presented for the first time in Pernambuco state and T. tetradactyla is reported as a new host of O. talaje. No animal presented clinical signs due to parasitic infection/infestation. Zoonotic parasites like T. trichiura, Strongyloides sp., T. canis and Ancylostoma sp. were identified in non-human primates and carnivores. Poor structural and sanitary conditions of CETAS-PE are related to the parasites identified in this study and should be taken into account for the adoption of appropriate control measures. The results of this study will contribute significantly to the conservation of wildlife in CETAS-PE and health of the professionals responsible for maintaining these animals.
Index Terms:
Gastrointestinal parasites; ectoparasites; control; biodiversity; ex situ conservation
