Original scientific paper

Captive wild animals as potential reservoirs of haemo and ectoparasitic infections of man and domestic animals in the aridregion of Northeastern Nigeria

Albert Wulari Mbaya ; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Murtala Mohammed Aliyu ; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Chukwunyere Okwudiri Nwosu ; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Umar Isa Ibrahim ; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Haematological examination of 114 captive wild animals belonging to 3 groups revealed blood infection with one or more haemo or ecto-parasites per animal. The carnivores harboured infections with mainly Babesia canis, Babesia felis, and Trypanosoma brucei. Those encountered among the Artiodactyla were mainly Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma congolense and Anaplasma marginale. No haemoparasites were encountered in the Proboscidae. On the other hand, the primates had mainly Plasmodium schizonts and gametocytes. Parasitaemia due to trypanosomosis in the three animal groups were significantly (P<0.05) low and ranged between 2.5×103 to 4.5×103. Similarly, the percentages of RBC parasitized by Babesia, Anaplasma, Theileria and Haemobartonella as well as the number of monocytes parasitized by Ehrlichia, ranged from the lowest
value of 6% in the pygmy hippopotamus (Choriopsis liberiansis) due to Anaplasma marginale to the highest value in the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) which had 70% of its RBC parasitized with Babesia canis. The cheetah in question was imported from East Africa to Maiduguri Zoological Garden but later died as a result of the babesiosis before commencement of treatment during the period. Various species of ticks and large scores of haematophagus mechanical arthropod vectors were incriminated in the transmission processes. The significance of the results and potential risks to humans and domestic stock in the area is discussed.

Keywords

captive wild animals; ectoparasites; haemo-parasites; reservoirs

Hrčak ID:

28919

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/28919

Publication date:

20.10.2008.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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