A coprological survey for gastrointestinal parasites in various species of captive wild mammals and pheasants at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling

A coprological survey was made to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in various captive mammals and pheasants at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, a high-altitude zoo, located in Darjeeling hills from October 2019 to June 2020. Of 949 fecal samples examined using the direct smear, flotation, and sedimentation method, 222 (23.39%) samples were found positive for parasitic infection. Among the infected animal groups, Felidae (34.72%) and Bovidae (34.26%) exhibited the highest rate of infection, followed by Cervidae (19.83%), Phasianidae (19.63%), Viverridae (18.18%), Primates (13.04%), Canidae (8.89%), Ursidae (7.14%), and Ailuridae (3.41%). Helminth infection was common in carnivores and pheasants whereas herbivores were mostly positive for protozoan infection. The most prevalent parasites recorded in our study were Toxocara spp., Eimeria spp., Isospora spp., and Ascarids. Apart from these, Spirometra spp., Strongyle., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Ancylostoma spp., Capillaria spp., Ascaridia galli, and Heterakis spp., was also encountered. Age-wise prevalence in various herbivore species showed that the young animals below two years of age were more susceptible to parasitic infection than the adults. The differences were statistically significant (p=0.024; df= 2). The overall low level of the prevalence of parasites is explained in terms of the deworming schedule and various precautionary measures carried out in the zoo, that have helped the park in successfully managing parasitic diseases.