Trichuris Infection in a Spotted Deer (Axis axis) at Hisar (Haryana)

Introduction: Trichuris is one of the common nematodes infecting grazing ruminants and causing typhilitis. In the present study, post-mortem examination of the spotted dear has been presented where Trichuris worms were recorded in the intestine. Materials and Methods: The embedded worms in intestinal mucosa were collected and examined by fixing. The parasitic eggs were observed in fecal smears prepared by direct method and floatation technique. Results:Huge population of parasites and its eggs were revealed after microscopic examination of the faecal smears. Examination of the faecal samples revealed presence of the characteristic barrel-shaped, brown-coloured eggs of Trichuris with a transparent plug at either pole (Fig. 1C). Discussion: The present study is the first report on adult Trichuris infestation in the intestine of a spotted deer in Haryana. The observations in the present study were similar to the findings of earlier investigators who had reported the presence of intestinal trichuriasis from other parts of India. Conclusion: The presence of huge number of parasitic eggs in the asymptomatic carriers were evident from spotted deers in the zoo. Proper regimen for de-worming was recommended for thorough implication.