STUDY ON GASTRO-INTESTINAL PARASITES IN SLOTH BEARS (Melursus ursinus) AT BEAR RESCUE CENTRE
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Date
2017-11
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KARNATAKA VETERINARY, ANIMAL AND FISHERIES SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, BIDAR
Abstract
A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in
semi-captive sloth bears maintained at Wildlife SOS, Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre
(BBRC), Bannerghatta, Bengaluru. The study was conducted from July to September,
2017. The study was conducted in relation to age and sex of sloth bears, the effect of
anthelmintic treatment was also incorporated. A total of 60 fecal samples of sloth bears
were screened using qualitative and quantitative techniques. Out of 60 samples screened
30 were positive out of which 50 % were infected with Toxocara sp., 26.66 % with
Joyeuxiella sp. and 23.33 % had mixed infection of Toxocara sp. and Joyeuxiella sp.
Among various qualitative screening techniques floatation technique was more effective.
Among the floatation fluids used saturated zinc sulphate solution showed higher
concentration of eggs compared to other floatation fluids. However, there was no
statistical significance. The occurrence of gastro-intestinal parasites in various enclosures
namely Panchavati block, Chithrakuta block, Kishkinda block, Dr. G.K.V block and
Jambhava block were 58.33 %, 50 %, 60 %, 53.84 % and 33.33 % respectively. The
incidence was higher in male (65.21 %) compared with female (40.54 %). Among the age
groups studied occurrence of gastro-intestinal parasites was high in cubs (100 %)
followed by sub-adults (55.55 %) and adults (46.93 %). The sloth bears which were
positive for gastro-intestinal parasitic infection were dewormed with broad spectrum
anthelmintic which contained ivermectin and praziquantel at the dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg
BW and 5 mg/kg BW respectively as single dose orally. Anthelmintic efficacy was 100
%.
Keywords: Semi-captive sloth bears, occurrence, gastro-intestinal parasite, Toxocara sp.,
Joyeuxiella sp