Infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei was diagnosed from four wild raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) accidentally captured and presented to the Animal Health Center in Seoul Grand Park Zoo, Korea. Diagnosis was done by microscopic and histologic examination from skin lesions. Sarcoptes scabiei was the only species detected from the lesions and characterized by dorsoventrally flattened and round bodies, sucker-like pulvilli borne on long nonjointed pretarsi, triangular scales and spinelike setae on the dorsum, and three epimeres that are chitinous extensions of the coxae of the legs. In addition, infiltration of mast cells in the dermis was associated with infestation of the burrowing mite. This is the first report of sarcoptic mange in raccoon dogs in Korea. Because heavy infestation with S. scabiei was found in all of the captured wild raccoon dogs, further work is necessary to develop prophylactic interventions to prevent the spread of sarcoptic mange in free-living raccoon dogs in Korea.
A 3-year-old male hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) at the Seoul Zoo, Korea, died without any previous symptoms. Necropsy revealed severe whipworm infection in the large intestine. The animal weighed 2.6 kg and had a blood clot at the anus. Numerous whipworms were found attached to the intestinal wall, with their anterior ends embedded in the mucosa. Fecal microscopy revealed typical barrel-shaped, brown eggs of Trichuris spp., with hyaline polar plugs at each end. Histopathological examination revealed the thin anterior part of Trichuris spp. embedded in the mucosal layer and the thick posterior part at the mucosal surface or hanging freely in the intestinal lumen. This case emphasizes the importance of parasitic infection management in zoo animals.
This study examined gastrointestinal parasites of raccoon dogs in the Seosan reclaimed lands, Korea. We collected 882 raccoon dog fecal samples and examined them using a fecal flotation technique following standard procedures. Identification was based on the morphology and size of the parasite eggs and oocysts. Nine different helminth eggs and oocysts of Isospora spp. were identified. In total, 314 (35.5%) fecal samples were positive for gastrointestinal helminths or Isospora spp. Double (6%), triple (1%), and quadruple (0.3%) infections were observed. The rates of parasite infection in spring, summer, fall, and winter were 29.8, 20.7, 39.0, and 42.9%, respectively. These results indicate that raccoon dogs host diverse helminths and Isospora spp., posing a potential risk of transmitting parasites to domestic pets and residents in the area. Active epidemiological surveillance with modern molecular techniques and ancillary epidemiological tools is recommended.
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