A total of 28 faecal samples of different zoo mammals and seven group faecal sample of birds were examined at the Rajkot Municipal Corporation Zoo, Rajkot. Out of this, 16 (57.14%) and seven (100%) were found positive for parasitic infection in mammals and birds respectively. Among the infected mammals 11 (68.75%), three (18.75%) and three (18.75%) were positive for nematode, cestode and intestinal protozoa, respectively. In birds, nematodes and protozoans were recorded.

No abstract

No abstract

A study was conducted to assess the prevalence of helmith parasites of domestic wild and zoo pigeons in Gujarat, India by faecal sampling and postmortem examination. Qualitative examination of 78 faecal samples revealed 71 (91%) with parasitic infections of nematodes (85%), cestodes (31%) and Eimeria sp (77%). There were 200-1600 nematode eggs per gram during the monsoon season, which was high compared to the 200-1000 eggs per gram in winter and summer. In post-mortems 85% had parasitic infections, of nematodes (75%), cestodes (69%) and Eimeria sp (58%). Two species of nematodes (Ascaridia columbae and Capillaria obsignata) and five species of three genera of cestodes (Raillietina echinobothridia, R. tetragona, R. cesticillus, Cotugnia digonophora and Hymenolepis sp) were identified. Despite their parasitic infections, not a single pigeon revealed any alarming clinical signs.

Crossbred calves (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) were repeatedly infested with the ixodid tick, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum. The parameters of engorgement, pre-oviposition period, oviposition period, engorged weight, egg batch weight, and per cent hatch of eggs all showed statistically significant differences between first to tenth infestation. Only the time to engorgement did not change. It is concluded that repeated infestations of this tick stimulate acquired resistance.