Helminth parasites and reservoir status of captive wild ruminants in the semi-arid region of north-eastern Nigeria

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1 Vet. World, 2012, Vol.5(9): RESEARCH Helmin parasites and reservoir status of captive wild ruminants in e semi-arid region of nor-eastern Nigeria 1* 2 1, Umar I Ibrahim, Albert W Mbaya, Yaqub A Geidam Halima I Gambo, Kyari A Sanda, Okoro L Kelechi 1. Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria 2. Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of 3. Department of Veterinary Paology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of 4. Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of. Corresponding auor: Umar I. Ibrahim, umarisaibrahim@yahoo.com, Phone: Received: , Accepted: , Published Online: doi: /vetworld Abstract Aim: To determine e various helmin parasites and associated helmin reservoir status of captive wild ruminants in e semi-arid region of nor-eastern, Nigeria. Materials and Meods: Faecal samples were examined for nematode ova by e simple floatation technique using saturated sodium chloride solution as floatation medium. Trematode eggs were examined by e sedementation technique. The modified McMaster technique was used to determine e intensity of helmin infections among e various species of wild ruminants examined, while larval isolation and identification using e modified Baerman's technique was used to determine e various species of parasites encountered. Results: Out of e 36 samples examined, a high parasite count due to Strongyle infection wiout e manifestation of overt clinical signs was observed among e captive wild ruminants. The egg counts ranged from among e Grimm's duicker (Sylvicaprea grimmia) to 5, among e Senegal hartebeest (Damaliscus korrigum). The helmin larvae recovered which were common to all e species of wild ruminants were ose of Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrogylus axei and Strongyloides papillosus, Demographic data such as age, sex and species of wild animals showed no significant (p>0.05) variation on e prevalence of e helmin infections. Conclusion: The results of is study suggests at e captive wild ruminants in e semi-arid region of nor-eastern, Nigeria, were reservoirs of various helmin parasites of medical and veterinary importance. It was erefore, recommended at improved sanitary conditions in animal enclosures, regular and strategic anelmintic medications may on one hand protect e spread of infection to attendants and visitors to e park. On e oer hand it will enhance e in-situ conservation of e rare and endangered species of wild ruminants in e area. Key words: Captive wild ruminants, Helmin parasites, Reservoir status, Nigeria. To cite is article: Ibrahim UI, Mbaya AW, Geidam YA, Gambo HI, Sanda KA, Kelechi OL (2012) Helmin parasites and reservoir status of captive wild ruminants in e semi-arid region of nor-eastern Nigeria, Vet World, 5(9): , doi: /vetworld have also been conducted [8,9] at e Kainji Lake National Park in central Nigeria, and at Maiduguri zoo [10, 11]. Helmin parasites are significant paogens of wildlife and are responsible for unriftness, decrease in fecundity rates and sometimes dea [12]. Over- crowding, dampness and unsanitary conditions are predisposing factors for e proliferation of helminic infections [13]. Such adverse conditions occur frequently under captivity an under free-living conditions [14, 15]. In as much as mixed infections of parasitic infections have been reported in several domestic animal species [16, 17], single infections of mites [1] and mixed infections of nematodes [11,18] have also been reported in a Introduction Many cases of resistance to helmin infections in wildlife often breakdown when ey are translocated from eir natural habitat to e unnatural conditions as obtained in captivity [1]. Thus, e free ranging reindeer, in Norern England hardly harboured Strongyle infections because of e sparseness of e molluscan intermediate hosts in ose areas, yet when ey were relocated to zoos ey showed high levels of strongylosis [2]. Most of e animals in Nigerian zoos were once free living before ey were subjected to captivity. In order to ascertain e heal status of wild and captive animals at Ibadan in Sou-Western Nigeria, eir bacterial and parasitic diseases were extensively studied and reported [3-7]. Similar studies Veterinary World, Vol.5 No.9 September

2 Table-1. Helmin parasites of different species of captive wild ruminants examined at Sanda Kyarimi Park, Common names Scientific names Number Helmin No. Infected (%) Mean (epg) + S.D Helmin larvae recovered examined parasites found Senegal hartebeest Damaliscus korrigum 3 (i) Strongyle 3 (100) 5, Trichoshtrongylus axei Cape eland Tauratragus oryx 3 (i) Strongyle 3 (100) Haemonchus contortus Grimms duicker Sylvicaprea grimmia 6 (i) Strongyle 4 (66.7) Haemonchus contortus Sitatunga Tragelaphus speikei 6 (I) Strongyle 4 (66.7) 2, Haemonchus contortus (ii) Strongyloides 4 (66.7) 1, Strongyloides papillosus West African dwarf cattle -- 3 (I) Strongyle 1 (33.33) Haemonchus contortus Western Kob Kobus kob Camel Camelus dromedarius 1 (I) Strongyle 1 (100) Haemonchus contortus (ii) Trichuris 1 (100) Dama gazelle Gazella dama 6 (i) Strongyle 2 (33.33) Trichostrongylus axei Red fronted gazelle Gazella rufifrons 6 (i) Strongyle 2 (33.33) Trichostrongylus axei Total (69.44) variety of wild animals kept in captivity for long Statistical analysis of data: Data obtained were periods. This study was erefore, conducted at e eier summarized as means ± standard deviation or Sanda Kyarimi Park in e semi-arid region of nor- percentages and e difference between means were eastern, Nigeria in order to establish e helmin determined using e t - test at e 5% level of reservoir status of e captive wild ruminants. significance [25]. Materials and Meods Results The study area: The Sanda Kyarimi Park where is The helmin parasites of wild ruminants examined study was conducted is located in Maiduguri, e at Sanda Kyarimi Park Maiduguri are presented in capital and largest urban centre in Borno State, Table-1. A total of 36 captive wild ruminants, Nigeria. The state lies between e Sudan savannah representing nine (9) different species such as camel and Sahel vegetation zones characterised by a short (Camelus dromedarius), western kobs (Kobus kob), rainy season of 3-4 mons (June - September). The Senegal hartebeests (Damaliscus korrigum), rainy season precedes a prolonged dry season of more sitatungas (Tragelaphus speikei), cape elands an 8 mons duration, when environmental (Tauratragus oryx), Grimm's duikers (Sylvicaprea conditions are not favourable for e development and grimmia), West African dwarf cattle, red fronted survival of pre-parasitic stages of parasitic helmins gazelles (Gazella rufifrons) and dama gazelles [10,11,19]. (Gazella dama) were examined. Worm burdens were Collection of faecal samples: Faecal samples were expressed as mean egg counts per gram of faeces (epg) collected as ey were freshly dropped from 36 captive among e different species of captive wild ruminants wild ruminants. Each sample was labelled and examined. The various parasites encountered were accompanied wi demographic data such as place of expressed in percentages of which 3 (100%) of e collection, age and sex of each animal. A total of 100 Senegal hartebeest examined tested positive for samples were collected during several visits to e park. Strongyle eggs wi a mean epg of 5, , while e helmin larvae recovered in is case was Examination of faecal samples: Faecal samples Trichostrongylus axei. Out of e ree cape elands were examined for nematode ova by e simple (Tauratragus oryx) examined, all of em (100%) floatation technique using saturated sodium chloride tested positive for Strongyle egg wi a mean epg of solution as floatation medium [20-23] while, trematode , while helmin larvae recovered were ova were examined using sedimentation technique ose of Haemonchus contortus. Similarly, out of e [24]. The morphological identification of helmin six Grimm's duikers (Syvicapra grimmia) examined, 4 ova was done according to standard criteria [17, 21]. (66.7%) tested positive for Strongyle eggs wi a mean Estimation of egg count per gram of faeces / (epg) of wi Haemonchus contortus larvae larval isolation and identification: Quantification recovered. Out of e ree West African dwarf cattle of helmin eggs was determined using modified examined, 1(33.33%) tested positive for Strongyle McMaster technique wi saturated sodium chloride eggs wi a mean (epg) of , wi solution as floatation medium [24] while larval Haemonchus contortus larvae recovered. Out of e isolation and identification to determine e species of six sitatungas (Tragelaphus speikei) examined, 4 helmins encountered was carried out using e (66.7%) tested positive for Strongyle and e helmin modified Baerman`s technique [17, 21]. larvae recovered were ose of Haemonchus contortus Veterinary World, Vol.5 No.9 September

3 Table-2. Age distribution of helmin parasites of captive wild ruminants examined at Sanda Kyarimi Park, Common names Number Helmin parasites found Number positive (%) examined Young Adult Mean (epg) + S.D Helmin larvae recovered Senegal hartebeest 3 (I) Strongyle -- 3 (100) 5, Trichostrongylus axei Cape eland 3 (i) Strongyle -- 3 (100) Haemonchus contortus Grimm s duicker 6 (i) Strongyle -- 4 (66.7) Haemonchus contortus Sitatunga 6 (I) Strongyle 4 (66.7) 2, Haemonchus contortus (ii)strongyloides 4 (66.7) 1, Strongyloides papillosus West Africandwarf cattle 3 (I) Strongyle -- 1 (33.33) Haemonchus contortus Western Kob 2 _ -- _ Camel 1 (I) Strongyle -- 1 (100) Haemonchus contortus (ii) Trichuris 1 (100) _ Dama gazelle 6 (i) Strongyle 1 (16.67) 1 (16.67) Trichostrongylus axei Red fronted gazelle 6 (i) Strongyle 1 (16.67) 1 (16.67) Trichostrongylus axei Total (27.77) 15 (41.66) Table-3. Sex distribution of helmin parasites of captive wild ruminants examined at Sanda Kyarimi Park, Common names Number Helmin parasites found Number positive (%) examined Male Female Mean (epg) + S.D Helmin larvae recovered Senegal hartebeest 3 (i) Strongyle 1 (33.33) 2 (66.67) 5, Trichostrongylus axei Cape eland 3 (i) Strongyle 1 (33.33) 2 (66.67) Haemonchus contortus Grimm s duicker 6 (i) Strongyle 3 (50) 1 (16.67) Haemonchus contortus Sitatunga 6 (I) Strongyle 4 (66.67) -- 2, Haemonchus contortus (ii)strongyloides 4 (66.67) 1, Strongyloides papillosus West African dwarf cattle 3 (i) Strongyle -- 1 (33.33) Haemonchus contortus Western Kob Camel 1 (I) Strongyle 1 (100) Haemonchus contortus (ii) Trichuris 1 (100) Dama gazelle 6 (i) Strongyle 1 (16.67) 1 (16.67) Trichostrongylus axei Red fronted gazelle 6 (i) Strongyle 1 (16.67) 1 (16.67) Trichostrongylus axei Total (47.22) 8 (22.22) and Strongyloides papillosus wi a mean epg of 2,500 were recovered. Out of e six sitatunga (Tragelaphus and 1, respectively while no speikei) examined, 4(66.7%) were young and infected parasite larvae were recovered from e two western wi Strongyle wi a mean epg of 2, , kobs (Kobus kob) examined. while helmin larvae recovered were ose of The only camel (Camelus dromedarus) examined Haemonchus contortus. In addition, 4 (66.7%) tested tested positive for bo Strongyle and Trichuris specie positive for Strongyloides wi a mean epg of 1,000 + wi mean epg of and wi e larvae of Strongyloides papillosus respectively, wi Haemonchus contortus larvae recovered. Out of e 3 (100%) West African dwarf recovered. Two (53.33%) out of e six dama gazelles cattle examined, 1 (33.33%), adult tested positive for (Gazella dama) examined during is study tested Strongyle eggs wi mean epg of while e positive for Strongyle wi a low (epg) of larvae recovered were ose of H. contortus. The only while helmin larvae recovered were ose of adult camel (Camelus dromedarus) examined, 1 Trichostrongylus axei. (100%) was positive for bo Strongyle and Trichuris A total of six red fronted gazelle (Gazella wi an epg of and rufifrons) were examined in is study, where 2 respectively wi Haemonchus contortus larvae (33.33%) tested positive for Strongyle egg wi a recovered. Out of e six-dama gazelles examined, mean epg of while helmin larvae five were adults and one young. One adult dama recovered were ose of Trichostrongylus axei. gazelle and e only young tested positive for The age distribution of e helmin parasites of Strongyle eggs wi a mean epg of in bo captive wild ruminants examined at e Sanda cases, wi Trichostrongylus axei larvae recovered. Kyarimi Park, is presented in Six red fronted gazelles comprising of 5 adults and one Table-2. All ree Senegal hartebeest (Damaliscus young were examined during is study. korrigum) examined were adults and all tested Only 1(16.67%) adult and one 1(16.67%) young positive for Strongyle wi mean epg of 5, tested positive for Strongyle wi a mean epg + of 700 wi Trichostrongylus axei larvae recovered. Three for bo animals while e helmin larvae adult cape elands (Tauratragus oryx) were examined recovered were ose of Trichostrongylus axei. and all 3(100%) were positive for Strongyle ova wi a The distribution of helmin parasites of captive mean epg of while H. contortus larvae wild ruminants in Sanda Kyarimi Park, Maiduguri Veterinary World, Vol.5 No.9 September

4 according to sex and eir associated worm burden is reported to occur among captive wild ruminants in e presented in Table-3. same park [11]. However, e present study recorded a 1(33.33%) out of e 3 Senegal hartebeests very high egg counts as compared to e previous (Damaliscus korrigum) examined during is study study. This study, which was conducted from June to was a male wi 2 females. Bo sexes tested positive September (rainy season), probably influenced e for Strongyle wi a mean epg of 5, , while high egg count. Most parasites tend to reach eir e helmin larvae recovered were ose of highest biotic potential during e rainy season [15]. Trichostrongylus axei. Only 1(33.33%) of e cape Secondly, e larval infectivity and acquisition has eland (Tauratragus oryx) was a male, which tested been reported by several researchers to increase positive for Strongyle eggs. The oer two were tremendously during e rainy season [1,6]. females, which tested positive for Strongyle eggs wi Furermore, e general high egg counts encountered a mean epg of , and e helmin larvae among e wild ruminants as compared to ose of an recovered were ose of Haemonchus contortus. Out earlier study in e park [10,11] showed at e of e six Grimm's duiker (Sylvicaprea grimmia) deterioration of sanitary conditions in e park and examined during e study, 3(50%) were males while irregular anelmintic medications over e years played 3(50%) were females. One (16.67%) out of e a vital role in e epidemiology of e infections. females tested positive for Strongyles while all e 3 The sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei) and e males tested positive for Strongyle wi a mean epg of Senegal hartebeest (Damaliscus korrigum) however, , wi Haemonchus contortus larvae recorded e highest egg counts of 2,500 and 5,350 recovered. Out of e 6 sitatungas (Tragelaphus respectively due to Strongyle infection. The larvae speikei) examined 4 (66.7%) were males which tested recovered were ose of Haemonchus contortus, and positive for bo Strongyles and Strongyloides. Mean Trichostrongylus axei. Under normal circumstances, (epg) for Strongyle was 2, and 1,000 + such high egg count often resulted into overt disease or for Strongyloides while Haemonchus contortus outbreaks among domestic animals [17]. However, e and Trichostrongylus axei larvae were recovered. Two absence of overt clinical signs or dea in is species out of e six sitatungas (Tragelaphus speikei) in e of wild ruminants in particular might be associated park were females and were negative for helmin wi innate resistance to helminosis due to eir eggs. One (33.33%) out of e ree West African reservoir status as wild animals [18]. Despite ese, it dwarf cattle examined during is study was a female has been reported at many cases of presumed which was positive for Strongyle eggs wi a mean epg resistance to helminosis in wildlife often break of while e helmin larvae recovered down when subjected to e stress of captivity [1]. were ose of Haemonchus contortus. The remaining The camel (Camelus dromedarus) for e first two were males, which were positive for helmin ova. time harboured Trichuris trichuria, a parasite of humans The only camel (Camelus dromedarus) present in e and primates. This strange occurrence might be park during e study was a male in which Trichuris associated wi 'spurious' infection or likely a new and Strongyle were encountered wi a mean epg of host adaptation [17]. Trichuris trichuria have been and due to Strongyles and reported among captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Trichuris specie respectively wi H. contortus larvae in e same park [26]. The occurrence of e same recovered. Out of e six dama, gazelles examined, parasites in several of e groups examined agrees two, (One male and one female) were positive for wi previous reports [10, 11] where one attendant was Strongyles, wi a mean epg of in bo responsible for cleaning several pens, cages and enclosures cases, where Trichostrongylus axei was e helmin ereby acting as a vehicle of cross transmission larvae recovered. Strongyle was equally encountered between different animal groups. in two of e six red fronted gazelles (Gazella rufifrons) present in e park, where 1(16.67%) male Conclusion and 1(16.67%) female were positive for Strongyle The results of is study suggests at e captive wi a mean epg of wi Trichostrongylus wild ruminants in e semi-arid region of noraxei larvae encountered. eastern, Nigeria, are reservoirs of various helmin Discussion parasites of medical and veterinary importance. It was erefore, recommended at improved sanitary conditions, All e parasites recovered from e various in animal enclosures, balanced nutrition, environmental species of wild ruminants are common to domestic enrichment, regular and strategic anelmintic medications animals in Nigeria [10]. They have previously been may on one hand protect e spread of infection to Veterinary World, Vol.5 No.9 September

5 attendants and visitors to e park. On e oer hand it Applied Biology 7, will enhance e in-situ conservation of ese rare and 12. Davies, J. W. and Anderson, R. C. (2004). Parasitic endangered species of wild ruminants in e area. Diseases of Wildlife, Iowa State University Press, pp Auor s contribution 13. Radostitis, O. M., Blood, D. C. and Gray, C. C. (1997). Veterinary Medicine. A textbook of e diseases of UII, AWM and OLK implemented study design, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Pigs and Horses. 8 edn. recorded data and analysis. UII, AWM, YAG and HIG Saunders Ltd, London, pp drafted e manucript. All auors revised e 14. Young, E. (1970). The capture and care of wild st manuscript, read and approved e final manuscript. animals. 1 edition. Ralph Curtis Books, Hollywood, Acknowledgements Florida, USA, pp Devos, V. and Lambrechts, M. C. (2003). Emerging The effort and support of e management and aspects of wildlife diseases in Souern Africa. In: staff of Sanda Kyarimi Park, are Proceedings of Sarcus Symposium on Nature highly appreciated. Conservation as a Form of Land (13-17 September). Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, pp Competing interests 16. Soulsby, E. J. L. (1963). Clinical Diagnostic Meod. Auors declares at ey have no competing interest. In: Textbook of Veterinary Clinical Parasitology I: Helmins. Blackwell Scientific Publications, References Oxford, London, pp Soulsby, E. J. L. (1982). Helmins, Arropods and 1. nd Dunn, A. M. (1978). Veterinary Heminology. 2 Protozoa of Domesticated Animals. 7 edition. edn. William Heinemann Medical Books Limited, Bailliere Tindall, London, pp London, pp Mbaya, A. W. and Aliyu, M. M. (2006). Mixed 2. Jansen, J. JR. (1963). Some problems related to e infections of Notoedres cati and Ancylostoma parasite inter relationships of deer and domestic caninum among captive lions (Panera leo) at e animals. Trans. Congr. Int. Union Game Biol. 6, Sanda Kyarimi Park,. Sahel 3. Enyinihi, U. K. (1972). Parasitic infection of animals Journal of Veterinary Sciences 5, 5-8. in e University of Ibadan zoo. African Journal of 19. Mbaya, A.W., Nwosu, C.O. and Biu, A. A. (1999). Medical Sciences 3, Prevalence of Toxocara (Neoascaris) vitulorum infection 4. Dipeolu, O. O. (1975). Public heal aspects of in cattle in e semi-arid region of Nor eastern Nigeria. parasitic infection of zoo: Agodi gardens experience. Indian Veterinary Medical Journal 23, The Veterinary Surgeon 4, Anonymous (1977). Manual of Veterinary Parasito- 5. Falade, S. and Durojaiye O. A. (1976). Salmonella logical Laboratory Techniques. Technical Bulletin No isolated from Nigerian captive animals in Ibadan. 18, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Journal of Wildlife Diseases 12, London, pp Bamidele, O. and Ogunrinade, A. F. (1980). Helmin 21. Sloss, M. W., Kemp, R. L. and Zajac, A. M. (1994). parasites of captive animals. African Journal of Veterinary Clinical Parasitology. 5 edn. Iowa State Ecolology 18, University Press, Ames, Iowa, USA, pp Agbede, S. M. and Yesefu, A. M. (1982). Helmin 22. Kaufmann, J. (1996). Parasite infection of domestic parasites of wild carnivores in e zoological garden animals. In: Kassai, T., Veterinary Helminology. A of University of Ibadan and e public heal aspects. diagnostic manual. Birkhauser Verlage, Basel, pp. Nigerian Veterinary Journal 11, Ogunji, F.O., Akinboade, O. A. and Dipeolu, O. O. 23. Kassai, T. (1999). Diagnostic Helminology. In: st (1982). Gastro intestinal parasites and bacterial flora Veterinary Helminology, 1 edn. Butter. Worm of wild animals in Borgu Game Reserve in Nigeria. Heinemann, Linacre House Jordan Hill, Oxford, pp. International Journal of Zoonoses 9, Crocket, E. C. (1983). A preliminary survey of some 24. Hansen, J. and Perry, B. (1990). The Epidemiology, helmin parasites of game animals in Kainji Lake Diagnosis and Control of Gastrointestinal parasites. National Park: Borgu Sector. MSc. Thesis, ILRAD, Nairobi, Kenya, pp University of Ibadan, Nigeria, pp Maed, R. and Curnow R. N. (1983). Statistical 10. Nwosu, C.O. (1995). Helmin parasites of captive meods in Agriculture and Experimental Biology, and free living wild animals in Borno State, Chapman and Hall, London, pp Nigeria. Tropical Veterinarian 13, (½). 26. Mbaya, A. W. and Nwosu, C.O. (2006). Outbreak of 11. Mbaya, A.W. et al (2006). A comparative study of clinical amoebaisis among captive chimpanzees (Pan gastrointestinal parasites of captive and free-living troglodytes) at e Sanda Kyarimi Park, Maiduguri, wild animals in e semi-arid zone of noreastern Nigeria. Nigerian Veterinary Journal 27 (1), Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Experimental and ******** Veterinary World, Vol.5 No.9 September