ASSESSMENT OF HELMINTHES IN NON-HUMAN PRIMATES IN ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS IN SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Non-human primates (NHPs) are kept in zoos around the globe for entertainment, conservation, education and research. They are often used in research because of their psychological and physiological similarity to humans. However, parasites and diseases are among the most pressing challenges in conservation programs for primates. Three selected zoological gardens (University of Ibadan Zoo, Obafemi Awolowo University Zoo and Oyo Theme Park and Garden) in south-western Nigeria were sampled with the aim of assessing the prevalence and seasonal variation in helminth parasite infection in the captive non-human primates. One hundred fifty nine (159) faecal samples were collected from both male and female adult of different species in the study sites. The samples were subjected to the following diagnostic tests, namely, faecal culture method, modified formol-ether sedimentation technique and floatation technique. Egg counts were performed using standard methods. A total of nine primate species representing two families were observed in the sampled zoological gardens. These are Cercocebus torquatus, Erythrocebus patas, Papio anubis, Mandrillus leucophaeus, Cercopithecus mona, Cecopithecus erythrogaster, Cercopithecus aethiops, Cercopithecus nictitans and Pan troglodytes. Two protozoans and six helminthes were identified in the primates. These are Entamoeba sp., Balantidium coli, Taenia sp., Strongyloides sp., Heterodera sp., Trichuris trichuria, Ancylostoma duodenale and Ascaris sp. Comparism of parasite density of Anubis Baboon, Chimpanzee, Mandrill, Green monkey, Patas monkey between University of Ibadan and Oyo Themes Parks and Garden zoological gardens in both wet and dry seasons shows significant differences in prevalence in Entamoeba species, Balantidium coli, Ancylostoma duodenale and Strongyloides species prevalence. Non-human primate species constitute important components of animals in zoological gardens of south-west Nigeria. The safety of the zoological garden environment is very important and should be monitored to safeguard the health of the animals and people coming in contact with them.