Parasites in feces of the endemic rattlesnake, Crotalus triseriatus (Serpentes: Viperidae), from Mexican highlands

There are few studies about parasitic infections in Crotalus triseriatus (Wagler, 1830), an endemic rattlesnake from the highlands of central Mexico. This species occupies several habitats, from conserved forested regions to heavily impacted landscapes. To increase the parasitological knowledge of this reptile species without impacting populations, we obtained fecal samples of 16 rattlesnakes between 2012 and 2014 from Toluca Valley, Mexico. By using flotation technique, we found oocysts of Eimeria sp. and eggs of Capillariidae sp. The most frequent parasite was Eimeria sp. (62.5%). This study provides the first records of occurrence of parasites in reptilian feces from Mexico. Our results may be important for wildlife conservation purposes, for example, they could indicate of the population health of this species during processes of translocation.

Parasites in feces of the endemic rattlesnake, Crotalus triseriatus (Serpentes: Viperidae), from Mexican highlands

There are few studies about parasitic infections in Crotalus triseriatus (Wagler, 1830), an endemic rattlesnake from the highlands of central Mexico. This species occupies several habitats, from conserved forested regions to heavily impacted landscapes. To increase the parasitological knowledge of this reptile species without impacting populations, we obtained fecal samples of 16 rattlesnakes between 2012 and 2014 from Toluca Valley, Mexico. By using flotation technique, we found oocysts of Eimeria sp. and eggs of Capillariidae sp. The most frequent parasite was Eimeria sp. (62.5%). This study provides the first records of occurrence of parasites in reptilian feces from Mexico. Our results may be important for wildlife conservation purposes, for example, they could indicate of the population health of this species during processes of translocation.(AU)

Ocorrência de alguns endo e ectoparasitos no serpentário da UNIFENAS - Universidade de Alfenas - MG / Occurrence of some endo and ectoparasites in the serpentarium of UNIFENAS - Universidade de Alfenas - MG

Com o objetivo de estudar a fauna parasitológica dos ofídios do serpentário da UNIFENAS - Universidade de Alfenas, MG, foram necropsiados alguns espécimes de cascavéis (Crotalus durissus terrificus) e urutus (Bothrops alternatus), mantidos em cativeiro. Esses animais apresentavam anorexia, desidrataçao, diarréia, anemia e morte em torno de dois meses após o início dos sinais clínicos. Foram identificados helmintos dos gêneros Kalicephalus, Ophidascaris, Rhabdias e Oxyuris; protozoários do gênero Haemogregarina e acarinos do gênero Ophionysus. Aos sobreviventes foi administrado tratamento específico com Ivermectin, bem como terapia auxiliar à base de vitamina A e complexo B.(AU)

Specimens of Crotalus durissus terrificus and Bothrops alternatus held in captivity by University of Alfenas- MG were examined with the aim of studying the parasitological fauna of the snakes. These animals showed anorexia, dehydration, diarrhea and anemia. Three rattlesnakes and two Bothrops alternatus died about two months after the beginning of the clinical signs. It were identified helmints of the genus Kalicephalus, Ophidascaris, Rhabdias and Oxyuris; protozoans of the genus Haemogregarina and mites of the genus Ophionysus. Ivermectin was administrated to the survivors.(AU)