ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Understanding parasite diversity in wild and captive animal populations has critical implications for both individual animal health and ecosystem dynamics in a broader sense. In mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella), the gastrointestinal helminth community is poorly understood, limiting our efforts in the conservation of this endangered bovid species. This species has only two remaining populations in the world, including the isolated northernmost population in Türkiye. OBJECTIVES: To identify and compare the diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in captive and free-ranging populations of mountain gazelles in Hatay, Türkiye, and to assess potential zoonotic risks. METHODS: In total, 105 fresh faecal samples, 45 individual samples and 60 faecal samples, representing 16 pools, from both captive and free-ranging populations were collected and analysed using Fulleborn flotation, Benedek sedimentation and Bearman-Wetzel methods faecal flotation methods, including the McMaster technique to determine the severity of infection. RESULTS: We detected 12 helminth taxa in our examination of faecal samples, including gastrointestinal nematodes, lungworms and trematodes. Parasites from the Trichostrongyloidea family demonstrated variable hatching stages and rates, potentially influenced by ambient conditions. We also detected one protozoan among the samples. Our results revealed a higher diversity of parasites in free-ranging populations compared to captive ones. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the necessity for regular parasitological surveillance in both captive and free-ranging wildlife populations for effective conservation management. It also contributes to the 'One Health' perspective by highlighting the potential zoonotic risks posed by parasites in wild ruminants. Our results have implications for the conservation and management of the mountain gazelle.
Subject(s)
Antelopes , Helminths , Nematoda , Animals , Cattle , Ecosystem , Animals, WildABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is the natural host of many parasites. These animals travel quite long distances to search for prey and nests, causing parasites to spread over large areas; therefore, determination of the parasites carried by grey wolves is important. METHODS: In this study, we used both morphological and molecular methods for parasitological identification of helminth species. For this purpose, the material obtained after necropsy was examined by macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular (multiplex PCR and DNA sequencing) methods. RESULTS: No pathological lesions and parasites were detected in the macroscopic examination of the trachea, lungs, heart, liver, spleen, stomach, and kidneys. The parasites collected from the intestines and diaphragm muscles were identified as Taenia hydatigena, Mesocestoides litteratus and Trichinella britovi. CONCLUSION: The aim of this study was to determine the helminth species in a dead grey wolf from wildlife. To the best of our knowledge, with this study, Taenia hydatigena, Mesocestoides litteratus and Trichinella britovi were detected for the first time in a grey wolf in Turkey.
Subject(s)
Helminths , Parasites , Trichinella , Wolves , Animals , TurkeyABSTRACT
The effects of selamectin were studied in mice naturally infected with the mites Myobia musculi, Myoceptes musculinus and Radfordia ensifera and with the oxyurid nematodes Aspiculuris tetraptera and Syphacia obvelata. The mice were divided into three treated and three control groups (n=9). Selamectin in the range 10-12.4 mg/kg was applied topically to the skin in a single spot at the base of the neck in front of the scapulae. The mice of treated and control groups were necropsied on the 4th, 7th and 21st day after the treatment. While selamectin was 100% effective in removing M. musculi, M. musculinus and R. ensifera by the seventh day, its effect against S. obvelata and A. tetraptera was 36.7% and 49.2%, respectively on the 21st day.