A SURVEY OF GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHS IN BIRDS AND REPTILES AT ARIGNARANNA ZOOLOGICAL PARK, MADRAS

Abstract

Faecal samples from 37 species of caged birds and 21 species of reptiles were examined for the presence of helminthic eggs during the year 1995 at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Madras. From the various species of birds, 77 samples were analysed out of which 29 samples were positive for helminthic eggs; the percentage of infestation being 37.66. In case of reptiles, out of the 50 samples analysed, 26 samples were positive and the percentage of infestation is 52. The eggs of helminths recorded were of Ascarid including Ascaridia, Heterakis in birds and of Ophidascaris, Kalicephalus and Bothridium in reptiles.