Endoparasites of lizards (Lacertilia) from captive breeding and trade networks

Abstract

Parasitic infections are widespread among exotic lizards and cause serious problems in both private captive breeding and trade networks. Among 168 lizards obtained from captive breeding (Zoological Garden in Wrocław and private owners) and trade (pet shops and wholesale) the total prevalence of endoparasites was 42.35 %. We detected species of Protozoa, Cestoda, Trematoda - Digenea and Nematoda as well as pseudoparasites. The prevalence of endoparasites was higher in the reptiles obtained from captive breeding (59.5 %) than in those from trade network, however the parasite species spectrum was wider in the animals form pet shops and wholesales.

Keywords

• exotic lizards
• endoparasites
• helminths: cestoda, trematoda - digenea, nematoda
• protozoa