Endo-parasitic Survey in Captive Cobras (Naja naja)* [Abstract]
A. Velmanickavalli1, M. G. Jayathangaraj2, P.
Ramadass3 and M.C. John4
*Part of the M.V.Sc. Thesis approved by Tamilnadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences
University, Chennai - 600 007, INDIA
1M.V.Sc.Scholar, Dept. of Wildlife Science, Madras Veterinary College,
Chennai - 7; 2Associate Professor, Dept. of Wildlife Science, Madras Veterinary
College, Chennai-7; 3Professor, Dept. of Animal Biotechnology, Madras Veterinary College,
Chennai-7; 4Professor and Head, Dept. of Wildlife Science, Madras Veterinary
College, Chennai -7
Abstract. A survey was undertaken to find out the endoparasitic presence in Indian cobras
reared in Crocodile Bank and Snake Park, Chennai, India. About 40 fecal samples
were collected from 4 Indian cobras reared in nearby Snake Park. Ten (25%) of
the samples were positive for Strongyloides sp. infection and 7 (17.5%)
had mixed infections of Strongyloides sp. and strongyles (Kalicephalus sp.). Mixed infection of Strongyloides sp. and coccidian oocysts
(Eimeria sp.) were in 17 (42.5%). Six (15%) faecal samples were negative.
Similarly, 54 faecal samples were collected from 21 Indian cobras reared in
Crocodile Bank, Mamallapuram. Parasitic infestation with Capillaria sp.
was observed in 3 (5.6%) samples and strongyles ( Kalicephalus sp.) were
present in 20 (37%) samples. Mixed infections of strongyles (Kalicephalus sp.) and Strongyloides sp. were in 12 (22.3%), strongyles (Kalicephalus sp.) and Capillaria sp. were in 9 (16.7%), mixed infection of Capillaria sp., ascarids (Ophidascaris sp.) and strongyles (Kalicephalus sp.) were present in 6 (11%) samples. Four (7.4%) samples were negative.
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