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Abstract
A total of 52 fecal samples were collected from 21 herbivores at Dhaka zoo during January to May, 2012 to
investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of herbivores. Overall prevalence of parasitic infection was
76.9%, of which 61.5% were positive for helminths and 55.8% were positive for protozoa. The identified parasites
were Balantidium coli (55.8%), Paramphistomum sp. (36.5%), Fasciola sp. (19.2%), stomach worm (3.9%), Ascaris
sp. (1.9%) and Strongyloides sp. (1.9%). Overall prevalence of mixed infection was 42.3%. Mixed infection was
observed in the animals such as Butani cattle (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Giraffe (Balantidium coli
and Paramphistomum sp.), Spotted deer (Balantidium coli, Paramphistomum sp. and Fasciola sp.), Sambar deer
(Balantidium coli and Fasciola sp.), Horse (Balantidium coli and Ascaris sp.), Greater kudu (Balantidium coli and
Paramphistomum sp.), Nil gai (Balantidium coli and stomach worm), Black wilde beast (Balantidium coli and
Paramphistomum sp.), Impala (Balantidium coli and Strongyloides sp.), Hippopotamus (Balantidium coli and
Paramphistomum sp.), Zebra (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Wilde beast (Balantidium coli and
Paramphistomum sp.; Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp. and Fasciola sp.), One Horned Rhinoceros
(Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Common Eland (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Oryx
(Balantidium coli and stomach worm). Diameter of ova or cyst was also measured. Egg per gram/ Cyst per gram of
feces (EPG/ CPG) were ranged from 300-1200. Gastrointestinal parasites are highly prevalent in herbivores of Dhaka
zoo. Strategic control measure is necessary to protect the endangered species from parasitic infestation.