TY  - JOUR
T1  - Is Routine Anthelmintic Treatment Necessary in Captive Cuvier’s Gazelles? Two-Year Untreated Parasite Dynamics and Host-Parasite Equilibrium
A1  - Emma Brown
A1  - Oliver Jones
A1  - Ava Miller
JF  - International Journal of Veterinary Research and Allied Sciences
JO  - Int J Vet Res Allied Sci
SN  - 3062-357X
Y1  - 2022
VL  - 2
IS  - 1
DO  - 10.51847/QmJbEF98Jl
SP  - 82
EP  - 91
N2  - Anthelmintic agents are routinely administered to animals to suppress fecal egg output, and in captive breeding facilities, such treatments are applied to maintain adequate health status. Although this approach is beneficial for population management, it may inadvertently hinder the development of natural immunity against parasites that animals could face following reintroduction into their native habitats. This study aimed to examine the infection dynamics of endoparasites in captive Cuvier’s gazelles (Gazella cuvieri) that remained untreated with anthelmintics for a two-year period and to identify factors influencing their fecal egg excretion. Fifteen males aged one year were housed together, and fecal samples were obtained directly from the rectum on a monthly basis. Eggs were quantified and classified into three categories: strongylid-type, Nematodirus sp., and Trichuris sp. No statistically significant variations were recorded in egg output across the study period for any parasite group. Precipitation was the only environmental factor influencing egg-shedding trends, while the level of inbreeding showed a positive correlation with strongylid-type egg counts. The findings indicate that, in the absence of deworming, a balanced host–parasite relationship can be maintained. Consequently, routine anthelmintic prophylaxis in captive populations should be replaced by regular coprological screening and clinical monitoring, reserving treatment for cases where fecal egg counts rise markedly.
UR  - https://esvpub.com/article/is-routine-anthelmintic-treatment-necessary-in-captive-cuviers-gazelles-two-year-untreated-parasit-fmhyeieurkizpad
ER  -