General Health Status of Captive Carnivores: Findings from Visakhapatnam Zoo
Introduction
An introduction to the topic “General Health Status of Captive Carnivores” Ensuring the health of captive carnivores is a cornerstone of modern zoo management and species conservation.
This excerpt examines the general health status of various carnivore species housed at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam, focusing on parasitic burdens, clinical welfare indicators, and management recommendations.
Through systematic faecal, ectoparasite, and physiological assessments, the study identifies seasonal trends in helminth infections and evaluates stress-related welfare measures. It also details hands-off inspection protocols and treatment strategies to minimize disease risks.
These insights are invaluable for zoo veterinarians, wildlife health specialists, and conservation planners aiming to optimize carnivore care in ex-situ settings.
Table of Contents
Excerpt Section
“The zoo community considers animal health and welfare to be a matter of great importance. It is very important to see that animals must be accommodated under conditions which aim to satisfy the biological and conservation requirements of the individual species and to maintain certain standards in the zoo management.”
“The health status of Zoo animals varies with different factors such as management, feeding, environment, sanitation and season. The spectrum of parasitic diseases in wild animals is of great importance both in human and veterinary medicine. Various workers have recorded incidence of different parasites in captive wild animals (Maske et al. 1990; Chakraborthy et al. 1994; Kasid et al. 2002).”
“Parasitic diseases are quite common in zoos because the closed environment facilitate the perpetuation of the infection. Available literatures especially on Indian zoos are testimony of the facts.
A number of factors such as climatic conditions, design and dimension of animal enclosures, resistance/susceptibility of host, plane of nutrition and concurrent diseases in the host play a significant role on the incidence and severity of infection.”
“Endoparasites: Appearance of clinical signs suggestive of parasitism in the host was not a regular feature in the wild mammals though faecal samples were found positive for eggs/larvae of endoparasites.
Further to it, eggs of Toxocara, Toxascaris and Ancylostoma spp. reappeared in the faeces of lions and tigers as early as 22 days post-administration of anthelmintics, keeping such facts backdrop, it is suggested to examine the faecal sample through concentration method at least at 3–4 weeks interval even if the animal found apparently healthy.”
“Observations: Among all the species of animals in the zoo the prevalence of endoparasitic infection during 2013–14 was maximum in small carnivores during monsoon (33.33%) followed by pre-monsoon (23.08%) and post-monsoon (20%).
The prevalence of endoparasitic infection ranged between 23.81% (Monsoon) to 17.50% (Post-monsoon) with an overall prevalence of 20.16%.”
“Ectoparasites: Table 20 shows ectoparasitic infestations recovered during postmortem examination or restraint.
For example, out of 82 mammals examined in 2011–12, 24 were positive for ticks, mites (Ophionyssus sp.) and fleas (Vermipsylla ap.), and in 2013–14, 20 of 74 were infested.
Subcutaneous ivermectin and topical pyrethroid sprays were effective, though reappearance occurred ~20 days later.”
“Physiological indicators of welfare: Stress affects all living creatures and is a normal and important aspect of life. However chronic stress may lead to pathological changes such as immuno-suppression, weight reduction, depression, apathy and long-term behavioural changes.
A stress response can be measured as a change in the animal’s behaviour and the associated changes in its autonomic and neuro-endocrine systems.”
“Clinical and pathological signs as indicators of welfare: Regular (at least daily) visual inspection of animals is the mainstay of good stockmanship and is required under Central Zoo Authority norms.
It involves observing animals for deviations from normal appearance or behaviour, which often indicate underlying health problems requiring prompt veterinary action.”
“Recommendations: An integrated strategic approach—combining routine anthelmintic dosing with periodic soil replacement, turmeric supplementation, environmental sanitation, and enrichment—minimizes parasitic burdens and reduces anthelmintic resistance. Tailoring these measures to the zoo’s seasonal epidemiology enhances their effectiveness.”
Source Citation
- Researcher: G. Ramalingam
- Title: Some studies on behavioural patterns and health status of carnivores in Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam, India
- Guide(s): Srivastav Susmita
- University: Andhra University
- Completed Date: 2015
- Excerpt Page Numbers: 96–116
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