Parasite survey of eight wild animals in the Ruma National Park

Abstract

Eight game animals representing seven species in the Ruma National Park in South Nyanza, Kenya, were examined for the presence of blood protozoa, ectoparasites, and helminthic and coccidian endoparasites using standard parasite-identification methods. Haematological parameters were also determined. The oribi was positive for Trypanosoma brucei ssp. and the reedbuck for T. congolense. No other blood protozoans were found. Strongyle eggs were found in the faeces of all species except the water buck. Five of eight animals harboured liver flukes and five were parasitized by ticks of the genus Amblyomma. One roan antelope was anaemic, but the other animals had haemoglobin levels within the normal range and appeared to be in a good state of health.