Intestinal parasitism in an outdoor breeding colony of Macaca mulatta

Abstract

A portion of a large outdoor breeding colony of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) was surveyed for intestinal parasites. The results of this examination were compared to data obtained at the time of arrival for this same group of animals. In addition, a small number of infants born in the colony were examined. Although most species of parasites detected during quarantine were retained in the breeding colony, the parasite population changed. The number of helminthic infections doubled while protozoan infections decreased by 20%. Trichuris (47%), Strongyloides (34%), Entamoeba (59%), Endolimax (20%), and Iodamoeba (20%) were the most common parasites detected in the outdoor breeding colony.