Types, Prevalence And Intensity Of Endoparasites Of Sambar Deer (Cervus Unicolor) In Central Park Zoo And Resort Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra

by ADMIN 154 views

Introduction

The Sambar deer (Cervus Unicolor) is a majestic and iconic species found in the tropical forests of Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra. However, this magnificent creature is facing a significant threat to its population, which has been declining dramatically. One of the primary causes of this decline is the infection of endoparasites, which can severely impact the digestive system and even lead to death. In this context, it is essential to understand the types, prevalence, and intensity of endoparasitic infections in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra.

Background

The Sambar deer is a vital component of the ecosystem in Indonesia, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature. However, the population of this species has been declining rapidly due to various factors, including habitat loss, poaching, and disease infection. Endoparasites, which are internal parasites that infect the digestive system of the deer, are a significant threat to the Sambar deer population. These parasites can cause severe health issues, including weight loss, anemia, and even death.

Research Methodology

To understand the types, prevalence, and intensity of endoparasitic infections in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu, a research study was conducted from January to February 2023. The research team collected feces samples from 11 Sambar deer and analyzed them using the MC Master method at the Parasitology Laboratory, Medan Veterinary Center, North Sumatra.

Results

The results of the study revealed that there were three types of endoparasites that infected the Sambar deer at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu:

1. Haemonchus sp.

  • Prevalence: 18.2% of stool samples
  • Infection Rate: Frequent
  • Intensity of Infection: Heavy (level 100)

Haemonchus sp. is a type of endoparasite that is commonly found in the digestive system of ruminant animals, including deer. The high prevalence and intensity of infection of this parasite in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu indicate that it is a significant threat to the health of the deer.

2. Bunostomum sp.

  • Prevalence: 9.09% of stool samples
  • Infection Rate: Occasional
  • Intensity of Infection: Heavy (level 100)

Bunostomum sp. is another type of endoparasite that was found in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu. The low prevalence and high intensity of infection of this parasite indicate that it is a significant threat to the health of the deer.

3. Strongyloides sp.

  • Prevalence: 9.09% of stool samples
  • Infection Rate: Occasional
  • Intensity of Infection: Heavy (level 100)

Strongyloides sp. is a type of endoparasite that was also found in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu. The low prevalence and high intensity of infection of this parasite indicate that it is a significant threat to the health of the deer.

Discussion

The results of the study indicate that endoparasitic infections are a significant threat to the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu. The high intensity of infection of the three types of endoparasites found in the study indicates that they can cause significant damage to the health of the deer. It is essential to take immediate action to prevent and control the spread of these parasites.

Conclusion

The study provides important information for the conservation efforts of the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu. The steps that need to be taken include:

Increased Sanitation

Maintaining the cleanliness of the cage and the Sambar deer environment can help reduce the spread of parasites.

Routine Treatment Program

Giving worm medicine regularly can help reduce the number of parasites in the body of the deer sambar.

Health Monitoring

Routine health checks and faeces analysis can help detect parasitic infections early on.

Increased Knowledge

Increased knowledge about endoparasites in sambar deer to zoo managers and resorts can help in the prevention and control of infections.

It is essential to remember that sambar deer conservation requires a multi-aspect approach, including endoparasitic handling. With the right research and actions, we can help preserve the sambar deer and ensure its survival in the wild.

Recommendations

Based on the results of the study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Improve sanitation and hygiene practices at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu to reduce the spread of parasites.
  2. Implement a routine treatment program for the Sambar deer to reduce the number of parasites in their bodies.
  3. Conduct regular health checks and faeces analysis to detect parasitic infections early on.
  4. Increase knowledge and awareness about endoparasites in sambar deer among zoo managers and resorts to prevent and control infections.

By taking these steps, we can help preserve the Sambar deer population and ensure its survival in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are endoparasites, and how do they affect the Sambar deer population?

A: Endoparasites are internal parasites that infect the digestive system of the Sambar deer. They can cause severe health issues, including weight loss, anemia, and even death. The high prevalence and intensity of infection of endoparasites in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu indicate that they are a significant threat to the health of the deer.

Q: What are the three types of endoparasites found in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu?

A: The three types of endoparasites found in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu are:

  1. Haemonchus sp.: This parasite is commonly found in the digestive system of ruminant animals, including deer. It has a high prevalence and intensity of infection in the Sambar deer population.
  2. Bunostomum sp.: This parasite is also found in the digestive system of ruminant animals, including deer. It has a low prevalence but high intensity of infection in the Sambar deer population.
  3. Strongyloides sp.: This parasite is a type of endoparasite that is commonly found in the digestive system of ruminant animals, including deer. It has a low prevalence but high intensity of infection in the Sambar deer population.

Q: What are the symptoms of endoparasite infection in Sambar deer?

A: The symptoms of endoparasite infection in Sambar deer can include:

  • Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Lethargy

Q: How can endoparasite infection be prevented and controlled in Sambar deer?

A: Endoparasite infection can be prevented and controlled in Sambar deer by:

  • Maintaining the cleanliness of the cage and the Sambar deer environment
  • Implementing a routine treatment program for the Sambar deer
  • Conducting regular health checks and faeces analysis to detect parasitic infections early on
  • Increasing knowledge and awareness about endoparasites in sambar deer among zoo managers and resorts

Q: What are the recommendations for the conservation of the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu?

A: The recommendations for the conservation of the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu include:

  1. Improve sanitation and hygiene practices at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu to reduce the spread of parasites.
  2. Implement a routine treatment program for the Sambar deer to reduce the number of parasites in their bodies.
  3. Conduct regular health checks and faeces analysis to detect parasitic infections early on.
  4. Increase knowledge and awareness about endoparasites in sambar deer among zoo managers and resorts to prevent and control infections.

Q: What is the importance of this study in the conservation of the Sambar deer population?

A: This study is important in the conservation of the Sambar deer population because it provides valuable information about the types, prevalence, and intensity of endoparasite infection in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu. This information can be used to develop effective strategies for the prevention and control of endoparasite infection in the Sambar deer population, which is essential for the conservation of this species.

Q: What are the future directions for this study?

A: The future directions for this study include:

  1. Conducting further research on the types, prevalence, and intensity of endoparasite infection in the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu.
  2. Developing effective strategies for the prevention and control of endoparasite infection in the Sambar deer population.
  3. Increasing knowledge and awareness about endoparasites in sambar deer among zoo managers and resorts.
  4. Implementing conservation efforts to protect the Sambar deer population at the Central Park Zoo and Resort Pancur Batu.