Prevalence of internal parasites in Bornean Sun Bears (Helarctos malayanus) at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sabah

Ong, Yu Qi (2022) Prevalence of internal parasites in Bornean Sun Bears (Helarctos malayanus) at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sabah. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Being the smallest bear species and the only bear native to Malaysia, sun bears are also listed as vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Hence, routine health evaluation in the captive setting is imperative in conserving this species. Despite the fact that parasites are known to be harmful to animals, there has very limited research conducted on sun bears. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of internal parasites and evaluate the association of risk factors with parasitic infestations that might impact the health status of Bornean sun bears sheltered at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Sabah. Faecal samples from all 45 captive Bornean sun bears were collected twice and analysed by coproscopic ova examination utilising standard simple floatation and sedimentation techniques. Blood smears and Diff-Quik staining were performed in 21 bears. Convenience sampling was conducted from sun bears and genders, various body conditions, ages and management practices were recorded. Descriptive analysis of prevalence and Fisher’s exact test for the association of risk variables were analysed in GraphPad Software. The overall prevalence of internal parasites was 68.89% (95% CI: 53.35-81.83). Out of 45 samples, 31 (68.89%) bears were detected for gastrointestinal parasites with 28 (90.3%) of them having a mild parasitic load. Trichuris sp. was the most prevalent parasite (42.22%), followed by Ancylostoma sp. (31.11%), protozoa (8.89%), Strongyloides sp. (6.67%), cestode (4.44%) and the only haemoparasite, Babesia spp. was found in 3 bears (14.28%). Furthermore, the presence of gastrointestinal parasites was shown to be significantly associated with group-living housing. In conclusion, despite having a high prevalence of internal parasites, the parasite burden was low, hence no clinical diseases were observed. Thus, good management practice and proper preventive medicine should be advised to control the progression of clinical disease and parasitism.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms. Nordeena Abdul Aziz
Date Deposited:	30 Apr 2024 07:58
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2024 07:58
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1735

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