The presence of endoparasites in captive asian elephants (elephas maximus) in malaysia

This study is conducted to identify the endoparasite in captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) in Malaysia as no documentaries about endoparasites in Asian Elephants is yet to be produced. Fecal samples were obtained from Captive Asian Elephant reared in Zoo Taiping, Zoo Negara, Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre, and Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village. A total of 30 captive elephants were randomly recruited from the four locations. Fecal flotation, McMaster, fecal sedimentation, and Fecal culture were performed to observe and identify
the endoparasites from the fecal sample. The overall detection rate of endoparasites worm infestations in the Captive Asian Elephant from all 4 locations was 77%. Fasiola sp., Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Oesophagostomum sp., and Demodex sp. eggs were identified. The age, sex, the deworming status, and the drugs used for the Asian Elephant in captivity from Location A, B, C and D were recorded. No significant findings were obtained from the four risk factors- age, sex, area, and deworming status against the parasite load. In conclusion, the majority of the Asian
elephants whose samples were taken from all four locations were infested with parasites with some the elephants had very high intensities. The outcomes of this study provide a preliminary understanding of endoparasites infestation in captive elephants with crucial diagnosis confirmation to improve treatment and prevention management.
Keywords: Elephants, Endoparasites, Malaysia, Risk Factors, Fasiola sp., Ancylostoma sp