ENDOPARASITE-PROPHYLAXIS IN UNGULATES IN ENCLOSURES - EXPERIENCES WITH A PILOT PROJECT IN THE ANIMAL ZOO DAHLHOLZLI-BERNE

In the animal zoo Dahlholzli Berne all ungulates are continously monit ored since 1984 (qualitatively and quantitatively) in the context of a n epidemiological study on gastrointestinal strongyles. Fecal sampling occurs every two weeks in the <<parasite risk group>>, every four to six weeks in the so called <<non-risk group>>. Risk group-animals repe atedly show increased fecal egg counts, whereas among non-risk group-a nimals only ascarid eggs in przewalski-horses and wild boars can becom e significant. The animals are treated (metaphylactically) only at a h igh egg production or at a steadily increasing egg production. A resul ting slight but constant reinfection allows the build-up of an immunit y, leading thereby to a decreased frequency of treatment. During the m onitoring period (1984-1990) only four animals out of 80 post-mortem a nalysed animals had a diagnoses of an endoparasitoses as a cause of de ath.