Occurrence of mixed helminth infestation in an Asian elephant and its successful therapeutic management: A case report

In the present communication occurrence and therapeutic management of mixed Parasitic infestation in elephant is reported. Asian elephants or Indian elephants Elephas maximus (Linn.), now recognized as an ‘endangered species’ as per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The factors which threaten the elephant population include poaching, shrinkage of habitat due to expansion of human habitat, destruction of habitat for agriculture and disease outbreaks. Only a few studies have been made on the parasitic infestation in Asian elephants even though parasitic infections cause weight loss, loss in productivity and may even cause death. In the present study examination of elephant dung sample revealed mixed parasitic infections with the presence of Fasiola jacksoni eggs, Amphistome eggs, Strongyle eggs and Strongyloides larvae. The elephant in the present communication was later treated with zenvet (Closantel) bolus @ 10g total dose which was repeated after 15 days against Fasciola jacksoni and amphistomes and Fentas (Fenbendazole) 3g bolus x 4 orally which was repeated after 15 days for strongyles. Along with anthelmintics Feroliv Fe bolus @ 4 bolus orally twice daily for 15 days, Minerex Gold bolus @ 2 bolus twice daily for 1 month, Tribivet injection @ 20 ml daily through IM route for 10 days and Novizac injection 20 ml IM at alternate days for 5 occasions. The animal was re-examined for the presence of any parasitic helminth ova after 20 days of treatment. No ova were detected thereafter. Proper anthelmintic therapy eliminated the mixed parasitic infestation successfully.