Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. XVI. Helminth and arthropod parasites of blue and black wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus and Connochaetes gnou)

Abstract

Fifty-five blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) were shot for parasite recovery at approximately monthly intervals during a period of 13 months in the Kruger National Park. Thirteen nematode species, 4 cestode species, 1 trematode, the larvae of 5 oestrid flies, 3 lice species, 7 ixodid tick species, 1 mite species and the nymphae of a pentastomid were recovered. The seasonal prevalence of 8 nematodes, 2 cestodes, the larvae of 4 oestrid flies, 2 lice and 4 ixodid tick species was determined. The endo- and ectoparasite burdens of 7 black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) shot in the Golden Gate Highlands Park in the Orange Free State and 3 shot in the Rietvlei Reserve in the Transvaal were determined. These animals harboured 4 nematode species, 1 cestode, the larvae of 5 oestrid fly species, 2 lice species, 4 ixodid tick species and a mite species.