Studies on the parasites of zebras. III. Nematodes of the mountain zebra from the farm "Kelpie" and the Namib-Naukluft Park, South West Africa/Namibia

Abstract

Twelve mountain zebra which were culled at monthly intervals on the farm "Kelpie" in South West Africa/Namibia were examined for helminths. The zebras varied in age from 2-15 years, the middle group of which, aged 4-7 years, had the highest worm burdens. Fourteen species of nematodes belonging to the families Atractidae, Strongylidae, Oxyuridae, Setariidae and Spiruridae were recovered. The highest worm burdens were those of Crossocephalus sp. with 692-61 066 680 and Probstmayria vivipara with 1 257 810-42 004 300. The predominance of the atractids is discussed. The nematodes consistently present were: Cylicodontophorus n. sp. (44-2 107), Triodontophorus spp. (2-934), Cylindropharynx spp. (20-2 332), Crossocephalus sp. and P. vivipara. Two new species, Cylicostephanus longiconus and Cylicodontophorus n. sp., were reported. An additional 3 mountain zebra, culled in the Namib-Naukluft Park, were also examined for helminths. Of 3 zebras ranging in age from 2- 7 years, the 2 older animals had the highest helminth burden. Ten species of the nematodes belonging to the same families mentioned above were recovered. The only Spiruridae present were 3 Habronema majus in 1 zebra. The highest worm burdens were those of Crossocephalus sp. With 64 052-883 070 and P. vivipara with 50 720-220 200. The nematodes consistently present were the same as those in the "Kelpie" zebra. In addition, a 2nd, new species of Cylicodontophorus was reported