TY  - THES
TY  - BOOK
T1  - Diversity and geographical distribution of parasites infecting Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) : a systematic review
A1  - Fernandez, Merci Doris,
LA  - English
UL  - http://discoverylib.upm.edu.my/discovery/Record/595588
AB  - Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are endangered throughout their natural range due to habitat degradation and hunting. In spite of their close association with humans as draft and recreational animals, there remains a paucity of information on the pathogens they harbour. This review investigates the diversity and spatial distribution of Asian elephant parasites in range countries and zoological facilities globally. Literature databases were consulted for publications on E. maximus parasites from 1850 to 2021, out of which 51 articles met the inclusion criteria. Nine protozoa genera were reported, where Toxoplasma gondii was the most frequent (37.5%), followed by Trypanosoma evansi (25%). The arthropods comprised five genera, with Cobboldia elephantis being the most common (81.9%). The nematodes, trematodes and cestodes were represented by 18, seven and two genera, respectively. The commonly reported nematodes were Strongyles (36%), Murshida spp. (32%) and Strongyloides (28%). The cestodes were mostly represented by Anoplocephala manubriata (87.5%), while the trematodes by Fasciola jacksoni (38.9%) and Pfenderius papillatus (22.2%). Reports from range countries were limited to India (35.6%), Sri Lanka (20.0%), and Thailand and Malaysia (13.3% each). Accounts from zoological facilities in non-range countries were from the United Kingdom (40%), Australia (20%), Japan (20%) and Switzerland and USA (20%). The lack ofreporting on the parasitofauna in E. maximus is of concern as parasites are an integral part of conservation, health, and captive management. A number of these parasite are known to be pathogenic and may have detrimental effects on both wild and captive populations. Certain species of protozoa and helminths are potentially zoonotic and are of public health concern. It is therefore imperative to further investigating the diversity and pathogenicity of E. maximus parasites throughout its natural range and in ex situ facilities, to facilitate proper health management and conservation of these endangered pachyderms.
CN  - FPV 2021 106
ER  -