Regular parasite control measures

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 2 views

Types and Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the Citra Pesona Ladangku Wildlife Park, Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra

Introduction

Gastrointestinal parasites are a significant threat to the health and productivity of rabbits in wildlife parks. These parasites can cause a range of health problems, including weight loss, diarrhea, and even death. In this study, we aimed to determine the type, prevalence, and intensity of endoparasitic attacks contained in the rabbit feces (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the Citra Pesona Ladangku Wildlife Park. Our findings provide valuable insights into the types and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in rabbits and highlight the importance of regular parasite control measures.

Methods

This study was conducted from May to June 2022, where rabbit feces samples were taken by observing the animal directly. Laboratory tests were conducted at the Parasitology Laboratory of the Medan Veterinary Center using the EPG MC method to determine parasitic density. A total of 13 samples were tested, and all showed positive results infected with parasites.

Results

Our results showed that four types of parasites infect rabbits, namely Eimeria sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Cittotaenia sp., and Taenia sp. Eimeria sp. had the highest prevalence of 92.30%, indicating that almost all rabbits tested were infected by this parasite with very high attack intensity reaching 600. This shows that Eimeria sp. can be categorized as a very heavy parasite.

Meanwhile, Trichostrongylus sp. and Cittotaenia sp. each had a prevalence of 23.07%, indicating that this infection occurs quite often in the rabbit population. The intensity of the Trichostrongylus sp. recorded was 100, which shows this parasite is classified as heavy, while Cittotaenia sp. had a slightly higher attack intensity at 133.3%, also included in the very heavy category.

Another type of parasite, Taenia sp., showed a prevalence of 76.92% with a very high intensity of attacks, 1340, showing a super parasitic infection in infected rabbits. This figure reflects a serious risk of infection that can have an impact on the health and productivity of the rabbit.

Discussion

The discovery that all samples of rabbit feces infected with parasites showed a serious challenge in maintaining the health of animals in the Citra Pesona Ladangku Wildlife Park. Parasitic infections can cause various health problems, such as weight loss, diarrhea, and even death in rabbits. Therefore, it is essential to control parasites regularly, including the administration of anti-parasitic drugs and good cage cleaning management.

Eimeria sp., as the most common cause of infection, is a protozoan parasite that infects the rabbit digestive tract. Severe infections can cause enteritis and intestinal damage, so understanding this infection pattern is very important to prevent greater health problems.

Efforts to prevent parasitic infections need to be the main focus for the manager of the animal park. Education about the importance of cage cleanliness, sanitation, and regular animal health supervision are steps that can be taken to reduce the prevalence of infection. In addition, it is also essential to involve veterinarians in the rabbit health monitoring program, to ensure that they remain healthy and productive.

Conclusion

With a deep understanding of the type and prevalence of this gastrointestinal parasite, the manager can take appropriate action to protect the rabbit and maintain the balance of the ecosystem in the Wildlife Park Citra Pesona Ladangku. Our findings highlight the importance of regular parasite control measures and the need for education and training on parasite prevention and control.

Recommendations

Based on our findings, we recommend the following:

Regular parasite control measures: The manager of the animal park should implement regular parasite control measures, including the administration of anti-parasitic drugs and good cage cleaning management.
Education and training: Education and training on parasite prevention and control should be provided to the staff and veterinarians involved in the rabbit health monitoring program.
Monitoring and surveillance: Regular monitoring and surveillance of the rabbit population should be conducted to detect any signs of parasitic infection.
Collaboration with veterinarians: Collaboration with veterinarians should be established to ensure that the rabbit health monitoring program is effective and that any health problems are promptly addressed.

By implementing these recommendations, the manager of the animal park can take effective action to protect the rabbit and maintain the balance of the ecosystem in the Wildlife Park Citra Pesona Ladangku.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gastrointestinal Parasites in Rabbits

Q: What are gastrointestinal parasites?

A: Gastrointestinal parasites are organisms that live in the digestive tract of animals, including rabbits. They can cause a range of health problems, including weight loss, diarrhea, and even death.

Q: What types of gastrointestinal parasites infect rabbits?

A: Our study found that four types of parasites infect rabbits, namely Eimeria sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Cittotaenia sp., and Taenia sp.

Q: What is Eimeria sp.?

A: Eimeria sp. is a protozoan parasite that infects the rabbit digestive tract. It is the most common cause of infection and can cause severe health problems, including enteritis and intestinal damage.

Q: What is the prevalence of Eimeria sp. in rabbits?

A: Our study found that Eimeria sp. has a prevalence of 92.30% in rabbits, indicating that almost all rabbits tested were infected by this parasite.

Q: What is the intensity of Eimeria sp. infection?

A: The intensity of Eimeria sp. infection was found to be very high, reaching 600 in some cases.

Q: What is the treatment for Eimeria sp. infection?

A: The treatment for Eimeria sp. infection typically involves the administration of anti-parasitic drugs and good cage cleaning management.

Q: Can gastrointestinal parasites be prevented?

A: Yes, gastrointestinal parasites can be prevented through regular parasite control measures, including the administration of anti-parasitic drugs and good cage cleaning management.

Q: What is the role of veterinarians in preventing gastrointestinal parasites?

A: Veterinarians play a crucial role in preventing gastrointestinal parasites by providing education and training on parasite prevention and control, and by conducting regular monitoring and surveillance of the rabbit population.

Q: What are the consequences of not controlling gastrointestinal parasites?

A: The consequences of not controlling gastrointestinal parasites can be severe, including weight loss, diarrhea, and even death in rabbits.

Q: How can I protect my rabbit from gastrointestinal parasites?

A: To protect your rabbit from gastrointestinal parasites, you should:

Provide regular parasite control measures, including the administration of anti-parasitic drugs and good cage cleaning management.
Educate yourself and your staff on parasite prevention and control.
Conduct regular monitoring and surveillance of the rabbit population.
Collaborate with veterinarians to ensure that the rabbit health monitoring program is effective.

Q: What are the benefits of controlling gastrointestinal parasites?

A: The benefits of controlling gastrointestinal parasites include:

Improved health and productivity of rabbits.
Reduced risk of disease and death.
Improved quality of life for rabbits.
Reduced economic losses due to disease and death.

Q: How can I get more information about gastrointestinal parasites in rabbits?

A: You can get more information about gastrointestinal parasites in rabbits by:

Consulting with veterinarians and animal health experts.
Reading scientific literature and research studies.
Attending workshops and conferences on parasite prevention and control.
Joining online forums and discussion groups on rabbit health and parasite control.