Volume 76 (2026) Issue: 2026 No#2

Parasitic infections in captive elephants in Algeria (North Africa): a first coprological report

Author(s): Amel Benatallah, Ouahiba Zenad

Keywords:Captive elephants, gastrointestinal parasites, coprology, infection levels, One Health

Due to sequestration and anthropogenic stress factors, as in zoopark conditions, animals held in captivity are more likely to contract pathogen infections, particularly parasites. Animal health management in zooparks requires regular monitoring of the infection status, especially for gastrointestinal parasites, to guide the zoopark decision makers in making targeted interventions. For conservation purposes, this becomes more important when we deal with endangered species, such as the African elephant (Loxodonta africana), which is categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Hence, this study aimed at the gastrointestinal parasite status in elephants hosted at the Ben Aknoun zoopark in Algeria. For that, a coprological survey was conducted from October 2020 to June 2021.A total of 90 fresh fecal samples were collected and analyzed using tube flotation and McMaster techniques. Parasite prevalence, intensity, and infection levels were calculated, and seasonal variations were also evaluated. Three parasite genera were identified: Oxyuris, Anoplocephala, and Strongyloides. Oxyuris and Anoplocephala showed a prevalence of 100%, indicating continuous exposure. However, Strongyloides was only detected in 36.7% of samples, with a significant peak in winter. Mean egg counts differed significantly among genera, with Oxyuris showing the highest burden, (5,443 eggs per gram, EPG) and infection level (L4: 94.4%), followed by Anoplocephala (1,142 EPG; L3: 78, 90%), while Strongyloides remained low (26.1 EPG; L1:26,7%-L2:10%).The results of this first coprological survey of gastrointestinal parasites in captive elephants in the Algerian and north African geographical area highlight the importance of regular fecal monitoring, improved hygienic management, targeted treatment strategies, and a One Health approach to enhance animal welfare and support conservation efforts.