Host social rank and parasites: Plains zebra (Equus quagga) and intestinal helminths in Uganda

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the social hierarchy of plain zebra, Equus quagga, and the level of parasitism. For the study 141 fecal samples from the same number of animals were collected within the two major populations of E. quagga of Uganda (Lake Mburo Conse...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Veterinary parasitology 2012-08, Vol.188 (1-2), p.115-119
Main Authors: Fugazzola, M.C., Stancampiano, L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Behavior, Animal
Equidae
Equus quagga
Feces - parasitology
Female
Helminthiasis, Animal - epidemiology
Intestinal helminths
Male
Parasite aggregation
Parasite Egg Count - veterinary
Plain zebra
Social Dominance
Social rank
Uganda
Uganda - epidemiology
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Summary:The main aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the social hierarchy of plain zebra, Equus quagga, and the level of parasitism. For the study 141 fecal samples from the same number of animals were collected within the two major populations of E. quagga of Uganda (Lake Mburo Conservation Area and Kidepo Valley National Park). Quantitative (eggs per gram of feces) and qualitative parasite assessment were performed with standard methods. The relationship between parasite burden and individual host features was analyzed using Generalized Linear Models. Strongyles, cestodes, Strongyloides sp. and oxiurids where present in the examined samples. Social rank and age class significantly affect all parasites’ abundance with dominant individuals being less parasitized than subordinate individuals, regardless of the parasite groups excluding oxiurids. Sex could not been shown to be related with any of the found parasites. Age was positively related with strongyles and oxiurids abundance and negatively related with cestodes and Strongyloides sp. The main result of the present study was the evidence that social status influences parasite level with dominant zebras shedding less parasite eggs than subordinate ones. Social rank appears, therefore, as an important factor giving rise to parasite aggregation in plain zebras.
ISSN:0304-4017
1873-2550
DOI:10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.03.019