Prevalence and evaluation of anthelmintics against nematodes in lions (Panthera leo) of Nandankanan Zoo

Accepted: 05/09/2013 Abstract Twenty four lions of Nandankanan Zoo were studied for prevalence of nematode eggs by faecal sample analysis and the prevalence rate was found to be 70%. For evaluation of anthelmintics, 20 lions were considered and were divided into four groups according to the drug administered and each group consisted of five animals. The lions were administered pyrantel pamoate at the rate of 20 mg/kg body weight, Levamisole at the rate of 4.4 mg/kg body weight and Ivermectin at the rate of 0.3 mg/kg body weight. Evaluation of anthelmintic activity against nematodes of lions revealed that Ivermectin at a dose rate of 0.3 mg/kg body weight reduced the faecal egg count of Toxascaris leonina and Ancylostoma Spp to 100% on 3 rd day post treatment while in others it was lesser. The reappearance of Toxascaris leonina infection in lions occurred 24, 45 and 52 days of post treatment while the reappearance of Ancylostoma infection in lions occurred 24, 31 and 45 days of post treatment in groups that were administered with Pyrantel pamoate, Levamisole and Ivermectin respectively.