First incidence of ectoparasites in Abuja Zoological Parks, Abuja, Nigeria

Ectoparasites are known for representing a considerable health risk to animals and humans when living close to each other. Little is known about the ectoparasites of Zoo animals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This research was conducted from December, 2017 to April, 2018. Thirty-three animals were examined from two Zoological Gardens in Abuja (The National Children's Park and Zoo, Asokoro and the Area 1 Zoo and Garden, Garki). Mites were collected from animals by two techniques; brushing and removal with forceps. All body parts were examined. Ticks were collected using tweezers and examined for morphological identification. Of the 33 examined animals, a hyena was positive for mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) and a male tortoise (over 90 years) was positive for African tortoise tick, Amblyomma marmoreum (Acari: Ixodidae) at the National Children's Park and Zoo, Asokoro. The prevalence of infections in all animals examined at the National Children's Park and Zoo, Asokoro was 8.3%. Only males (15.4%) were found to be infested. Animals < 2 years had a prevalence of 5.88% while animals > 2 years had a prevalence of 14.28%. Statistical analysis showed that there is no association in the prevalence in both sex and age as they are 0.174 and 0.540 respectively which are above Р < 0.05. No ectoparasite was found in Area 1 Zoo and Garden, Garki. Ectoparasites were identified in the FCT Abuja Zoological garden for the first time. This will improve the diagnosis and control strategies for ectoparasites in the FCT.