INTESTINAL PARASITES IN PECARI TAJACU AND SUS SCROFA DOMESTICUS IN THE CAATINGA FROM SOUTHEASTERN PIAUÍ, BRAZIL

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Conservation Medicine

Background:

• Southeastern Piauí, Brazil, hosts protected areas and human communities.
• Understanding parasite dynamics between domestic animals and wildlife is crucial for regional health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify gastrointestinal parasites in Pecari tajacu (caititu) and Sus scrofa domesticus (domestic pig).
• To assess parasite diversity and overlap between sympatric hosts.
• To evaluate potential risks to wildlife conservation, human health, and livestock.

Main Methods:

• Fecal samples from 64 animals (42 domestic pigs, 22 caititu) were collected between 1985 and 2013.
• Parasites were identified using optical microscopy.
• Morphological identification of helminths and protozoa was performed.

Main Results:

• Parasites were detected in 64% of domestic pigs and 27% of caititu.
• A total of 18 morphospecies were identified, with higher diversity (15 morphospecies) in pigs compared to caititu (6 morphospecies).
• Strongyloides cf ransomi, Globocephalus urosubulatus, and Spirocerca lupi were found in both host species.

Conclusions:

• Domestic pigs harbor greater gastrointestinal parasite diversity than caititu in this region.
• The presence of shared parasites and potentially zoonotic species highlights the need for integrated health management.
• Findings underscore risks to wildlife health, human well-being, and livestock sustainability in areas of human-wildlife-livestock interface.