Prevalence and load of helminths in free ranging Giraffes in Lake Mburo conservation area

Abstract

Gastrointestinal helminth infections pose significant threats to the health and conservation of free-ranging giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis). This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and intensity of fecal helminths in Nubian giraffes at Lake Mburo Conservation Area, Uganda. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 47 individuals across two sites: Miriti Valley and Kabushaara. Samples were analyzed using the modified McMaster flotation technique for nematodes and sedimentation for trematodes and cestodes. Only strongyle-type nematodes were detected.The overall prevalence was 29.8%. Site-specific prevalence was 33.3% in Miriti Valley and 26.1% in Kabushaara. Age-stratified analysis revealed a markedly higher prevalence in young giraffes (87.5%) compared to older individuals (17.9%). The mean strongyle egg count (eggs per gram of feces, epg; mean ± SE) was 39.36 ± 12.72 overall, with 47.92 ± 20.74 in Miriti Valley and 30.43 ± 14.66 in Kabushaara. The difference between sites was not statistically significant (t = 0.688, p = 0.752). In contrast, young giraffes had significantly higher mean epg (175 ± 50) than older giraffes (11.54 ± 4.67; t = 3.254, p = 0.007). The exclusive presence of strongyles suggests that these parasites are well adapted to the semi-arid savanna ecosystem, where moisture-dependent parasites may be limited. The elevated parasite burdens observed in juveniles highlight potential impacts on recruitment and warrant targeted monitoring. These baseline findings provide essential data for the ongoing health surveillance of translocated giraffes in Lake Mburo Conservation Area.