Detection of Parasites and Parasitic Infections of Free-Ranging Wildlife on a Game Ranch in Zambia: A Challenge for Disease Control

Ex-situ conservancies are expanding alternatives to livestock production in Zambia albeit the lack of information on circulating infectious parasites from wildlife. Therefore, 12 wildlife species were examined on a game ranch were all species were found to be infected by Rhipecephalus spp. Haemoparasite infections were estimated at 7.37% ( n = 95) with Babesia spp. detected in bushbuck ( Tragelaphus scriptus ); Anaplasma marginale in impala ( Aepyceros melampus ) and puku ( Kobus vardonii ) for the first time in Zambia. The majority of worm species isolated from bovids were not detected in equids and, vice versa . Our findings intimate ecological and behavioural patterns of some animals as deterministic to exposure. Kafue lechwe ( Kobus leche kafuensis ) had the widest range of worm species with more infected organs than other animals suggesting their semi aquatic nature contributory to prolonged worm exposure compared to other animals. On the other hand, Kafue lechwe had the least tick infections attributable more to shorter attachment periods as they spend prolonged periods submerged in water. Our findings indicate the vital role that wildlife plays in the epidemiology of parasitic diseases. To reduce the infection burden, control measures should be focused on reducing transmission to highly susceptible animal species as described herein.