Between April and October 2009, 24 ungulate species in ?Tier- und Naturpark Schloss Herberstein? were examined with the help of diagnostic procedures in order to detect endoparasites.Fresh faeces were prepared using the zinc sulfate flotation method and examined under a microscope. The microscopic examination resulted in the detection of nematodes (threadworms), cestodes (tapeworms) and coccidia. All of the detected pathogens were identified and categorized . Furthermore the degree of infections was evaluated based on the released number of the stages of reproduction. Based on my assessments, the animals with heavy infections were treated with broad-spectrum anthelmintics to combat the existing endoparasites. In addition, all animals of the petting zoo underwent preventive deworming therapy. Control examinations performed immediately and 4 months after the therapy were used to measure the progression as well as success of the therapeutic measures.In the course of this master?s thesis, measures and methods, which could contribute to minimizing the risks of future endoparasitic infections, will be discussed. |