Abstract:
During the three-year period (1993-1995) 157 cobras (Naja naja) from Northern Vietnam were examined for parasites emphasizing those dangerous to the health of the host. Seventeen different parasites were identified including 4 trematodes, 8 nematodes, 1 acanthocephalan, 1 pentastomid, 1 cestode, 1 tick and 1 protozoan. A chart with identified species and parasite location is included in this article. Cobras are an essential element for the economy of Vietnam. Cobras are raised in captivity on snake farms and some of the parasites such as the pentastomid, Raillietiella orientalis, are dangerous to the cobras. This pentastomid has a devastating effect on snake farms in Vietnam with mortality on some farms as high as 80%. In captivity the cobras are crowded and are subject to high parasite infections. Raillietiella orientalis is one of the first parasites belonging to Pentastomida observed and researched in Vietnam. At temperatures 27°C to 34°C, more than 50% of the mature eggs of R. orientalis existing in water and humid soil for 2 months will embryonate and hatch. The captive cobra is infected by R. orientalis with high rate and intensity, especially very high for young snakes (0-1 years). Definitive hosts of R. orientalis act like an intermediate host in transmission of R. orientalis. For the first time, the direct life cycle of R. orientalis has been experientially proven. Another parasite, the nematode Rhabdias fuscovenousus found in the lung tissue of the host has also been shown experimentally to be very dangerous to cobras as well.
Page(s):
1-16
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Proceedings of Parasitology, Volume: 37, Issue: 1, Year: 2004