VMD 512: Zoo/Wild Animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

OPHIDASCARIASIS IN WATER MONITOR LIZARDS

• These ascarid eggs are circular with thick pitted shell, having an unembryonated yolkmass inside; Ophidascarid eggs are similar in size and shape to the ascarid eggs of domestic animals.
• These parasites are highly prolific and the mature female lay thousands of eggs , every day. Larvae sometimes may be carried by transport host like earth worms and other lower invertebrates ; Frogs and rodents also act as intermediate host.