De-worming of wildlife

3 May, 2008

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De-worming of wildlife

The Hindu, May 03, 2008

- Post-mortem examination reports of elephants show presence of parasitic load

- False lick method is safe and cost effective

Coimbatore:

The Coimbatore Division of the Forest Department has commenced a pro-active exercise to carry out preventive de-worming of wildlife at the Sirumugai Range of the reserve forests in a bid to
combat the indications of cross over of infections from the cattle in the villages along the forest belt.

Following five instances of death of wildlife at the range, the Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore Circle, R. Kannan, and the District Forest Officer, I. Anwardeen, ordered for a scientific study into the reasons.

Post-mortem examination reports of three elephants indicated heavy parasitic load in them.

Then, the forest team led by Forest Veterinarian, N.S. Manoharan collected dung samples of all animals and pellets of deer. A study indicated the presence of parasitic load.

Similarly, dung samples of the cattle in the villages along the belt were also collected. Study results indicated the presence of parasitic load proving the assumption on the likely cross over of infection.

Dr. Manoharan said that then it was decided to adopt the practice introduced by the Indian Immunological and National Dairy Development Board wherein false lick of salts would be provided to the animals.

The false licks used to be extensively used for providing salt to the animals during pregnancy and lactation. Animals also used to prefersalt during the growth stage. Using this method, the department started mixing Anthelmintic containing minerals and salts in the false lick dosage.

This was experimented in Pethikuttai section of the Sirumugai range that witnessed death of wild animals.

De-wormer feed pellets with Anthelmintic was placed at water holes and congregation points.

After this, experimentation there had not been even a single death of wildlife. After ten days, dung samples have been sent for laboratory examination.

The practice is found to be cost effective and efficient because half a kilo of this feed pellets cost only around Rs. 50.

This had the high safety margin in terms of the quantity that could be consumed by an animal and the usage is restriction free, Dr. Manoharan said.

The authorities are exploring the possibilities of resorting to naturopathy by using powdered neem seeds and dry leaves in the Anthelmintic.