Aubry Aurélie
Master Student
Research Project
Helminths are parasitic worms such as nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes that are ubiquitous in wild and domestic animal populations. Helminth infestations are of veterinary concern in zoological parks where the risk of cross-species contamination is high because animals are housed in close proximity. The purpose of my Master thesis project is to determine the prevalence of helminth infestation in zoo animals. I am working in collaboration with the Papiliorama Foundation in Kerzers, Switzerland and Animal Diagnostic. I have collected fecal samples from a variety of animals in the zoological exhibits of the Papiliorama Foundation at monthly intervals over a period of 8 months. I am using coprological methods and microscopy to identify the diversity of helminth parasites in these fecal samples. My Master thesis project will provide Papiliorama with useful information about which of their sectors and animals are most contaminated with helminth parasites and in need of anthelmintic treatment.