OVOSCOPIC DETECTION OF PARASITOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN CAPTIVE SNAKES FROM BULGARIA: A 2025 SURVEY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66211/tmvm.v11i2.339Keywords:
captive snakes, intestinal parasites, ovoscopy, seudoparasitism, oxyurid eggs, cestodes, reptilesAbstract
The present study summarizes the parasitological findings detected in fecal samples from captive snakes in Bulgaria, based on coproovoscopic examinations conducted in 2025. A total of 197 samples were obtained from snakes kept in private collections, pet shops, and veterinary clinics. A conventional zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) flotation technique was used for diagnostic evaluation. Parasitological findings were detected in 36% of the samples, with the vast majority of positive samples containing oxyurid eggs most likely originating from feeder rodents. These findings likely represent transient passage of rodent-origin parasitic elements rather than true intestinal infection in snakes. A single sample also contained cestode-type eggs. The results highlight the value of regular parasitological screening in captive reptiles and provide baseline data for reptile health management in Bulgaria.
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